Escitalopram and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Bra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2020

For Depression "This medicine Lexapro has completely taken away my anxiety and is slowly reducing the depression. It took about 8 days for these positive effects to take place. Stay patient with this medicine and stay positive, and it will change your life. The only side effects I had were drowsiness and a decrease in sex drive, but those effects are slowly going away. I get excited every day knowing each pill I take is a step closer to full recovery."

• Sno...
• November 1, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been on Lexapro for 3 months now for major GAD, social anxiety, and moderate to severe depression. I had gotten to the point where I was crying all day every day. I could barely function in social situations and would spend all day negatively ruminating over every little thing. I would wake up every night at 3-4 in the morning and just lay there worrying about everything. Lexapro is wonderful. This is the first time I’ve felt hopeful and productive in so long. I sleep through the night again, and I haven’t cried in 2 months (that is HUGE for me). The only negatives I have noticed with Lexapro have leveled off after a couple of weeks. I experienced sexual side effects at first, but they went away. Lots of grogginess in the morning at first, but it leveled off. Anyway, I’m at 20mg of Lexapro/day now, and I’m so thankful. I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. It has given me my life back."

• GoG...
• July 19, 2018

For Depression "37 Female, mom of 2. I have hormone imbalance, anxiety, and occasional depression - genetic. First of all, hang in there, it takes a couple of months for the full effect. I kept quitting because of the sexual side effects and never fully gave it time to work! Hang in there, after a few months I was back to my old self, high sex drive, and amazing orgasms! I don’t feel detached or numb, I feel in control, calmer, and more focused. I did not gain any weight, take the tablet after a meal. Previously, I took it on an empty stomach and felt hungry all the time. Take a good probiotic and good multivitamins. Take walks & meditate. The drug did not ruin my creativity. I can sit longer with my children, connect with them, and I'm less impatient. I am a much more empathetic and attentive listener. This drug turned my life around. I suffered through my childhood and early adult years with definite low serotonin. I sleep better! My skin is better, stress free. I accept myself and love myself more."

• Tig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

For Anxiety "I was once you, anxiously reading reviews for Lexapro. I began getting severe anxiety and mild depression, and my doctor recommended 10mg of Lexapro. I have never liked taking drugs, but I felt like it was my only choice. The first 2-3 weeks, my experience worsened. Every side effect you could have, I had. Drowsiness, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, constant yawning, the list goes on. However, it started to lighten up every week. By Week 6, every side effect was gone. 11 months later and I'm still on 10mg, and I can't explain how much my life has improved over the past year. My life is back. I'm happier than ever and enjoying every aspect of life again. It may be hard at the start, but it's worth it. I believe in you! peace"

• Law...
• October 21, 2019

For Depression "After 27 years as a police officer, I retired. I have PTSD. The one shooting I was involved in, the dead bodies, and all the other LE activities that come with the job left me paranoid. I kept dreaming about more shootings, fighting in my sleep, extreme anger issues, and not trusting anyone wearing all black. After five weeks on Lexapro, everything changed for the best. My family and I get along much better. I’m no longer jumping and fighting in my sleep, and I’m learning that just because people are wearing all black, they are not committing a crime. The downside is I’m not as interested in things as I used to be. My sex drive has gone down, and I do have a “I don’t care attitude.” My wife wants me to stop taking Lexapro because she said I’m too quiet. I want to stay on it because it feels good not to be angry all the time."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

For Depression "This medication pulled me out of a deep and very severe depression. Almost instantly after taking it, my mind felt much clearer. My anxiety went away, and I noticed my sense of humor had returned with a vengeance. My ability to enjoy simple and not-so-simple things in life skyrocketed. I was basically smiling all the time. I’ve been on it for about five months now and have no plans of discontinuing it ever. This medication was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. The side effects were difficulty reaching orgasm for about a month and a half, nausea, insomnia, and general discomfort for about a month. I couldn’t sleep no matter how hard I tried for about a week straight. Then I would get maybe an hour or two a night. After a month, my sleep cycle went back to normal. My sexual function began working properly, along with my libido. The anxiety relief, depression relief, and energy levels skyrocketed from that point forward."

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Been on escitalopram for 8 weeks (51 yo woman). SUPER lethargic week 1 as I went from 5 to 10 mg. Urinary problems in week 2 only. No orgasm in week 3 and still now. Benefits crept up SLOWLY. First was PHYSICAL benefits in week 4: no more adrenaline rushes or heart palpitations and my body just felt really good (libido great despite lack of orgasm). This was huge but still no change in my thinking. Week 7, obsessive thinking and worry subsided noticeably. Start of week 8 it REALLY kicked in. I have clarity, a sense of calm, I smile a lot, I genuinely take time for others, my mind is not racing or jumbled with worry, I am willing to ask for what I want more confidently. Biggest thing: I am no longer on edge AT ALL. Still hoping for benefit to self-esteem & being more outgoing. Dr. will up me to 15 mg for this, but I will wait since I literally see improvement daily & I prefer the lowest dose. I LOVE the change in myself! Patience & paying attention to little improvements is key!"

• Bro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2015

For Anxiety "This is the first time I have ever posted a review of anything online, but I feel an obligation to share my experience with others suffering from anxiety. I suffer from GAD, which includes panic attacks, muscle aches, and a horrible temper. I avoided this medication fearing weight gain (as I had already gained 10 lbs over the year) and sexual dysfunction. When I explained this to my doctor, he replied, 'Have you ever considered whether being anxious has caused you to eat more, drink more, and maybe have sex less often?' I have been on Lexapro for 6 months now, and my only regret is not starting this treatment sooner. I have lost 15 lbs as I don't eat and drink as much anymore, and my love life has improved. Anxiety sucks. You don't have to suffer!"

• Wom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2014

For Anxiety "Lexapro is a lifesaver. Do not worry about the negative reviews, and keep in mind that the majority of them have been written by people who got off after days or a few weeks. Anxiety got a lot worse in the beginning. When it does, you get scared. Scared that the pills won't work. Scared that it will be like this forever. But it DOES get better. For me, it really took a long time. I felt a very gradual improvement every week, and after about 3 months my anxiety was practically gone. I feel like a new person - it is amazing that a pill is able to do this. And for any emetophobics reading this: It helps against that fear as well. I didn't experience any nausea, but kept Reglan just in case. Sex drive lower, but able to orgasm. Life is good."

• mco...
• March 9, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Lexapro for several years. I have to say, for some, the initial side effects can be overwhelming, but stick with it because it will help most of us. You can train yourself to overcome the sexual side effects, and weight gain can be controlled through proper exercise and diet. I'm not an active person, but have to remind myself to hit the gym several times a week. Doing so will greatly and positively affect your mood as well, so just pretend like you have no choice and GO. Also, please remember there is no 'magic pill', we have to take responsibility for our own happiness, which includes lots more than just taking antidepressants! Hope this helps some!"

• Goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started Lexapro 10 mg 11 days ago. At first, the side effects were very obvious. 1st day dry mouth, dizzy, tired. 2nd day, fuzzy feeling, dizzy, tired. Each day got better & better. By day 5 I wasn't napping anymore. Before Lexapro, I was having serious sleep problems, probably half my depression problem. Well, I am sleeping like the dead! Waking up feeling completely refreshed & awake! My anxiety is gone. No more crazy thoughts and negative self-talk! Feeling happy for the first time in a year. Try not to read all the negative reviews. Remember, a lot of people have other things going on mentally, physically, etc. Some people also combine other medicines with Lexapro. I'm only on Lexapro. So far, the only thing is that I can't orgasm. Hoping that goes away."

• Doo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

For Anxiety "So I’ve been on this Lexapro for almost a couple of months, and I’ve been trying to stick it out to see where it gets me. I started taking whole pills, which was and is terrible, the side effects suck. So I started taking a half in the morning and a half in the evening. I felt like I was finally getting somewhere, and my moods were getting better, but I keep having what seems like more attacks. For a few days now, I’ve just not been myself-dizzy, brain fog, frequent urination, fatigue. It’s so hard to get out of bed in the mornings, even when I get plenty of sleep. My sex drive has drastically gone down to almost nothing, and it's horrible, I would rather deal with attacks and take a Xanax every day than deal with the side effects of this medication. I will be calling my doctor and weaning off it. I want my life back. For all of you that it has worked for, I’m happy it worked for you. Unfortunately, everyone’s bodies don’t take things as well as others."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "After losing my father, grandfather, and dog of 20 years, I went into a very deep depressive state. I've suffered with depression prior, and this medicine saved me. This time around, I didn't think it would work again and decided to try other medications, which all gave me super side effects. I started feeling completely hopeless and started having serious suicidal thoughts. So I said screw it and went back on Lexapro, as I had absolutely NO side effects (maybe low sex drive, but my mind was very far from having sex). Like magic, on week 4 the suicidal thoughts completely went away, followed by the depression going away. This medicine has saved my life twice now with no real side effects. It lowered my anxiety but didn't work on the panic attacks I was having. It also didn't work for my sleep issues. But combined with Xanax and Ambien, I was able to be my happy self. If feeling like this, do NOT be scared to try this medicine. It may save your life too!!! Good luck and God bless all!!"

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2024

For Anxiety "Like many others, I have sought refuge in these testimonials while I’ve waited for Lex to kick in. After 4 and a half weeks, I’m finally enjoying what it feels like to experience the beginning of the light at the end of the tunnel. Four days ago, my doctor raised my dose from 10 to 20 mg. What a quick and big difference. Mood and energy have lifted, and I’m hungry! Early days, but I just had to share my joy with those of you who may be doubting whether the nausea, dry mouth, low libido, and other side effects are worth it. Patience has paid off, as have the dose increase and accepting the reality that for most of us, breakthrough comes in 4-6 weeks. Hoping I can write in week six that things are still improving."

• Tri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 8, 2020

For Depression "Spiral led into horrific depression with anxiety. After a couple of meds, I tried Lexapro. After a few weeks and some bearable side effects, I felt a cloud lift, and it kept getting better. At first, I took the max dose with Abilify and occasional Ativan, but eventually I was able to stop both of those. So here’s the hard part, it worked awesome for 8 years. The only side effects were 20 lbs weight gain and lessened libido - a small price to pay when you felt how I did. But then I was in a period of insane stress and re-traumatized, and suddenly the med would not work. It’s been a journey since, but I am so grateful for the quality of life I had for those 8 years."

• Squ...
• May 16, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro is a lifesaver! I’ve always been an anxious person but didn’t see anxiety as a problem. Then at 39, after a minor health scare, I became crippled by anxiety. I lost weight, couldn’t eat, and could hardly mother my children. After a couple ER visits and many tests, I had a clean bill of health and started Lexapro. In just a couple of weeks, I was feeling great! I realized I actually had lots of anxiety prior to my health scare but thought it was normal. I’d wake up every morning hot, nauseated, lightheaded and with a racing heart. Sometimes I had to force myself out of bed because of a sense of dread I had no explanation for. I’m so happy I don’t have to live like that now. My only complaint is that it takes some extra effort to orgasm; that’s a small price to pay to enjoy life. If you’re scared like I was, start at 2.5mg, if that feels okay, increase it by 2.5mg each time. I’m so happy to have my life back. Don’t give up and don’t wait to treat yourself. Why suffer?"

• Sug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro was the first meds I took to help with my anxiety and panic attacks and worked great. I did get side effects for only the first week, I had nausea and headaches, the side effects were tolerable though. Little by little, I felt like I was able to get my life back. The only side effect that made me want to stop was a decrease in my sex drive. If it weren't for that, it would be a 10/10 for me."

• god...
• August 25, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had suffered from anxiety disorder for at least 11 years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. I am on Lexapro because it works. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, and insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs,' and no anxiety attacks. It's a miracle pill. BUT, I was 135 pounds and skinny. I'm 5'5, and I had an amazing metabolism, my body was rock solid. After 3 years of Lexapro, I am now 165 pounds. I have to try to work out and eat healthy, I know. Please don't wait as long as I did to change your life and get back to your wonderfully made self!"

• god...
• August 25, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had suffered from anxiety disorder for at least 11 years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. I am on Lexapro because it works. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, and insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs,' and no anxiety attacks. It's a miracle pill. BUT, I was 135 pounds and skinny. I'm 5'5, and I had an amazing metabolism, my body was rock solid. After 3 years of Lexapro, I am now 165 pounds. I have to try to work out and eat healthy, I know. Please don't wait as long as I did to change your life and get back to your wonderfully made self!"

• Son...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This was the only SSRI that worked for me. I took it for about 2.5 years (with Clonazepam). It worked very well but took about 2-3 months at the 20 mg dose to see the full effects. Then I felt I was no longer getting the most out of this medication after a few years and probably needed a higher dose, but I was already taking 20 mg/day, so I asked to change it and was given gabapentin and a benzo for anxiety. I am considering starting again. I did have sexual problems and also terrible withdrawals, the worst of which lasted about a week (sweating and some irritation). I knew that would happen but was not told about that until I asked if it was ok to stop abruptly, after which my doctor told me it was my choice to decide if I needed to taper or not."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2010

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro has been incredible for me. I am a 37-year-old man. It has now been 5 1/2 weeks on 10 mg and I feel amazing. For the first three weeks, it was not effective, and I did have some side effects: loss of appetite, fatigue, no sex drive (although I could still perform), trouble sleeping, and I would wake up with a very uneasy feeling, basically anxious. But at week four, it all seemed to turn around. My sex drive came back, I started eating normally, I had more energy during the day. It is sometimes still hard to sleep at night, but not too bad. I am truly amazed at how I feel. I am a very successful person, have my own business, a beautiful family, but have always felt close to worthless inside, always feeling less than everyone else."

• Lon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Been on 10 mg Lexapro for 8 months and overall it’s been an excellent medication. The first two weeks were tough - I don’t think one is warned sufficiently by the medics that you’re likely going to feel worse than before you started - but gradually I started to see the benefits kick in. No longer sweating the small stuff or waking up with a feeling of dread. The only thing that stops me giving this full marks is the reduction in libido and the feeling of slightly ‘can’t be bothered’ but the upside of no longer having nightmares or being filled with dread every morning is hugely appreciated."

• Jer...
• February 20, 2014

For Depression "I was diagnosed with a panic disorder. I was always well-traveled, worked hard, and had a great social life, then my life changed overnight. You can't explain to anyone the feeling of complete helplessness unless you are living it. Anyway, long story short, Lexapro saved my life, even though I could not orgasm while taking it and gained 10 kilos, but I was able to come off it after a year. And now I'm living a normal life again."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2014

For Anxiety "Amazing! After only 2 weeks on Lexapro, my life has changed dramatically. I had deep depression and severe anxiety! I only felt sick for 2 days, and everything changed. I feel great, no more racing thoughts, and finally have energy back. I've been into a shopping plaza, can drive anywhere, and most importantly can go anywhere without a fear something bad will happen. The only downfall it has for me is I now have NO sex drive, but if that's the worst I have to deal with, I definitely think I'm winning."

• Tay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was on Paxil for 5 years before switching to Lexapro due to unwanted side effects (loss of sex drive, anhedonia, night sweats, and hand tremors). Lexapro has proven to be just as effective as Paxil in controlling my anxiety/panic disorder, with nearly none of the side effects that Paxil caused!"