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Lexapro Sexual Side Effects

During treatment with Lexapro, sexual side effects -- such as ejaculation problems, impotence, or orgasm problems, among other things -- may develop. All selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the class of drugs that Lexapro belongs to) are known to cause certain sexual side effects. However, if a person does develop sexual problems while on Lexapro, it is difficult to know whether these problems are caused by the Lexapro or by the condition that Lexipro is being used to treat.

 

Lexapro Sexual Side Effects: An Overview

 Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate), like all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is known to cause certain sexual side effects. "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 documenting the side effects of Lexapro, ejaculation 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 Lexapro sexual side effect (9 percent). In most cases, the problems were noted as delayed ejaculation rather than a complete inability to ejaculate.
(Lexapro Sexual Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;