need advice please

[stressedout52]

hi everyone,
i have a question.  first off the situation is that i'm a 23 year old female that was diagnosed with anxiety and depression at the age of 20.  i started lexapro and was taking 10 mg daily until summer of 2008.  i stopped because of the sexual side effects--the lack of desire mainly and weight gain.  now i would like to go back on an antidepressant because i think it really will help but am very reluctant because of the side effects.  are there any medications that anyone would suggest that doesn't do that?  thanks for your time and i look forward to hearing from whoever wants to contribute.

[whodunnit]

Hi,

At your age the lessening of desire is a big problem indeed. I can understand how it becomes the major issue but, in the end, are you wanting to treat your depression properly or make sure you can enjoy sex?

Yes there are meds that allow more enjoyment etc but are they the ones that will help your head? If not then I'd suggest your priorities need to be reviewed.

Ask your doctor.

[jcmart]

Same thing with me...except I am a 62 year-old male. Lexapro left me wondering if I would ever feel desire or have sex again. I can assure you that there is hope out there!

I was switched to Paxil, same dreadful effects. Then a friend, female, said that she was on Cymbalta and no side effects. I asked my Dr. to switch, he agreed, and  now I am one very happy camper. Desire is back and my wife and I have sex a couple of times each week...plus the anti-depressant effect of Cymbalta seems to be greater than the other AD drugs I had tried.

So there is "another country" heard from. Good luck from Jim in Alaska.