DOES IT HAVE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS AS FAR AS YOUR L IBIDO?
I have been off effexor about 2months, started wellbutrinXr it worked but became allergic to it w/rash and itching on the inside as well as outside. Have been on anxiety meds since 1998--but had weight gain w/Prozac and Effexor XR and also experienced terrible sweating at the least bit of exertion. Zoloft and Paxil took a short time neither helped my situation and felt like I had no bodily emotions.
My question is does Lexapro effect your libido? I am in a loving relationship and enjoy the closeness of sex. Also I am down about 10lbs and do not want to gain weight again. Can you suggest any other anxiety med w/low side effects.
My meds are: Verapmil 240mg x2, lasix 40mx1, zocor 20mg x1, Vitamins E 400 IUx1 and SuperBComplex(to helph w/anxiety) 1200mg Calicum w/D and Acidophillus x1(probiotic).
1-baby aspirn daily, aciphex 20mg x2 day. PRN Ativan(helps if I can not sleep do not use oftern) Zytec when needed, and Restasis for dry eye syndrome.
Please reaply as soon as you can.
Thank You
Phyllis
Hi Phyllis:
I hear this problem from patients frequently -- both men and women complain of decreased libido with medications. While I'm not a physician, I have asked two friends who are psychiatrists which antidepressants have the best side effect profile and have been told that Wellbutrin would be the most widely prescribed medication for depression had it appeared on the market before Prozac. They maintain that sexual side effects are fewer with this medication. When you read the side effect profile on any of the antidepressants, you are likely to find decreased libido as a side effect, with the possible exception of Wellbutrin. For instance, when you look at Effexor, you will find essentially the same warnings, including sexual side effects, as you will under Prozac.
Unfortunately, you are on a number of medications and it's possible that one medication alone may not be the problem. You should consult with your physician about the mixture and determine what combination is best.
However, remember, all medications carry side effects and you should learn what you can, and ask your physician about the risks involved.
I hope this helps,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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Hello, I got off of lexapro because it make my sex life horrible. I could not acheive the big O and it was frustrating. It also did not feel like anything. I enjoy my sex life with my husband so I stop taking it. I now take xanex for anxiety. You mentioned ativan. How does that work? I am thinking of switching to see if that works for me. The xanex is either to small of a dose or does not help.
Lakeka
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Mousie
Monday, November 09, 2009 at 09:41 PM
I'm no doctor, but I take an antidepressant and Ativan. I take Ativan for sleep. Ativan and Xanax are not antidepressants. They are anti-anxiety drugs. If Lexapro doesn't suit you as an antidepressant, I would talk to a psychiatrist about the best antidepressant for you.