Does Lexapro Cause Delayed Orgasm Or Loss Of Libido?

Posted on Tue, 22 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on Lexapro 10 mg. for a little over a week for mild depression/mood disorder/agitation. I feel great. Relaxed. Not stressed out. Not agitated. However, while making love to my wife I am not able to orgasm. I have no problem achieving an erection. I just cannot orgasm. This has happened the last three times we have had sex. It has never been an issue before. What should I do? Stop taking Lexapro, continue on? What if anything can I do? Please advise. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dose should be reduced to 5 mg per day.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Lexapro is Escitalopram and the drug is a SSRI drug. It is known to cause sexual dysfunction in some males especially delayed orgasm or loss of libido. As you have developed symptoms in initial days of therapy in such case in my opinion doses should be reduced. The doses should be reduced to 5 mg per day and your symptoms should improve. In my opinion no need to discontinue the drug. This will reverse the problem in about a couple of weeks.

Please consult your doctor for reduction of the doses.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Thanks for your reply. My psychiatrist wants me to stop taking Lexapro and start taking Wellbutrin. Do you still recommend I continue on Lexapro at the reduced dose of 5 mg. per day? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wellbutrin is a better option

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

If Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an option then I will not advise you to continue with Lexapro 5 mg doses. Wellbutrin is totally safe drug free of any sexual side effects. The drug has good efficacy in controlling anxiety and depression but is a safe drug.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if still have more doubts you can ask again

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar