Hello everyone,

I'm on Lexapro and suffer from several of the sexual side-effects. Some of them are a blessing in disguise, as I've suffered from Premature Ejaculation since I've had depression. The main problem is difficulty in reaching orgasm. I've read that adding Bupropion or Buspirone can help overcome this. Has anyone tried either of these additions? If so, which helped the most with this issue? Thanks!

I've been taking 300 WB XL and 10mg Lex. Having to quit the Lex due to the sexual side effects. The WB might have had an effect on the side effects but not enough of one.

I'm new to this forum and dismayed to find that only 2 people have anything to say in a forum about overcoming the sexual side-effects of lexapro. Should I give up hope now?! I wonder if that's because it's such a difficult topic, or whether it's because noone has had any success in finding a way to overcome the problem. I'm hoping it's the former!

Until very recently I was taking Citalopram (I think lexapro is escitalopram?) and found it extremely effective for my depression but have just switched to Zispin (mirtazapine) because I've just about had enough of the sexual side effects. Over the years I've tried many different meds (Cipramil, Cipralex, Prozac, lustral, trazodone, reboxetine etc. etc and more 'natural' alternatives such as 5htp, SamE, tyrosine and others) but have found Citalopram to be the best.

If I could only overcome the sexual side effects of it, it would be my drug of choice and I would stay on it forever as I don't have any other side effects. I too have heard that adding either Buspirone or Buproprion helps counteract the sexual side effects. Unfortunately Buproprian is not licenced for depression in the UK and my doctor won't give me Buspirone either. Hence the switch to Zispin (Mirtazipine) which I'm having an awful time with (sedation, depression and extreme anger).

Has anyone out there successfully overcome the sexual side effects of Citalopram/Escitalopram or any of the other SSRI's for that matter? Here's hoping...

Hey Sedatedsam, I have been on 300mg WXL for about a month now, I'm not sure if this information will do much good but I was having side effects from depression including anorgasmia proir to WXL, the wellbutrin helped me get over that around week two. Then I added celexa, a relative of Lexapro, anorgasmia was back worse than ever, I tried to stay with the celexa for two weeks at just 5mg which really isn't enough time to treat depression, but the sexual side effects were so overwhelming that I quit. It tood about a week get get back to my new normal functioning. Good luck to you.

Yes I have had problems in that area since I started the Cipramil. It has been extremely frustrating for my husband and I. I won't stop taking it though because for me it has treated my depression so well. Now I just have to overcome my anxiety and negative thinking!

I think you should definitely talk to your doctor about taking those other medicines.

I would say I have less of a desire since starting Lex, but I didnt really have a desire before the Lex either so it doesnt bother me much, we still have sex about the same amount as before and I do enjoy it once I get into it.

From everything that I have read, the main thing is to give it time. It may take up to 4 months for the sexual side effects to diminish. Some report that it goes away much sooner.

There are other meds and supplements that may help. The ones I see mentioned the most often are Wellbutrin (drug) and Mucuna pruriens (supplement). But some of the ED drugs may help as well.

Since I don't currently have a partner, it doesn't bother me much. It actually may be a bit of a relief to have less of a drive right now while I am getting better. But that is just me. If sex is important to you, I would take a close look at what can be done to get past this side effect.

My interest in sex has increased. My husband says its for worse

I am thankful for your post. I have tried escitalopram and citalopram and while they manage my depression, the sexual side effects were very discouraging, no matter how low the dose. My sexual side effects were very similar to those described by others - inability to orgasm (it just doesn't happen no matter what) and a lack of interest. Buproprion is an excellent drug for sexual side effects...none at all. Since I am not adequately managed with my depression with buproprion alone (my symptoms of depression are slowly creeping up in the absence of escitalopram for 4 weeks), I am seeking the best combination of meds for me to allow for a good AD effect AND a satisfying sexual life. Today my doctor prescribed trazodone 25mg. I am reluctant to start it, but know that it is necessary so that my symptoms of depression do not get out-of-control. I have read other posts about trazodone and it sounds encouraging. I am also currently trying to conceive so and concerned about meds and fetal health. Any advice is appreciated. Tilley

Strange, I have an INCREASED sex drive on 20 mg Lexapro, and no problem with the Big O. I had been on Paxil, which totally killed my sex drive, so I had expected the same from the Lex, and didn't even care. When my personal options are: no sex drive due to meds, or savoring suicidal thoughts (complete with clever plans) on no meds, I'll take no sex drive every time.

Started on Celexa about a year ago. Currently at 15mg. Been up to 20 but it turned me into a zombie... had a bad case of CRS (couldn't remember crap). Anyway about the first three weeks I was on Celexa, happy endings were out of the question. Argued with the Doc about getting on something else. He insisted I stay with it... About week 4 the plumbing started working again.. Now days I occasionally fail to achieve the happy ending but overall I have no complaints & I'm glad the doc made me stick with it. My advice... Be Patient & give your body time to adjust.... Big problem is I have gained 60 pounds in about five months and couldn't stop eating if I had to..

I'm on celexa. I can't remember having orgasm since I started this med 2 months ago?!? I still enjoy regular sex with my husband, but never get the goods :) How long does this take to overcome?

I have half the problem. I have a huge sex drive now, which I didn't have on Prozac or Zoloft, but I can't orgasm for the life of me. It just takes too freakin long, and by that time, I'm just exhausted.

You may be comforted to know the sexual side effects may disappear after a month or so. That depends on how anxious you get about never overcoming them.

I discussed my concerns with my wife, who was very understanding, and within a short time, the side effect subsided. I don't know if it was due to adjustment to the meds, or because I stopped worrying about it, or both.

I've been on 40mg of citalopram for 3 years now and my sex drive is erratic. It never seems to improve. It doesn't matter how understanding your partner is,it creates tension.

I'm on lexapro as well (15mg) and have experienced sexual side effects. Since my depression had an effect on this even before I went on medication, it's pretty much nil at this point. My physician has started me on wellbutrin, since it is meant to diminish the sexual side effects as well as to boost the AD effects of the lexapro, since it wasn't enough on its own. I've been on Lexapro for less than four months, so I can't say whether it'll go away on its own. I've been on the wellbutrin for two weeks now. Nothing yet, but I suppose we'll see.

It does suck though. Honestly at the moment it just makes me frustrated socially (and consequently more depressed), so I understand what you're going through.