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On Escitalopram, Affected Sexual Drive, Unpleasant Odor From Under Garment. Help?
Question: I have been using escitalopram 10 mg since september 2010 undergoing therapy. But this seemed to have affected my sexual drive. I dont get wet. Should I be visiting a doctor or tell my therapist about this ? I have not had intercourse, its just during masturbation and a little sexual time with my partner. I do not get turned on easily. I am also not sure of the liquid that secretes in my underwear everyday. I dont think its a pleasant odor. Please help me.
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Escitalopram is a SSRI (short serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which is used as an antidepressant. Anorgasmia, or an inability to orgasm is a frequent side effects of this drug which is found in women patients. Other sexual side effects include lack of desire, delayed or absent orgasm and weakened sexual response.
I suggest you to talk to your therapist and get the medication changed or dose tapered off. Please do not stop taking this medicine on your own as it may cause serious withdrawal effects. If you take less of escitalopram, you may have fewer sexual side effects.
Otherwise your therapist can prescribe any other medication or another antidepressant that will raise your sex drive. Also try to schedule escitalopram like you can have sex at night when you have this drug in morning.
For the vaginal dryness, use a water based jelly like KY jelly. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Thanks for posting your query.
Escitalopram is a SSRI (short serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which is used as an antidepressant. Anorgasmia, or an inability to orgasm is a frequent side effects of this drug which is found in women patients. Other sexual side effects include lack of desire, delayed or absent orgasm and weakened sexual response.
I suggest you to talk to your therapist and get the medication changed or dose tapered off. Please do not stop taking this medicine on your own as it may cause serious withdrawal effects. If you take less of escitalopram, you may have fewer sexual side effects.
Otherwise your therapist can prescribe any other medication or another antidepressant that will raise your sex drive. Also try to schedule escitalopram like you can have sex at night when you have this drug in morning.
For the vaginal dryness, use a water based jelly like KY jelly. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Radhika
so you are suggesting that it could be a side effect and i need to tell my therapist right? Also Vaginal dryness.. is this going to be a permanent problem or is it in anyway a result of not getting too turned on ? do i also visit a gynec?
Hello,
Anorgasmia, lack of libido and weakened sexual response are side effects of the antidepressant drug which you are taking and you should get the dose monitored or medication changed. After changing the medication, the vaginal dryness should also go away and it is not going to stay permanent. It can be due to the effects of the drug and should become better after getting the medicine changed.
There is no need to visit a gynecologist and wait for a few days after consulting your therapist. If there is any change in discharge or the symptoms do not improve, then you can get it evaluated from a gynecologist.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Anorgasmia, lack of libido and weakened sexual response are side effects of the antidepressant drug which you are taking and you should get the dose monitored or medication changed. After changing the medication, the vaginal dryness should also go away and it is not going to stay permanent. It can be due to the effects of the drug and should become better after getting the medicine changed.
There is no need to visit a gynecologist and wait for a few days after consulting your therapist. If there is any change in discharge or the symptoms do not improve, then you can get it evaluated from a gynecologist.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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