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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 13:17:03
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
Well, I've taken both Lexapro and Celexa. I'll give you my honest opinion about Lexapro and sexual function. Btw, I'm male and 43. It actually does make you "last longer," which really isn't a bad thing. I would say it slightly decreases libido, but not all that much. My personal experience has been that Celexa/Lexapro are one of the few SSRIs that increase the intensity of orgasm. Again, maybe that's just me but they do seem to do something to make it more pleasurable in the end.
The KEY is your dosage. If you go above 5-10mg there is a good chance you'll have some problems. At least I did at higher doses. My personal philosophy is to take the lowest dose you can that relieves your symptoms - where you also have the least side-effects.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Azure
> I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
>
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 14:03:06
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 12:58:28
Hi Mel, Alot of us have had to increase our dosage because of the pms issue, me included. How much lex are you on? If your pms becomes intolerable (anxiety, worry, etc.) maybe talk to your doc about increasing. Ijust went up 5mgs to 15mgs and feel pretty good. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 12:58:28
Hi Guys,
My period is right around the corner and I've felt awful...depressed and anxious. I just don't think Lexapro is effective during PMS and my period. It's a drag.
I took .5 mgs of Klonopin last night and again this morning. It seems to have helped a little bit. Maybe I'll try increasing my dose or adding Wellbutrin...something has to work. I'll discuss all these things with my pdoc tomorrow and let you know what he says.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 14:03:06
Hi Mrs. C,
I'm really glad to hear you're doing well at 15 mgs. I'm debating increasing my dose or doing something...because the lex doesn't seem to work during my period or when I have PMS. How odd. (Not to mention frustrating.) I feel fine for 3 weeks out of 4, but my period hits and all my symptoms of anxiety and depression come back.
Again, I'm happy to hear you're doing well at 15 mgs. It sounded like you were having a little bit of a rough time before increasing. It's nice to see that you've found a solution.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on March 24, 2004, at 16:38:40
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs. C, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
Ya'll
Spacey, grumpy and irritable seem to describe me around my time of the month. The lex seems to kinda go down during that time. Yuck! My cylces have gotten increasingly better as they go on. I am on month 3 and it is not nearly as bad as cycle one ( whew, I literally felt like someone was re-wiring my brain.) Good luck!! K let me know what your doc says, we will all be dying know!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by want info on March 24, 2004, at 16:58:58
In reply to Lex and PMS, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
hi k...you feel that way DURING your period as well as before? i'm right there with you...feeling horribly anxious and spacey (agreeing with lexy, it feels like someone's rewiring my brain)...but i am in the midst of day 1, so it's not really PMS per se. i love how literal i am when i'm like "is everyone having the EXACT same symptoms i am?" but if it's DURING your period as well, you definitely aren't alone. let us know what the doc says!
EM
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 17:45:12
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 14:03:06
I'm only on 5 mgs right now have been on for a little over 5 weeks now. But I had some pretty good days and then wham, fliiping out over nothing again. I can't stand it so I've been taking xanax to try and fight it. I was just wondering if it was going to be like this every month...Just when I feel like I'm getting better and back to normal.
Posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
In reply to Re:lexapro good now going bad » male34, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 19, 2003, at 10:19:41
third day on lexapro. headaches in the morning and at night. i feel discouraged b/c celexa only took a week to work for me. i guess all meds are different. i suffer from mild depression-mood swings and anxiety. any advice is welcomed!
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 18:10:27
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
Hi BridetoBe,
Welcome to the Lexapro family. I agree with you that it's discouraging having to wait so long before the Lex kickes in...but let me assure you, the results are worth the wait!
It just takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. This was my experience with the first few weeks on Lex: (Keep in mind yours might be different because meds effect everyone so differently.)
Week 1: Noticed a few uncomfortable side effects
Week 2: Side effects peaked and this was the most uncomfortable week for me
Week 3: Side effects began to decline
Week 4: I noticed positive changes in my mood
Week 5: Some people continue to see positive mood changes. Although, I hit a slump at week 5 and increased to 15 mgs.
Week 6: Adjustment to 15 mgs wasn't difficult. Felt tired, but no other side effects.
Week 7 and on: Continued positive changes in my anxiety/mood.A few words of advice:
- Note: Lexapro can cause anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. Keep some Klonopin or Xanax nearby so you can have it if you start to feel overly anxious.
- If you start feeling any uncomfortable side effects that you're worried about, post them on this board. I can guarantee that other people have had the same symptoms and know what to do about them.
-Try taking advil for your headaches and just take it easy over the next couple of weeks while your body gets used to the Lexapro.Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.
K.
Posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 18:26:31
In reply to Re: new lexapro girl!, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 18:10:27
> Hi BridetoBe,
>
> Welcome to the Lexapro family. I agree with you that it's discouraging having to wait so long before the Lex kickes in...but let me assure you, the results are worth the wait!
>
> It just takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. This was my experience with the first few weeks on Lex: (Keep in mind yours might be different because meds effect everyone so differently.)
>
> Week 1: Noticed a few uncomfortable side effects
> Week 2: Side effects peaked and this was the most uncomfortable week for me
> Week 3: Side effects began to decline
> Week 4: I noticed positive changes in my mood
> Week 5: Some people continue to see positive mood changes. Although, I hit a slump at week 5 and increased to 15 mgs.
> Week 6: Adjustment to 15 mgs wasn't difficult. Felt tired, but no other side effects.
> Week 7 and on: Continued positive changes in my anxiety/mood.
>
> A few words of advice:
>
> - Note: Lexapro can cause anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. Keep some Klonopin or Xanax nearby so you can have it if you start to feel overly anxious.
> - If you start feeling any uncomfortable side effects that you're worried about, post them on this board. I can guarantee that other people have had the same symptoms and know what to do about them.
> -Try taking advil for your headaches and just take it easy over the next couple of weeks while your body gets used to the Lexapro.
>
> Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.
>
> K.
>thanks so much! i feel better already! very anxious, but better!
Posted by wantinfo on March 24, 2004, at 18:34:31
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
hey bride...dont worry about the headaches, you'll be ok. i'm in my 6th/7th week and still get them now and then. the anxiety WILL get better though. welcome! em
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs. C, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
Hey, it's good to hear from you again. I am sorry to hear about your PMS difficulties. I know exactly what you are going thru and it stinks! Maybe increasing the dose will work for you to make that time a little easier. I think that Lynne has posted that she is doing much better at 20mgs. So far 15 is working for me but I have the permission from my doc to increase to 20 whenever I feel the need to. Let us know how tomorrow goes. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:42:58
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
Hey girl! Glad you're here. You came to the right place. This board is full of wonderful friends who have much advice and support to give. You name the side effect and someone here has had it! I just increased my dose from 10 to 15 and have had a headache every day since. It's been two weeks now since I made the increase. Maybe it's the weather or something else(tumor)but it sure is a pain. I have been on Lex for five months now altogether and find it to be a wonderful med. Once you get through the first few weeks you will begin to feel better. Hang in there, we are here to help if you need it. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:49:49
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs. C, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
Hey K...I have the same problem...most people talk about their symptoms of PMS but mine is when I am having my period I feel like I am back to square one...Was worried about it this month because I have my daughters baby shower on sunday and that is right in the middle and have been feeling crappy since starting yesterday...So let me know how you are doing it is good to hear from you....A friend Mystic
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 20:54:21
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 17:45:12
I guess I jinxed myself. Now I have a headache, feel nauseous, and my chest is tight. My heads beginning to get a little foggy. I took a xanax about a half hour ago and still no results. I can't stand this feeling. I'm not sure if I should go up in dosage or not...AAAAHHHHHH
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:56:34
In reply to Re: Hi K, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
Hey bridetobe ....This is a great group and you are in the right place we will all help you through this and we have all been there at different times I'm on week 7 and feeling pretty good except at my period time...but we can all help and we are here for you so just keep posting and learning that you are not alone and you will be fine..just takes time and patience something that we really dont have great deal of...Take care Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:58:01
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 20:54:21
Hey girlfriend calm down and breathe you will be ok...You will be ok...Just try not to think about it...tell me a little about yourself and how long you have been on the lex...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:00:31
In reply to RE: Hey mel light, posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:58:01
Mel_light...you are on a very low does of lexapro maybe you should give your dr a call and he can help you decide what to do...The xanax will take effect pretty soon as long as you just relax and breathe...we are all stressed at that time of the month but you will be ok...Try to relax...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:06:59
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 20:54:21
Mel, Calm down. Deep breaths! You are freaking out because of the Lex. Sometimes the side effects can do this to you. Once you realize that it's only the med you will calm down. Lex is not as effective during our PMS times. All of the women who post here have had this happen to them. You will be okay. How are you feeling now? Mrs. C
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:19:32
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:06:59
I just took an aleve for my headache. I can feel that I'm so tense but I keep thinking it's something else. Maybe something is seriously wrong. I know that's the anxiety talking but I just can't rationalize it with my head right now. I feel tired but I'm scared to go to sleep. I haven't had an attack like this for a while. I've been on lex for over 5 weeks are these still side effects? I just want to cry right now
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:22:43
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:00:31
Can I ask what kind of things you guys experience around period time? Similar to what I'm having or am I just weird?
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:25:17
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:19:32
Listen to me, it is the Lex! There is nothing wrong with you. Lex seems to lose it's effectiveness at that time of the month. We have all experienced it! You are on a very small dose of Lexapro and may need to increase. Talk to your doctor about it tomorrow! There is no need to suffer like this next month. When my dose of 10mgs started to wear off I experienced great anxiety around my time of the month. I was on Lex almost five months before that happened. I believe that is what is happening to you now. But you should definetly let your doc know. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:34:08
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:22:43
Very similar dear. I hope that you can relax soon and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day and may be better than tonight. I'll pray for you and for everyone here. I'll check back with you tomorrw. Goodnight all! Mrs. C
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:44:24
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:34:08
Thank you so much for the kind words. I'll call my dr in the morning. Right now I'm going to try and sit still and stop these thoughts (and grinding my teeth) This is so overwhelming
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:53:34
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:44:24
Hey Mel_light...hope that you feel better and try to remember every day is a new day and that much closer to getting some relief and it will happen..You probably have to go up on your dosage and then maybe things will start to be clearer..but I will say it again..We are all here for you and keep posting you are in the right place...Take care and hope that you had a good rest of the night or at least tolerable..and get some sleep...A friend Mystic
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