A year on Lexapro, thinking about switching?

I've been on Lexapro 20mg for roughly a year. Honestly it's helped me a lot and I really think I've benefited from taking it. I'm not sure I'd be in the same place I am in my life if I didn't start taking it. That being said, I made an appointment for Monday to see if I can switch to something else.

The reason why I want to switch is because I just recently got a gf and the sexual side effects from taking Lexapro are definitely present. I won't go into any further details but I am hoping to ask my Doctor if I can be prescribed something else with less sexual side effects or none at all if possible. I don't want to just stop taking anything altogether because the idea of stopping after I feel it's benefited me a lot is kind of scary. Has anyone had any experiences like this or know any anti-anxiety medications without these side effects that I can bring up to my Doctor? I've never taken anything else for anxiety so I just want an idea of what might be better.

Much appreciated.

Hi Flethyah,

A/D's can tend to have this undesired s/e....:(

Good input above by TG!..

...or if you struggled mostly with panic attacks (as opposed to GAD) then considering taking an anti anxiety Rx as needed might be a consideration. A benzodiazepine or Vistaril, an antihistamine with anxiety quieting qualities, could be a contender.

Wishing you the best in whatever you ultimately decide.:) We have some great self help coping skills at the top of our main page in the Resources to help you through the transition time. ..and keep.posting with us for support if you like.:)

Scaredy Cat

Twiggygal said...
Celexa, Lexapro's (older) sister medication is relatively free of the sexual side effects. At least in my experience.

Yeah it seems like maybe one medication might not give me any even though upon looking it looks like all of these drugs have it as a possibility of a side effect. It's just going to be really disappointing if I switch medications and it's the same thing. I guess it's all however your body feels like responding to it lol

Scaredy Cat said...
Hi Flethyah,

A/D's can tend to have this undesired s/e....:(

Good input above by TG!..

...or if you struggled mostly with panic attacks (as opposed to GAD) then considering taking an anti anxiety Rx as needed might be a consideration. A benzodiazepine or Vistaril, an antihistamine with anxiety quieting qualities, could be a contender.

Wishing you the best in whatever you ultimately decide.:) We have some great self help coping skills at the top of our main page in the Resources to help you through the transition time. ..and keep.posting with us for support if you like.:)

Scaredy Cat

Yeah I take it for GAD so I don't think a benzo would be what they would want to prescribe me. I'd hate to choose stopping altogether but I might do so if I can't find something without that side effect. Thanks for the response.

Hibee said...
Hi

Unfortunately a lot of the AD have this side effect and it's a shame you are thinking of changing as Lexapro is a good medication imo but I understand why you want to change.

Celexa (Citalopram) and Paxil (Paroxetine) are two which I think don't have that as a side effect but your doctor should be able to advice you.

Hibee

Yeah like I said Lexapro really helped me, I didn't mind any of the negative side effects until now because the only side effect that has lasted this long has been the sexual one. It hasn't been a big issue for me because until now I haven't had a serious girlfriend. I wish there was a drug that had no sexual side effects for GAD, it seems like every time I look them up it's listed there. I guess I just have to hope that once I switch it won't be one of the side effects I get. Thanks

If your AD is working fine, a lot of times docs will prescribe an add on med. For sexual side effects, a small dose of Wellbutrin or Buspar could very well take care of that problem without getting off of your primary medication:)

Good luck!

Momtogigiandquinn said...
If your AD is working fine, a lot of times docs will prescribe an add on med. For sexual side effects, a small dose of Wellbutrin or Buspar could very well take care of that problem without getting off of your primary medication:)

Good luck!

I didn't know I could add anything on like that. If that's a possibility I'd like to since Lexapro definitely helps. I'll see Monday. I'll let you guys know. Thanks for the responses

Hi Fletch, I wish you all the luck on your wean and hope you don't get too many withdraw symptoms. I am not sure about the when the sexual side effect should subside, but I'd give it a month and if nothing changes talk to your doctor. Good Luck, Keep us updated.

Hi

Good luck on weaning off your medication I hope it goes smoothly for you Lexapro is one of the easier antidepressants to discontinue.

I would say dropping from 20mg to 10mg is quite a big drop if it was me I would goto 15mg first but that's just my personal opinion and you should follow your doctors guidance.

Hibee