I am menopausal and trying to decide if this is lowering my sex drive or if it's caused by any meds I'm taking. When I try to think about sex, all I come up with is the mechanics of it. It's not sexy.
Does taking citalopram hurt your sex drive?
Question posted by auntkimmy62 on 27 June 2012
Last updated on 20 March 2013 by tomcat101
6 Answers
tomcat101
28 June 2012
YES IT DOES.
When I was on Citalopram, I was like my neutered dog- I just wanted to eat, sleep, and lay around.
Now, I've been off of it for about a month and any woman from 18 to 80 gets my attention.
I'm a male. Not sure how it would affect a female.
Inactive
28 June 2012
Hi auntkimmy62, & welcome to the site. You have received many different opinions about this particular drg. I am goin gto give you the link to read about it as it does list this as a less serious side effect. You did not list any of the other meds you take for depression or anxiety. Sometimes there can be interrreactions, but you can check this yourself by using the interreaction checker at the top of the page. I would also think that if you are going through the cange of menopause, this can also effect your 'desire' of wanting to have sex. oOne minute you are feeling hot & seraty, or lethargic or some ohter symptom. It takes a bit to get it all sorted out, but it will improve. At least once you are through the change, you don't usually have the worry of pregnancy hanging over your head anymore.
Anyway, without knowing your entire medicl history, or your other meds you said you take, it is hard to make a judgment call on this one. It is listed as a less serious side effect, & as some of the others have said antidepressants can affect the sexual drive, but also if you are feeling less depressed it may increase your desire too. Suggest you speak with the doctor that is prescribing all of your meds & take it up with him/her. Wishing you the best...
https://www.drugs.com/citalopram.html
LaurieShay
28 June 2012
Yes many antidepressants can lower the libido and make having an orgasm virtually impossible.
PhylomenaD
28 June 2012
Hi, Aunty. I'm an aunt, too! {{{{hug}}}}}}}}}}} Anyway, I am also on Citalopram. I don't think this drug lowers my sex drive. I think about it all the time! While I haven't done "anything" in two years, I don't think it would hamper any attempts to make love.
PhylomenaD
28 June 2012
I am peri-menopausal. I am 46 and got my period after 8 months last week. I am OK!
Delila
28 June 2012
Hi auntof3, i am in the same position as you regarding abstaining from sex atm, but i had been in a relationship during the first year of taking Citalopram and it didn't inhibit my sex life. Maybe we are the exceptions to the rule? :)
Inactive
27 June 2012
Hello auntkimmy62. In clinical studies/trials 1.3% of women reported a decrease in thier sex drive. 1.1% of women reported that they were unable to have, attain an orgasim. Antidepressants are known to play havoc in regards to both females and males libido. Best of wishes to you, pledge
balbanese
27 June 2012
Yes it does. Hope this helps.
balbanese
27 June 2012
Side effect listing says "decreased sex drive"
Related topics
depression, menopausal disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, citalopram, anxiety and stress, sex, sex drive
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
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