Does Lexapro Causes Erection Problems?

Posted on Thu, 22 May 2014

Question: I am 46 years of age, fit, white male who has been on Lexapro since my 30′s. even in my 30′s I could fell the change that the Lexapro had on my ability to get and maintain an erection. even though it was just a slight problem then, now in my mid 40′s, it truly has become a problem. my brain feels the need for sex, but I am afraid to approach a woman for sex due to fear of not getting a firm erection. My lack of desire to masturbate and knowing that sometimes I do not get fully erect has truly interrupted a full filling sexual and masturbatory life. I do take ed pills sometimes that I buy from friends and I truly enjoy the feeling the medication does to revive my penis. I want my life back and although I do occasionally masturbate, its really my body needing the release than masturbating for the pleasure.
my question for you doctor, is there a anti depressant or adha medicine that is available in the us that will get my libido back on path and allow me to enjoy the pleasures of both sex and masturbation…or just a random erection ? my testosterone level is good

Answered by Dr. Dr.Saatiish Jhuntrraa (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider one of the options listed below

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for choosing wwwhealthcaremagic.com
Lexapro raises levels of serotonin in central nervous system, thus inhibiting centre responsible for ejaculation as well suppresses brain centres for libido. This is the commonest side effect . Strategies to counter this side effect may be many-
1- If your doctor considers it appropriate , reduce the dose, or withdraw altogether,
2- You can add certain drugs which can antagonise this side effect . These can be cyproheptadine , Ritalin,
Modafinil, Wellbutrin
3- Another option can be to switch over to a more friendly drug like Vortioxetine ( Brintellix) , MAO inhibitor , Mirtazapine etc.
4- if your doctor thinks the chances to relapse very high, he may not agree to any of the above , then PDE 5 inhibitors like verdenafil and sex therapy is the best option.
We must remember that loss of libido can be due to residual depression as well as SSRI induced so first, we have to make sure to establish that the problem is side effect indeed, not a part of untreated depression. because strategy in these two situations is diametrically opposite. One must not forget other physical causes like diabetes, hypertension , ageing process and hypercholestrolemia.
Dr Saatiish Jhuntrraa

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E