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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on April 12, 2004, at 10:15:56
In reply to Paxil VS Lexapro, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 12, 2004, at 1:32:29
I took 25 mgs PaxilCR for 4 months--I was not even able to get aroused, and I was a bit of a zombie--forgetful about big things AND not terribly concerned about the times I dropped the ball like I should have been. I felt like I got my brain back on lexapro at 15 mgs. I have just upped to 20 because I have felt stressed and have been having problems concentrating again (one of my most problematic depression symptoms).
I think you may find that 10mgs is not enough--you will probably need 20-30mgs lex. I just started taking 10mgs lex on a friday--after my last dose of paxil on a thurs. with no break. At about two weeks I went up to 15--where I stayed for about three months. During my switch I had about four weeks of increased depression and irritability, no real increase in anxiety, and a clearer head. I have found it much better overall and would like to wish you good luck.
Posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
> I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
>I have been taking Lexapro for the past six months. There has definitely been an effect on my ability to ejaculate. As with the previous user, I too was on Effexor and that caused erectile dysfunction. That has not been the case with the Lexapro, but I often find that I am unable to achieve orgasm no matter how long I wait. I am also unable to bring myself to orgasm, so it is frustrating.
Posted by shadows721 on April 14, 2004, at 22:55:19
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
I am a female and this stuff just crushed my sex drive and orgasms.
Posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 1:36:21
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by shadows721 on April 14, 2004, at 22:55:19
> I am a female and this stuff just crushed my sex drive and orgasms.
My partner is on Lexapro and same thing happened plus it didn't help her ugly moods-anxiety,anger,depression, etc. She lashes out constantly. Her psychiatrist then put her on Wellbutrin in addition to the Lexapro because it "would counteract the loss of sex drive/orgasm problems that Lexapro caused".
1st, Wellbutrin has NOT made the sex drive come back, it's worse! 2nd- the other behavior problems are worse and she disassociates more than ever. I've taken Wellbutrin (pre-menopausal depression) for 2 yrs and no problems at all (luckily). But the combo she's on and his reasoning make no sense to me.
Plus she's so irrational that although she complains/cries @ the sex problems, she won't get 2nd opinion, or confront the psychiatrist, who she only sees for the meds. She sees another psychologist for therapy, but just keeps regressing. I'm really worried @ her & our 17yr relationship.
Posted by sideorder on April 15, 2004, at 17:18:09
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
I appreciate all of the replys. My original post was almost a month ago. I'm sorry to hear about some of the sexual side effects everyone is having out there. Fortunately after being on Lex for almost 1 month now, the only sexual SE I've experienced is the ol' ejaculatory delay...but, I do acheive an orgasm. Just makes it a longer ride getting there---which my girlfriend doesn't seem to mind. My libido has stayed intact too.Don't know if things will change after being on Lex for an extended period of time. I've read about the need to increase the dosage and if I get to that point hope it doesn't cause any of the effects that people have presented to me. I'm handling things better these days...still get a little down and worry (become anxious) some, but on Lex it's not as debilitating and I'm able to roll it all allot better than before...it's also helped to alleviate my social anxiety. I'm hangin' in there---good luck to you all.
Posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 17:26:03
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback » shadows721, posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 1:36:21
I AM HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS HAVING AN ORGASM! WHEN WILL THIS SIDE EFFECT GO AWAY? OR IS IT HERE TO STAY! ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 17:29:45
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
MY FIANCE IS ON PAXIL AND THE ONLY THING I NOTICED IT IS TAKES A LITTLE WHILE LONGER TO EJACUALTE THEN USUAL, BUT IT IS NO BIG DEAL . I ON THE OTHER HAND AM ON LEXAPRO AND I CANT GET OFF TO SAVE MY LIFE. I HOPE IT GETS BETTER SOON. IF YOU WISH ME LUCK, I WILL WISH YOU LUCK TOO. HOPE THAT HELPS A LITTLE. DONT GET FRUSTERATE THOUGH, I AM SURE IT WILL GET BETTER. IF YOU NEED ANY MORE ADVICE LET ME KNOW! I AM HERE FOR YA!
Posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 17:59:30
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 17:29:45
I'm way past frustration now but however codependent it may be, I won't give up yet - we've been together a long time and it would be a terrible waste. Unfortunately she has to figure that out on her own. I printed out more info last night on side effects,etc. and hopefully it'll be the basis for further productive discussion rather than argument.
What's so weird is both of us have always put a high priority on that part of our relationship. She more so than me most of the time. The bad news is that from the research I've done over the last few months, that particular side effect(main effect!!) won't go away, even after adding Wellbutrin, if it hasn't by now. She added that in early Jan. this year.
Oh well. Tks again for the kind words of support.
Posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 18:04:01
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 17:59:30
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO, I GO SEE MY DOC ON TUESDAY, SO I WILL PASS ON TO YOU ANY ADVICE THAT SHE MAY GIVE ME. IT REALLY SUCKS. I AM GETTING MARRIED IN 3 MONTHS AND I CANT HAVE THIS HUGE PROBLEM. STRESS IS THE LAST THING I NEED! I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT MY DOC SAYS AND FILL YOU IN ON TUESDAY! I KNOW IT SUCKS, BUT WE CAN BE HERE FOR EACH OTHER! GOOD LUCK!
Posted by shadows721 on April 16, 2004, at 1:43:15
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback » shadows721, posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 1:36:21
Yep, I tried Wellbutrin and I didn't get any results except itching all over. I had to stop from the allergic reaction. PLUS, the darn stuff made me shake like a junkie. I have even tried Viagra and I thought at 1st it would help, but nope again. I haven't had a normal orgasm, since I started Lexapro. That was 5 months ago. I was a Hell cat, before lexapro. I was arguing about anything and everything. I couldn't stand traffic or even the noise from the tv set. That's the only reason why I am still on this stuff. Prozac didn't affect my orgasms like this med. Buspar has done nothing for the Lexapro side effect either. I heard that Remeron may help. But, darn, I don't feel like buying a new wardrobe, because I will gain weight over night. Oh, I also tried trazodone. Again, this Lexapro won out. I can't have an orgasm for anything in the world. Sex is just a job now to me. I just say, "Well, let's just get it over." To put it point blank, my crotch is dead. It will not orgasm for anything. If I even start to feel turned on, I feel like my heart is going to stop. Wow, that's a real turn on. I just don't know what to do. This is the same effect as not being able to taste food. It's like what's the point of eating. This side effect is totally underestimated and is just awful.
Posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by shadows721 on April 16, 2004, at 1:43:15
This was a huge issue for me too, and I tried all those same things that you have...Viagra, Buspar, Wellbutrin...nothing worked.
At a loss of what else to suggest, my pdoc suggested I try ginko biloba. IT WORKED! It didn't make it as good as it was before, but I was willing to take any improvement.
Even better...my pdoc went to some conference somewhere and heard about this other "drug" and mentioned it to me in case I wanted to try it. It's called Maca. It's available in some of the bigger health food stores.
I have to tell you that for me, that stuff is MAGIC!! It's almost impossible to believe, but sex is BETTER now than it was *before* I went on the anti-depressants.
I don't know if it's the combination of the ginko and the maca, or what...I just know that it was a lifesaver for me!
Posted by shadows721 on April 17, 2004, at 20:31:56
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
Posted by shadows721 on April 18, 2004, at 2:00:09
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
I ran out and got the liquid Ginko. Wow, I thought I was going to gag to death. For a split second, I thought I was cured of depression! Whew! That stuff taste undescribable.
What form of Ginko did you use and how much? (hoping it's not the liquid form)
Posted by bride2be on April 18, 2004, at 16:09:01
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by shadows721 on April 18, 2004, at 2:00:09
not only does the lex make me not orgasm, but now i dont even want to do it. any suggestions for me? i know other are in the same boat. we need to research together and see what we can come up with?
Posted by mystic on April 18, 2004, at 21:17:56
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by bride2be on April 18, 2004, at 16:09:01
I'm with you bridetobe..I have no desire whatsoever and they told me that the lex didnt have that s/e..>But I have no interest at all I dont even care if I orgasm or not...ever...Hope someone can help come up with something...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on April 19, 2004, at 9:44:10
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by mystic on April 18, 2004, at 21:17:56
Hi Ya'll
I am currently on 20mg of Lexapro. It seems like after increasing my dose, I am seeing a lot of weight gain. I have gained 4 lbs and am the biggest I have been in over a year. I know 4lbs does not seem like a lot but I work really hard to keep my body in shape. I do not know what to do...Has anyone else gained weight or actually been able to lose weight while on lexapro (after the first few months and on 20mg)????
Lexy
Posted by Scott in Vermont on April 19, 2004, at 10:35:54
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
Perhaps I'm still too "new" on Lexapro, or I'm just lucky, but I have noticed that while it takes longer to happen (and to recover) I'm still able to carry on pretty much as I did before.
I have noticed a drop in interest, but I attribute that to life in general and not the Lexapro specifically. But when I want to I can, and I can experience it from beginning to end.
When I first started Lexapro, I was freaked out about the possibility of sexual dysfunction (been there before and it was terrible) and I think I psyched myself out.
As it stands now, I'm at 3 weeks (10 mg daily, mornings) and things seem to be going ok.
Posted by bride2be on April 19, 2004, at 16:42:50
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by shadows721 on April 18, 2004, at 2:00:09
i will ask my doc tomarrow! I CANT STAND THIS! I HAVE NO URGE AT ALL TO DO THE DIRTY! HAHAHA!
Posted by bride2be on April 19, 2004, at 17:43:35
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by bride2be on April 19, 2004, at 16:42:50
has anyone been on lex for atleast a month and still has mood swings? i have been on 20 now for almost a month for anxiety and mood swings and i am wondering if i need to be taking something else besides lex? does anyone else have to take another medication with there lex? i go to the doc tommarrow and i just wanted to talk to her, but i would like yalls input first. thanks so much!
Posted by Shelbynan on April 20, 2004, at 9:16:44
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by bridgette on November 5, 2002, at 15:15:51
Hi. I take Lexapro (10mg) and Wellbutrin (150 mg. 2x day when I remember, I often forget the 2nd dose) and a low dose of clonophinne for anxiety, but I don't know if this is right for me. I still feel anxious a lot. I am not depressed, so I thought that I should get off the Lexapro, but every time I try to wean off, I feel very snappy and miserable. I like the Wellbutrin because it helped me loose 20lbs of sudden weight I gained during perimenopause and it keeps me thin. Do I need the Lexapro? Is there something better for just anxiety? I want to feel at peace
> This is my 1st day on the two of them together and I feel great---but, how can that be---is it just a placebo effect, or the fact that I was on Lexapro for 5 weeks made the Wellbutrin work instantly. See, I'm not used to feeling good, so I question WHY? I have to say the things I have read on line about Wellbutrin were all pretty positive!
Posted by Shelbynan on April 20, 2004, at 9:17:47
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by bridgette on November 5, 2002, at 15:15:51
Hi. I feel better on Wellbutrin also, maybe too because I was on Lexapro when I started. Whatever the reason, it feels good to feel good.
I take Lexapro (10mg) and Wellbutrin (150 mg. 2x day when I remember, I often forget the 2nd dose) and a low dose of clonophinne for anxiety, but I don't know if this is right for me. I still feel anxious a lot. I am not depressed, so I thought that I should get off the Lexapro, but every time I try to wean off, I feel very snappy and miserable. I like the Wellbutrin because it helped me loose 20lbs of sudden weight I gained during perimenopause and it keeps me thin. Do I need the Lexapro? Is there something better for just anxiety? I want to feel at peace> This is my 1st day on the two of them together and I feel great---but, how can that be---is it just a placebo effect, or the fact that I was on Lexapro for 5 weeks made the Wellbutrin work instantly. See, I'm not used to feeling good, so I question WHY? I have to say the things I have read on line about Wellbutrin were all pretty positive!
Posted by bride2be on April 20, 2004, at 11:43:07
In reply to Re: question about lex?????????, posted by bride2be on April 19, 2004, at 17:43:35
she put me on wellabtrin and said it should help with the sexual side effects from lex. hope that helps yall
Posted by bride2be on April 20, 2004, at 11:45:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin » bridgette, posted by Shelbynan on April 20, 2004, at 9:17:47
i have been on 20 of lex for about a month, i went to my doc today and she added wellabutrin to my intake. she said it would help with the side effects from lex. do you like taking both, i hope it works for me. any advice or words of wisdom would help me. thanks p.s. you may want to ask about taking xanax for your anxiety, but fiance does and it helps him alot. ask you doc about that option.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 20, 2004, at 12:23:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by bride2be on April 20, 2004, at 11:45:41
Hi Bride,
I take both. It's been very helpful and the side effects are minimal. It really has helped to even out my mood. Hope it works for you!
K.
Posted by TexasChic on April 20, 2004, at 15:14:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by KathrynLex on April 20, 2004, at 12:23:32
Lexapro didn't help me at all. I felt terrible to the point of thinking suicidal thoughts. So I have switched back to Prozac, and after only a few weeks I'm feeling positive effects. My pdoc has kept me on the Wellbutrin as well, but I think I may stop that one too because it causes headaches for me. The only other SSRI that was as bad as Lexapro for me was Paxil. Zoloft and Effexor were pretty good, but not quite as good as Prozac.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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