Posted by Bill L on December 16, 2002, at 14:09:28
In reply to On lexapro and no errection for a month, posted by Lawrence S. on December 13, 2002, at 10:21:43
You will definitely return to normal (sexually), probably within a few weeks. These drugs do not cause permanent sexual side effects. I have been on Lexapro for over 3 months at 20 mg per day. Although the sexual side effects are not as bad for me as when I was on Prozac a few years a go, it's still there. I personally would rather be free of depression. It's a shame that one must make this choice. But when depressed, I'm just not happy, so that's not an option.
There are options. You could stay on Lexapro and add one of several drugs to counteract the side effects (eg Wellbutrin, Remeron). I sometimes take yohimbine (an over the counter herb; but also available in prescription form)an hour before sex (10 mg) and it always works for me. The problem is that with some people, it can elevate blood pressure. I take GNC brand. If you have sex frequently, you could take yohimbine 5 mg three times a day every day. If you are an old married guy like me and don't have sex every day, then you would take 5 to 10 mg about an hour before sex. But check with your doctor first because of the blood pressure issue.
Viagra is an excellent and safe option. The different dosage pills all cost the same (about $10 per pill). So a lot of people get their docs to prescribe the most potent dose, and then the patient will cut them in half or in thirds. They even sell a Viagra cutting knife on the internet custom fitted for Viagra's irregular shape.
Was the Lexapro working for your depression? If it was, I would definitely start it up again. If it wasn't, try Wellbutrin or Remeron or maybe even Serzone since these antidepressants rarely have negative sexual side effects.
poster:Bill L
thread:131641
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021210/msgs/132031.html