Cipralex/Lexapro Lowers My Sex Drive…What Can I Do?

Reader’s Question

I’m taking Cipralex (5mg), and it affects my libido… I have very low sex drive and find it impossible to orgasm. This is my second time taking them, and I experienced this side effect before. My question is, would it be possible for me to take some kind of libido increasing pills in addition to Cipralex? It negatively affects my relationship. I’m a 24 year old female.

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

While I’m a psychologist and not a physician or pharmacist, I’ve worked with the antidepressants for many years. Cipralex (in Canada) or Lexapro (US) is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Like most of the antidepressants in the SSRI group (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft), it is well-known to lower your sexual drive (”libido” in psychiatric terms) as well as prevent or inhibit orgasms. When we experience this side effect, it’s important to remember that it’s a medication side effect and not related to your feelings about your partner or your psychological state.

In clinical practice, psychiatrists can often change antidepressants, selecting one with minimal sexual side effects such as Wellbutrin. I’ve also seen Wellbutrin added to an existing antidepressant to address the loss of libido.

I’d discuss this with your physician and/or psychiatrist. There are changes that can be made to reduce if not eliminate this uncomfortable medication side effect.

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