Citalopram and Loss of Sex Drive

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Since taking 20mg Citalopram for almost 2 months now I have completely lost my sex drive. The medication has been excellent for resoloving my anxiety that I was suffering post a stressful 18 months being unhappy in a job. Are there any other men/women on 20 mg Citalopram that have noticed that Citalopram has effected their sex drive? Luckily I have a warm and loving partner who keeps reassuring me that my \"horny hormones\" will come back and in the meantime be patient! :wink:

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  • Posted

    My partner has been on Citalopram for almost a year now,and gradually he lost his ability to get an erection,which he finds really frustrating and i keep saying to him,its probably the tablets. Now, its almost like he's not interested in sex and i did mention it to him,and he said he misses it too,like me! We have considered going to the Dr and seewhat she suggests, but he feels a bit embarassed i think because his Dr is a woman,but she's an excellent GP!
  • Posted

    I have been taking just 10mg for only a week. I'm not sure about the effects on my anxiety, but it has had a dramatic effect on my sex drive already, going from astronomical to zero in less than 7 days. At the moment I'm considering this to be a positive thing, as I hadn't realised just how high my libido was operating, and it has caused me much personal turmoil and trauma over the last two years now. I am however concerned as I am now due to up my dose to 20mg. What are the long term effects on sex drive. I'd like my libido to be controlled but not erased completely. Could this loss of sex drive become a permanent state?
    • Posted

      I was taking citalopram 10mg for 4-5 days I noticed that I could not have an orgasm. I stopped taking it and it took me a week to have an orgasm. I was taking citalopram for depression. I guess I will have to figure something else out. I don't want my sex life to be affected. Me and my husband already have issues that we are working on and I don't need another. Thanks but No thanks.
  • Posted

    "... Could this loss of sex drive become a permanent state?" Only time can tell, it's not inevitable, in deed it could even bounce back x 2, one of it's effects is that you can become very much into things, random things smile
  • Posted

    I'm trying to set a date each month where we can both have sex. It sort of mental preparation. If you have trouble reaching orgasm you may need help with vibrating rings to stimulate you.
  • Posted

    I think this is a very common side effect. I feel exactly the same, no sex drive...the only time I feel slightly 'horny' is before my menstruation. I am able to get an orgasm and it's actually quite intensive - cannot complain here smile

    I take 10mg Paroxetine - I've been using it for over 8 years - I almost do not remember how it feels to have a 'normal' sex drive.

    It is very frustrating at times but I am sure once you stop taking your meds - it all will be back.

  • Posted

    I'm on 40mg, and I'm the exact same, it's horrible, my partner feels like I just don't want him, never good.. however tell your man how you feel and that, he'll understand you just need a bit more "getting in the mood time".. works for me smile
  • Posted

    Thank you all for these stories.

    Smurflbws I relate to yours most recently in terms of 'mental preparation'. It ruins it for me and my bf.

  • Posted

    I took Citalopram 5mg once, I had major long lasting side effects.

    This was 2.5 years ago and it completely ruined my sex life!

    I have had quite low libido since then, feel numb to my sexual area, also my nipples, and generally can't get an orgasm, no matter how long I try for. If I get any feeling it get's vaguely close to an orgasm but just stops before I get there and just isn't much fun, so I have no desire to try it again.

    It's completely frustrating.

    I've seen a couple of specialists and tried hormones but didn't help. I suppose I have to wait and see if it eventually comes back.

    If I had known how severely Citalopram would be affecting my quality of life I would have NEVER taken it.

    • Posted

      Did you end up getting better in regards to the sexual side effects?

      Thanks,

      Alex

    • Posted

      Hi Alex, I'm glad you're asking, I've been meaning to comment on here with an update.

      The good news is YES, I gradually got better! The bad news is that it has been very slow improvement, over the course of 4 years, and still isn't as good as it used to be before the Citalopram. It can still be a bit hit and miss but I think I'll continue to improve. I have my feeling back and I'm so happy! But I still would never take Citalopram again!

      Hope you're ok, and if you're suffering similar side effects as I have, don't give up, I'm sure you'll get better with time.

      Take care,

      Andie

    • Posted

      Lucky you ..at least you are heading in the right direction. That's not case with everyone....

  • Posted

    I have been on mine for the second time 40mg for 5 yrs this time and can confirm this is a written side effect on the instructions. ...I did also read somewhere that if you went to your doctors and explained they can prescribe you with something to help as its a written side effect, I just wish I had the guts to ask the doctor until I have looked into it properly to see how common it is...wish me luck!!
  • Posted

    I've just had my Citalopram upped to 30mg I suffer with depression with anxiety I have noticed over the past few months that I have next to no sex drive at all.I am really concerned about it but don't know what to do about it if that makes sense I know I need to be on these meds!.My partner is very understanding but how much more understanding will it take before he can't take anymore!.

  • Posted

    I thought I could take it when my wife's labido dropped. I stamped around like a hormonal nut. My wife viewed me as sexually aggressive.

    Sometimes you have to agree with each other to have sex.

    But it's up to you to review.

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