Can't ejaculate or get an orgasm since taking Citalopram 20mg, getting really scared
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've been on this for about 5 or 6 week now, taking Citalopram 20mg, while it did help the anxiety I can no longer have a sex. The few orgasm I was able to get were the most unsatisfying orgasm ever and it took an extreme effort to even get there. It's near impossible to ejaculate now and I hate it. I want to stop this medicine. I'm scared because I keep reading horror story of people stopping this medicine but having permanent libido change. I'm trying to call my doctor but she's unavailable today. Before Citalopram I was extremely active with sex, getting horny all the time but since taking these my sex life is no existent.
Can those changes be permanent? I wish my doctor would have told me that I would have NEVER take those pills..
0 likes, 7 replies
katecogs joel54682
Posted
This is sadly a common side effect with this medicine. The changes aren't permanent, and being on the meds only 5 or 6 weeks certainly won't be harmful in that way at all. Maybe try a reduction first to see if it helps rather than stop completely? However if you want to come off meds then talk to your doctor and note that these have to be withdrawn very slowly - 5mg or 10mg each reduction and spent a good 2 months doing this (because you've not been on them that long). If you come off too quick you'll have withdrawal symptoms i.e. nausea, headaches, brain zaps etc.
K x
joel54682 katecogs
Posted
"The changes aren't permanent"
I hope so. I keep digging on the Internet and finding lots of people that seems to be stuck with permanent sexual dysfunction because of this drugs. I'm so scared right now, I want this out of my system ASAP. I will call my doctor before stopping it for sure.
katecogs joel54682
Posted
The medicine dampens emotions, so it does have an effect on that too. You've only been on it 5 or 6 weeks which is really short and everything will return to normal once the meds have been withdrawn. There is nothing to be scared of - really. It'll be fine.
Some people take it for 20 years and find everything is fine once stopped.
K x
joel54682 katecogs
Posted
This is comforting to hear. But I'm still a bit scared, I hope you're right. I was able to get a hold of my doctor today and told her about it, she will call me back with a procedure to stop. I'm guessing I'll gradually stop. I wish I never took those darn thing
katecogs joel54682
Posted
Its best not to read things on Google though - people often write scaremongering stories, and as Kaorisan said everyone is different. I took these meds for 16 years and never really had a problem with them, yet others have had a different experience to me. Taking them for 5-6 weeks is really a very short time and in fact they probably haven't even reached their full capacity yet.
You may find it'll return as you begin the reduction ..... in which case you might decide to stay on a lower dose. Also it might be worth trying another meds?
Anyway, hope all goes well whatever you decide.
K x
kaorisan joel54682
Posted
Different medicines affecr different people at different times. In the past I was on sertraline and had no sexual side effects. Last year I was back on it after 5 years, and may as well not have had any sexual parts at all had no sensations. It does not last forever, infact sometimes missing a day or 2 can make it come back but I don't think it's permanent. I came off Sertraline in February fir the very same reason and wento onto fluoxetine, which made it come back with a passion but wasn't too good for the depression, really helped for the anxiety. I'm now 8 weeks into Citalopram with no sexual side effects at all. I know exactly what you mean, perhaps try a different SSRI, you need to tell the doctor.
Grunthos joel54682
Posted
Hi joel54682,
You're not alone with this side-effect, even if the Patient Information Leaflet only lists anorgasmia as a side-effect for women.
It happened to me on the lowest dose of Cit (I was taking 10mg every other day) but the anorgasmia gradually wore off. I'm on 30mg/day now and have no problems reaching an orgasm. I don't ejaculate but that's because of other medication I'm taking for an enlarged prostate (Tamsulosin).