Lexapro Sexual Side Effects

During treatment with Lexapro, sexual side effects -- such as ejaculation problems, impotence, or orgasm problems -- may develop. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Lexapro are known to cause certain sexual problems. However, it is difficult to know whether these side effects are caused by the medication or by the condition that it is being used to treat.

Lexapro Medication

Does Lexapro Cause Sexual Side Effects?

Lexapro^® (escitalopram oxalate), like all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is known to cause certain sexual side effects. These "Lexapro sexual side effects" may include:

A decreased sex drive
Ejaculation problems
Impotence (also known as erectile dysfunction or ED)
Decreased sexual satisfaction
Orgasm problems
A prolonged and painful erection (priapism).

A Decreased Sex Drive

Lexapro is known to cause a decrease in sex drive (known as libido) in both men and women. In clinical studies that documented the side effects of Lexapro, a decreased sex drive occurred in up to 7 percent of people taking the medicine for generalized anxiety disorder. It was less common in people taking Lexapro for depression, occurring in about 3 percent of people.

Ejaculation Problems

Lexapro is also known to cause ejaculatory problems in men. In clinical studies these problems occurred in up to 14 percent of people taking Lexapro. The highest incidence occurred in people with generalized anxiety disorder (14 percent). Those with depression experienced a lower incidence of this sexual side effect with Lexapro (9 percent). In most cases, the problems were noted as delayed ejaculation rather than a complete inability to ejaculate.

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