Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Mental Health (Expert Forum)
OCD and Lexapro Side Effects
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
OCD and Lexapro Side Effects
by Cy504, Feb 26, 2007 12:00AM
Hi Doctor,
I have OCD. I recently tried Celexa for a few months and found it to be very helpful. Unfortunately, the sexual side effects were strong and made it where I did not want to continue taking meds. After about two months without Celexa, I decided to try Lexapro, thinking its sexual side effects might not be as strong. I am currently in my third day on Lexapro and am already experiencing sexual side effects. Is there a realistic hope of this side effect going away over time (it didn't with Celexa)? Any other tips on dealing with this short of stopping the Lexapro? (I am currently on 10 mg of Lexapro).
Thanks for your input!
I have OCD. I recently tried Celexa for a few months and found it to be very helpful. Unfortunately, the sexual side effects were strong and made it where I did not want to continue taking meds. After about two months without Celexa, I decided to try Lexapro, thinking its sexual side effects might not be as strong. I am currently in my third day on Lexapro and am already experiencing sexual side effects. Is there a realistic hope of this side effect going away over time (it didn't with Celexa)? Any other tips on dealing with this short of stopping the Lexapro? (I am currently on 10 mg of Lexapro).
Thanks for your input!
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
the sexual side effects of both of these medications are unpredictable in terms of duration and intensity...its trial and error. Many people have found welbutrin to be a helpful addition, and sometimes substitute, when sexual side effects occur.
Member Comments (2)
by sparkeler, Feb 26, 2007 12:00AM
I'm not sure about lexapro, but I heard well butrin is a great medication with minimal sexual side effects. Maybe it's something you could look in to if you find that the lexapro isn't easing up on your sexual drive. Good luck.
