1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Citalopram

Citalopram and Loss of Sex Drive

Posted , 57 users are following.

Guest
Guest

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:

5 likes, 108 replies

108 Replies

Prev Next
  • steve50975
    steve50975 Guest

    Posted

    Hi Guys,

    Its my 3rd time on citalopram and yes it does effect your ability to orgasm and your sex drive in general.  Sadly, it doesnt really improve whilst you stay on the drug but the good news is,  it does (at least did for me) come back quite quickly after you stop taking the drug.

    For men. getting or at least maintaining an erection becomes very hard work.  Viagra or similar will help with the errection but doesnt help you reach orgasm and the sex is definately more mechanical and less enjoyable.

    It's a terrible side effect that doctors should tell you about as can cause real problems in your relationships and/or stop you wanting to get into relationships.  In terms of anxiety and depression though, it does work - it can take a number of weeks to really take affect although the side affects sadly begin almost immediately.

    I guess it depends how low you are.  if you feel as bad as i did,  you'll take anything to feel better and sex is the last thing on your mind at that time.  Having experienced being in this state both whilst with a partner and without,  i can only say its important to talk to your partner about it, explain its not their faul and not permanent and make an effort to please him or her even if you aren't getting any real satisfaction as they shuoldnt suffer completely because of your current state.

    If anybody knows of any counter drug that helps combat this lack of sexual appetite, i'd love to hear about it.  As a man, its pretty hard for us to pretend to be having sex and viagra isnt cheap.

  • oonagh68
    oonagh68 Guest

    Posted

    Ive been with someone for just over a month and at the same time had been on citalopram for a month. I get horny but reaching orgasm has only happened once. I feel like a failure... Hes very patient and I showed him this page... He understands but it doesn't stop me beating myself up. I ended up in tears last night after great sex in alsorts of interesting places lol... I just get so close to orgasm and then it eludes me. I know it is better to bed like this than to feel anxious but it's not great for the self esteem.
    • sam029
      sam029 oonagh68

      Posted

      Is it your first time on citalopram?! What dose are you on / 10 /20 mg etc.

      As a male I know it's a bit different but citalopram does seem to slow down to reach an orgasm in the usual time it'd take,and as I know and many others can verify, it's not as strong as before.

      I remember my first time taking it, I had quite a few side effects, however it does get better! Your body is getting used to this drug in your system, once settled with your partner and you're used to the dose of citalopram, you'll find it easier to reach climax..

      Don't beat yourself up, it doesn't mean jack, you have a sex drive, and your partner I'm sure is happy with this, for now focus on your mental health, and why you're on these meds ..

      Take it easy hope that helps.

      Sam

    • samantha71103
      samantha71103 sam029

      Posted

      How long did it take for u. Its been aboit 2 weeks now and im going crazy

      I literally cry. Im sam also.

  • NeedMoreTime
    NeedMoreTime Guest

    Posted

    I have been on Citalopram for almost 4 mts now. I started on 20mg but recently had meds upped to 40 mg. Sex was never a problem for me but I don't know can't quite grasp it yet. I use to always think about sex and want it but now I haven't thought bout sex in months. My finance is very understanding and I do give him sex whenever he wants it but when it comes to oral I'm numb down there, all I want him to do is stop....feels weird....I'm ok just need to get use to the dose change. Makes me more sleepy then ever, tired, don't want to be touched, my emotions are either everywhere or I don't feel anything at all. 

  • sarah752380
    sarah752380 Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    I have been on citalopram 30mg for about 6 months now. Previously I had a fairly high sex drive and my partner was equally matched. Not now! I just don't ever feel like sex anymore. The last time we had sex it was uncomfortable and I just wasn't in the mood for it. I got so frustrated that I couldn't come we switched to oral and then I was so distracted by my worry and frustration that I couldn't make him come! He eventually did. Then I cried. Luckily he was very nice and understanding. We have spoken about it in depth and he is very sweet and has said it doesn't matter as long as I get better. So that's the aim!

    I'm so glad I'm not alone on this.

  • john_30086
    john_30086 Guest

    Posted

    About 6 weeks ago I started to suffer badly with anxiety and panic attacks, which also resulted in my erectile dysfunction returning.

    I have suffered with erectile dysfunction for around 20 years, I'm only 40, and after having numerous tests the issue is not physical and probably psychological.

    I've been using cialis daily for over 5 years and it's been brilliant.

    However since the panic attacks it seems to have stopped working.

    My doctor prescribed citalopram 10mg for the anxiety which is took for 6 days missed a day then took for a further day, so 7 days in total. I took my last tablet exactly 3 weeks ago.

    Since then I have felt a lot calmer and the anxiety is well under control.

    My worry is now that I have PSSD after only 7 days on citalopram as after 3 weeks I can still not get a full erection, and what I do get seems to take a while to achieve.

    I'm also still taking the cialis everyday.

    I have noticed that if I wake up in the night I usually have a full erection that can hang around for a while too.

    I can also manage a full erection if I watch porn.

    I have a decent sex drive which has not gone I just can't manage an erection when I'm with my partner.

    Can anyone help with this?

    I'm worried it's a permanent result of the citalopram but could also be psychological again as I can manage a full erection at times and whist I'm asleep.

    Does anyone have any answers?

  • Molby
    Molby Guest

    Posted

    I don't get why people think it has a permanent effect, there is no evidence for that at all. When I have stopped taking it

    in the past my libido came back again quite soon after. It has its pros and cons. It does reduce arousal but if you are suffering from anxiety, stress and depression that is a good thing to dampen down the emotions. But of course there are times when you want to be aroused. Being single I can live with it though - mostly.

    • alex1979
      alex1979 Molby

      Posted

      Really? No evidence at all?

      You sound like someone who is prescribing these drugs.

    • Molby
      Molby alex1979

      Posted

      Are you asking me or telling that there is no evidence? If you disagree then rather than your snide unhelpful post perhaps post some evidence to the contrary.

      I haven't read any evidence on here that it lowers your libido and affects your erection permanently after you stop. Just people concerned it might. I thought I would try and reassure people that I stopped taking it for several years before taking it again and during those years my libido and full erections came back only to go again when I took Citalopram again. If it had a permanent effect then that would not have occurred. Again if you have any contrary evidence then post it rather than flippantly dismiss mine. Take it or leave it. I won't post again.

  • ashly95510
    ashly95510 Guest

    Posted

    I just started taking 40 MG of this new anxiety med. I have come to realize that I literally don't feel any oragasm at all in me. My sex drive is way way decreased. You are not alone and I will be trying a different med. It's been 2 weeks an i thought this one was good sad.

  • khamm69
    khamm69 Guest

    Posted

    I am just now starting This medication. Have read several negative reviews about a decrease in sex drive. which is a definite downer. Sex is a big part of a relationship. Take sex out of the equation and you're basically just friends. fortunately for me I have a higher than normal sex drive so hopefully I will be fine. Reading your review Is definitely inspiring to finally read something positive about the whole sex drive issue. I guess I will know how it affects me in a few weeks

  • khamm69
    khamm69 Guest

    Posted

    I am just now starting This medication. Have read several negative reviews about a decrease in sex drive. which is a definite downer. Sex is a big part of a relationship. Take sex out of the equation and you're basically just friends. fortunately for me I have a higher than normal sex drive so hopefully I will be fine. Reading your review Is definitely inspiring to finally read something positive about the whole sex drive issue. I guess I will know how it affects me in a few weeks

  • samantha71103
    samantha71103 Guest

    Posted

    What do i do?! my sex drive is GONE sad my boyfriend is insecure i told him its my meds but is there any thing i can do?
Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.