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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Taking Escitalopram Cause Lack Of Sex Drive?

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.
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
HI THANKS FOR POSTING YOUR QUERY ON HEALTH CARE MAGIC.
AS PER YOUR CLINICAL HISTORY ,I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU THAT ANTIDEPRESANTS LIKE ESCITALOPRAM CAN CAUSE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AS ITS PREDOMINANT SIDE EFFECT.THIS CAN MANIFEST AS DIFFICULTY IN ERECTION,GETTING AROUSED,LOW EJACULATORY VOLUMES,LOW SEXUAL DRIVE AND DRY VAGINA DUE TO REDUCED SECRETIONS.LOW LIBIDO, ETC DUE TO ITS ANTICHOLINERGIC SIDE EFFECTS.THESE CAN BE MINIMIZED BY USING LOW DOSES OF THE DRUG 2.5 TO 5mg five DAYS A WEEK WITH DRUG HOLIDAY ON THE WEEKENDS....DRUGS LIKE SILDENAFIL 25mg CAN BE SIMULTANEOUSLY USED TO IMPROVE SEXUAL DRIVE.I ADVICE YOU MEET YOUR CONSULTING PHYSICIAN,START AND DOSE TAPERING AFTER DISCUSSING THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF THE PROTOCOL.
THANK YOU,
TAKE CARE.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Vipul Prajapati's  Response
Hi dear,
escitalopram may sometimes cause sexual problem like lack of sexual drive, erection problem, ejaculation problem etc..
sometimes lack of sexual drive is one of symptom of depression also.
so to differentiate between two detail history and mental status examination is must.
if your problem is due to medication there are many medication which has no sexual side effects.
so consult your treating psychiatrist and discuss.
Thank you
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Could Taking Escitalopram Cause Lack Of Sex Drive?

HI THANKS FOR POSTING YOUR QUERY ON HEALTH CARE MAGIC. AS PER YOUR CLINICAL HISTORY ,I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU THAT ANTIDEPRESANTS LIKE ESCITALOPRAM CAN CAUSE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AS ITS PREDOMINANT SIDE EFFECT.THIS CAN MANIFEST AS DIFFICULTY IN ERECTION,GETTING AROUSED,LOW EJACULATORY VOLUMES,LOW SEXUAL DRIVE AND DRY VAGINA DUE TO REDUCED SECRETIONS.LOW LIBIDO, ETC DUE TO ITS ANTICHOLINERGIC SIDE EFFECTS.THESE CAN BE MINIMIZED BY USING LOW DOSES OF THE DRUG 2.5 TO 5mg five DAYS A WEEK WITH DRUG HOLIDAY ON THE WEEKENDS....DRUGS LIKE SILDENAFIL 25mg CAN BE SIMULTANEOUSLY USED TO IMPROVE SEXUAL DRIVE.I ADVICE YOU MEET YOUR CONSULTING PHYSICIAN,START AND DOSE TAPERING AFTER DISCUSSING THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF THE PROTOCOL. THANK YOU, TAKE CARE.