Creator: Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Published: 2020-08-18T12:30:05-04:00

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am experiencing premature ejaculation ever since I stopped using Lexapro (Escitalopram). I am very worried about this as it is damaging my sex life and in turn my self-esteem and was wondering if this is a temporary side affect of stoping Lexapro and if so how long does it last?

Answered by Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your situation. But sexual side effects related to tablet Lexapro are decreased libido or delayed orgasm or erectile dysfunction. I would like to say that actually some of SSRI (Fluoxetine) group of medication are used as a treatment of premature ejaculation. Still, if you think that you have premature ejaculation due to Lexapro then it will cure within a week of stopping your medication. I would like you to follow below lifestyle to deal with your depression and increase your self-esteem.

You should do exercises daily for 30 - 45 minutes like at least going for a walk. You should learn to do kegel exercise which can help you to deal with your problem of premature ejaculation.

You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, just sit at one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts, just let it be.

You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, avoid junk foods.

You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are leaving away from your family.

You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, learning new skills or language or musical instruments.

You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily.

You must avoid tobacco or alcohol or any substance abuse.

Live your life, do not just spend it. Be bold and confident.

I hope this helps.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

So you are saying that in case I do not suffer from premature ejaculation, and it is only a side effect from stopping Lexapro. Will it stop within a week of completely stopping the medication?

And a follow up question, if I do actually suffer from premature ejaculation, and it is something I only discover now, should I keep using Lexapro in order to prevent it? If so how much should I take? I am currently taking 15 mg. And how long should I wait before deciding whether I suffer from PE or if it is just a side effect?

Answered by Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

As per medication side effects details, there is no side effect of premature ejaculation from this medication. But as you feel that this is due to this medication then you completely stop this medication and wait for one week. If still, you have problem persistent then it is obvious that it is not due to Lexapro. I hope that you are getting my point. You can start with capsule Fluoxetine, which is more useful for premature ejaculation. It will also help you to deal with your depression. It belongs to the same group of Lexapro, you can use it but clinically capsule Fluoxetine is more successful than Lexapro for PME. You should also try to follow the above guidelines which will be more effective than even medication. Kegel exercise specifically is more effective.

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