Impotence
Lexapro is known to cause
impotence in men. Impotence is often defined as a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. In clinical studies documenting the side effects of Lexapro, impotence occurred in up to 3 percent of men taking the medication.
Orgasm Problems
Lexapro is known to cause orgasm problems in women. These problems most often include delays in orgasm or a complete inability to orgasm. In clinical studies documenting the side effects of Lexapro, orgasm problems occurred in up to 6 percent of women who took the drug. Orgasm problems were most commonly seen in women taking Lexapro for
generalized anxiety disorder (6 percent). They were least common in those taking Lexapro for
depression (2 percent).
Priapism
Priapism is a very rare side effect of medications like Lexapro. Priapism is a painful erection of the penis that does not go away, even after sexual intercourse or masturbation. If left untreated, priapism can lead to permanent damage to the penis. For this reason, it is very important to seek medical attention immediately if you think you are having symptoms of priapism. Even though this may seem embarrassing, it is necessary to avoid permanent damage to the penis. If your healthcare provider is not available, you should seek emergency medical care.
Lexapro Sexual Side Effects: Suggestions
It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop any of these Lexapro sexual side effects. Also, if a person does develop sexual side effects while taking Lexapro, it is difficult to know whether these problems are caused by the condition being treated or by Lexapro itself. This is because sexual symptoms are common with conditions that Lexapro treats. For example, one-third of people with untreated depression report sexual side effects.
If you develop sexual side effects while taking Lexapro, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend. Depending on how severe your Lexapro sexual side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your
Lexapro dosage or try another
anxiety or depression medicine.
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