Lexapro (Escitalopram) - an antidepressant mainly functions to increase the serotonin levels throughout your system i.e. your brain and body. Clinicians and medical experts strongly believe that serotonin plays a major role in regulating your mood lessening your stress levels. Serotonin also modifies your anxiety levels and provides mental relaxation leading to happiness. One other aspect of serotonin is, it alters your sleep-wake cycle.
Does Lexapro Affect Sex Drive?
Reports claim Lexapro does affect your sex-drive. It also affects your sexual function and decreases libido. Other side effects include delayed or difficult ejaculation in men and delayed orgasm in women. You can, however, discuss with your sexologist for better options. Your sexologist will offer few ideas or solutions which may help.
Your sexologist will adjust dosage strength or suggest you to change the time of dosing. They might also prescribe a different antidepressant which has lesser side effects compared to this drug.
Does Lexapro Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, lexapro causes erectile dysfunction. As the serotonin levels increase in your body, it affects your hormonal function. Particularly the two main hormones testosterone and dopamine that enhance your sexual function are affected. This indirectly influences your sexual activity. Therefore, few men complain of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) using Lexapro.
Due to erectile dysfunction, you face difficulty in erection and maintaining the erection during sex. You will also feel dissatisfaction in sex due to decreased libido. It is a reflection of your psychological and physical health.
Sexual Side Effects Of Lexapro
The side effects of Lexapro may not start immediately. It can happen anytime. May be a few days or later after you start taking the drug. For men, it creates pain during erection, causes erectile dysfunction, and a delay or a difficulty in ejaculating. It also potentially affects your libido. You would feel a drop in your sexual desire. Lexapro decreases your liking for more sex. This is common for both men and women.
Particularly, women might experience a delayed orgasm i.e. Anorgasmia. At certain instances orgasm is completely absent. In a rare scenario, you might encounter post-SSRI sexual dysfunction - a long-term condition, once you stop taking Lexapro. However, it is not common for all.
Lexapro Affect Libido
Yes, Lexapro affects your libido due to the presence of the serotonin content in it. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which has similar sexual side effects like other antidepressants. Both men and women experience low sexual desire. But you can compensate with other remedies to boost your sexual function.
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can prevent your vagina from getting dry helping you avoid pain and irritation while having sex. You can also practice acupuncture or yoga at suitable timings. Yoga delivers calmness and relaxes your mind. This results in reducing your anxiety and stress allowing your mind to settle. Moreover, certain hormonal changes take place in your body which indirectly enhances your sexual desires.
Does Lexapro Have Sexual Side Effects?
It is evident that Lexapro causes sexual side effects. When compared to other antidepressants, Lexapro is better. Most side effects are mild. They are also transient; they fade away once you stop the medication. However, some side effects might worry you much.
Sexual side effects are caused by alterations in your hormone levels namely dopamine and testosterone. Stopping the drug because of these side effects is common.
Does Lexapro Cause Delayed Ejaculation?
Lexapro indirectly impacts your sexual function. You tend to develop disinterest in sex. The drug creates a major mood imbalance disrupting your ability and desire to have sex. Hence, you may not ejaculate on time resulting in delayed ejaculation. Lexapro could also cause sleep disorders and depression. But these side effects are short-term. They go away once you stop taking this drug.
You may hesitate to discuss about your sexual side effects with your sexologist. It is often underreported. But it is recommended that you openly discuss with your sexologist about the changes in your sexual function after taking Lexapro.
For over 10 years, I’ve been immersed in the field of pharmaceutical research, focusing on male sexual health. My work involves comprehensive studies of erectile dysfunction medications, addressing their therapeutic effectiveness and long-term benefits.
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