Posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 14:26:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 12:52:35
> Does your sex life stop after Lexapro? Is there a time when an orgasm will return? I really need to know!
I'm a 45 year old woman who has been on Lexapro (10mg/daily) for six months. Within the first month of taking it it had quelled the symptoms of my depression: restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness, bouts of crying, etc.
Re side effects: I experienced some nausea and dizziness but these subsided within the first 6 weeks. Initially my libido felt rejuvenated and I resumed a more active sex life than I had been experiencing.
Lexapro eventually (after about 8 weeks) made me feel VERY tired, however, and I complained to my doctor about this. I was grateful for being able to sleep through the night but was getting frustrated with feeling so groggy every morning - often not feeling fully awake until noon. He suggested adding Wellbutrin to the mix (150mg/daily), taking it in the morning, and taking the Lexapro earlier in the day instead of before bed which had been my routine. This did help alleviate the groggy feeling and the two meds together worked pretty well up until just recently.
After appx 5 mos on Lex and 3 mos on Wellbutrin it became more difficult to reach orgasm and they were MUCH less intense. I was beginning to feel an overall numbness, sensually and emotionally. My sex life didn't stop completely, but I was losing interest and the initiative to do anything about it. I was feeling drained of energy.
On a recent visit to my doctor, my blood pressure was high -168/104 - normal BP for me is 120/70. My doctor recommended going off the Wellbutrin immediately (!) and to begin tapering off the Lexapro. Apparently both are beginning to show up on Dr.s logs as contributors to high blood pressure. He seemed as surprized as I was by this.
Anyway - It's been appx 2 weeks that I've been off Wellbutrin. I've felt a little dizzyfizzy-headed but generally ok - and I've reduced the Lex to 10mg every other day.
Re sex: This may be a fluke but my libido has definately re-awakened and orgasm has already been easier to achieve and is regaining intensity. I'm thrilled!
I am curious to know if others have had similar experiences either with Lexapro or Wellbutrin (or both) after about six months use. I appreciate reading everyone's posts regarding these drugs - it's been very helpful!
poster:BarbaraEL
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031116/msgs/280884.html