Does Lexapro Have Sexual Side Effects?
Lexapro is an antidepressant used for depression and anxiety and is a member of the family of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and restoring the brain's chemical balance. Serotonin is thought to influence mood and emotions. The technical name of Lexapro is escitalopram oxalate.
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Sexual Side Effects
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Lexapro and all other drugs that are classified as SSRIs have long been noted to causing sexual side effects in some people who take them regularly. These side effects are different for each person. Some people may experience no side effects at all while others will experience some or all of the side effects. These effects can potentially last long after you have stopped taking the drug. The most common sexual side effects are ejaculation disorder (delay in ejaculation), impotence (inability to achieve and maintain an erection) and anorgasmia (difficulty in reaching climax). For men, priapism is possible (a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours) and they should seek immediate medical attention. A libido decrease is common with many treatments for depression and anxiety, including SSRIs.
Treatment
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There are limited treatment options for sexual side effects from SSRIs and you should not stop taking the drug suddenly or without the approval and supervision of your doctor. You can talk to your doctor about the sexual effects and they may recommend alternative drugs or other courses of action such as cognitive therapy. Stopping the drug suddenly can lead to severely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that include both physical and mental symptoms. There has been some success in lessening the symptoms with other drugs such as Yohimbine, Nefazodone, Cyproheptadine, Granisetron., Amantadine and Pramipexole.
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Drug Interactions
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Lexapro can be dangerous when mixed with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), the antipsychotic medicine Pimozide, other SSRIs, serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), migraine or headache medications that contain triptans or tramadol or tryptophan, other medications prescribed for psychiatric or neurological conditions, pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen, aspirin, warfarin, blood thinners or diuretics.
Other Common Side Effects
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The most common side effects that are non-sexual in nature include nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, and yawning. More serious side effects can include unusual or severe mental/mood changes and tremors. Sometimes Lexapro can cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The symptoms include hallucinations, restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitchy muscles.
Lexapro and Suicide
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Occasionally patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience an increase in psychiatric symptoms including sucidal thoughts and erratic behavior. There have been studies that show SSRIs and other drugs used in the treatment of depression showed an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18-24). The risks are less with adults but these problems can still appear.
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