I understand that some people experience sexual side effects from Lexapro and I am just wondering what these effects are since "sexual side effects" is such a broad term.Lack of interest in sex? Impotence? unable to ejaculate? If anyone has any insight please be specific.I am seriously debating this med but I DONT wanna ruin my sex life.

For me it got better over time but the inability of the "O" was the main problem and is for a lot. I didn't really lose interest although I didn't have a boyfriend much of the time so who knows. This was with Paxil. It's different with everyone and every med I know so give it a shot first cuz you may not have any.

Brice,

If you don't want to risk the side effects of an anti-depressant there are other things that you can take that are natural and better for you.

Try looking into L-Tyrosine along with L-Tryptophan ( Amino Acids). Do a bit of research and I think you'll be surpised. Look for a good B-Complex vitamin. ( including 56 and B12)

I have also heard of others using St. John's Wort but I have never used this myself.

A good diet is important!! LOTS OF VEGGIES!! Especially green ones!!

A good sleep routine reduces stress and anxiety as well as EXERCISE!

Exercise will increase your brain with those natural "feel good" chemicals and boost your energy level.

I wish you well Brice!

thanks for the replies.I was on Paxil along time ago and did have a VERY delayed orgasm.My g/f thought I was superman but damn,it sucked in my mind.I really dont wanna go through that again but it looks like I might be in for it if I choose the Lexapro route.
Sunset, I will def. look into those options.I did a little research about 5HT-P and SJW but nothing got me really convinced.I have a REAL bad problem with motivation and just know that I might not stick to a plan that involves alot of variables such as watching my diet, exercising regularly, taking certain pills throughout the day.I know that sounds awful to say but my motivation/determination is just gone.Have you had luck going the natural route?if so please share....thaks again
Brice

I did the natural route for awhile. 5HTP, Gaba, B supplements, valerian, and more all under supervision from a homeopathic dr. I don't knock them at all but my opinion is that they're more beneficial for mild stress and depression and of course everyone is different. Also, they take longer to kick in. I've decided to go back on the meds route as it really was helpful. I still take supplments and they do help but not enough to rid panic attacks.

Good luck Brice!

Brigitte,
Did you know that you can stop a panic attack by yourself only in a matter of seconds?? A panic attack is created by YOU, therefore, you control how long it lasts. Didn't you say that you did the program before ( or was that someone else), do you know the skills and have you worked them in conjunction with the "natural" route ??

Sunset, hello, easier said than done or else we'd all be free of them wouldn't we?.haha..yes, I've done the program and yes I know the whole cognitive thing. I've done about 15 years of research, books, seminars, tapes, EFT, hypnotherapy, homeopathy, breathing, positive imagery (shall I go on?)...the bottom line is to just float I know but it's the chemical reaction is too severe to just "relax and float". I can float through anxiety but not panic attacks. I did well on meds and decided to go back on meds. Don't want to feel guilty about that. some of us are wired that way. My grandmother, my mother, sister, brother and now niece all have anxiety and depression. Not a coincedence I dont' think so not gonna fight a losing battle. thank you though.

Yeah, My father, grandfather, uncles and aunts all have anxiety and depression as well. It's all my dad's side of the family and my mom's side suffers with alcholism. Thankfully my mom isn't a bad drinker though. God has really played a big part in her life and I believe that has kept her clean. You are right, you shouldn't feel guilty in what you choose for yourself. Why should you?

I learned my anxiety as it was passed down to me. My father's way of thinking really rubbed off onto me and my other siblings. My children will have a different outcome though and that's because I talk differently in front of them and am teaching them skills as they grow. That's one thing I never had growing up. I literally thought, "hey, if I feel this way, then that must be the way it is" and it's just not true. The MWC program taught me that.

What did the MWC program do for you ? Has it helped you to make major changes in your life? where you able to feel the effects of your positive thinking? Just curious.

Take care of yourself. I wish you the very best.

Hello again. I can relate to the negative upbringing. I've learned through a great therapist referred by the midwest center that my chemical imbalance is one thing but the "triggers" are another and were learned growing up and of course no meds in the world can undo your triggers....or in other words.....you're thinking and reactions. What the program did for me was a few things. I already did a lot of what it taught so it gave me confidence to know that was okay (be assertive, okay to say no, relax and not stress out,etc). The main thing it did was teach me the self talk and to switch the neg into a positive. I have been able to "stop" myself a lot more easier now and am able to catch myself thinking neg where before I didn't really. As far as my day to day life, I'm doing really well and on no meds. But....something out of the blue, stuck in traffic jam (even that I'm better), interrupted sleep by loud noises (things out of my control of course), confined spaces...my panic sets in and I can't float through it. However, I've minimized it a great deal. The reason I've decided to go back on meds is basically because before I became more educated, I was on meds and I saw what it did for me. It did a lot. Mainly I traveled, drove far from home alone and more. I'm in a healthy relationship now and really really want to see the world. I've fought with myself for over 2 years now on whether to go on meds or not. I've done the natural route, this program and more and it just isn't quite enough for my panic attacks............so........with only one time around this world I'm going for it. But this time...I've got the combo of both and who knows, I may be able to go off later but not gonna worry about it.

thanks for the kind words. I plan to touch base after my meds as well. =D

Brigitte,
I have heard many great things about taking both meds along with doing this program. I have heard that recovery is quicker. I have not learned this first hand but it is what I have heard. I took Paxil for only about 6 weeks and then removed myself because of the stories I heard about tapering off and "zaps". The idea of having to go through that and the beginning side effects were scary to me and when I heard that I could get over this without them and would have to deal with my bad thoughts and feelings eventually ( on my own without meds), I decided to go the other way. For me, it has been proven very helpful.

Everyone has a different experience. With or without meds, it doesn't matter, people just need to do what's best for them individually.

I hope you get that chance to see the world and travel like you want to. I love to travel. I wish you the very best.

Thanks for sharing here about yourself.

Brice, there are things you can get from your doctor regarding sexual side effects. What about testosterone creams ? Have you read about using these for sexual problem? I have heard they work.