Premature ejaculation (PE) can be a very frustrating problem. It can make sexual intimacy difficult and can have a negative effect on a person’s self-esteem.
Several studies suggest that prescription antidepressants such as escitalopram can treat PE. These medications treat depression and anxiety by bringing serotonin levels back up to normal.
How Long Does Lexapro Take to Work for Premature Ejaculation?
A number of different medications can help delay ejaculation, including antidepressants and drugs originally designed to treat erectile dysfunction. Numbing creams or sprays applied to the head and shaft of the penis may also be effective for some people. Behavioral therapy and counseling can help address any emotional or psychological factors that are contributing to the problem.
SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Lexapro, have been shown to be effective in treating PE. This type of medication helps to increase serotonin levels, which may reduce the urge to ejaculate. The drug is typically prescribed in combination with behavior therapy or counseling to ensure that the underlying causes of the problem are addressed.
One SSRI, paroxetine (Paxil(r)), was found to be just as effective in increasing IELT as the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine (Clomid(r)). Compared with placebo, both drugs delayed PE by about a minute. SSRIs can cause a variety of side effects, however. Nausea, diarrhea and fatigue are common. These symptoms usually dissipate with time. SSRIs can also interfere with sleep and concentration, and may lead to a feeling of restlessness.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially any that increase serotonin levels or may interact with sertraline. Some of these include certain antidepressants, blood thinners, narcotics and many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. A list of these medications should be provided to the doctor when you start treatment for PE.
In addition to SSRIs, other medications that can decrease PE include anesthetics such as lidocaine and numbing sprays. Some over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen, are also effective for some people. Drugs called a1-adrenoceptor antagonists, which are typically prescribed for high blood pressure or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), have also been shown to be effective in delaying PE.
Taking Lexapro
A prescription-strength medication, Lexapro is an antidepressant in a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Also sold as Zoloft, it can help relieve PE by altering the brain chemicals that control orgasm and ejaculation. It is generally safe, but you should talk to your doctor before taking it for this purpose. SSRIs can interfere with some other medications, such as antipsychotics, so you should let your doctor know about all the drugs you take.
SSRIs can cause side effects, including sexual inhibition, but these tend to be mild and short-lived. For this reason, it is not recommended to use them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you have a history of gastrointestinal distress or bleeding problems, sertraline may not be right for you. Other SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine, have been shown to be effective at delaying orgasm and ejaculation in men with PE.
Another option is to use an anesthetic cream or spray to delay ejaculation. This is applied to the head and shaft of the penis and is absorbed for 10 to 30 minutes. You should wash the anesthetic off before sex to prevent your partner from becoming sensitized. Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil (Viagra(r)), tadalafil (Cialis(r)), vardenafil (Levitra(r)), and avanafil (Stendra(r)), have also been shown to be helpful for men with PE.
A study published in 2006 showed that daily treatment with clomipramine (another type of SSRI) was effective at delaying orgasm and reducing the frequency of PE. However, this drug can also increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. For this reason, it is not recommended for people who have heart disease or a history of depression. An on-demand version of clomipramine, called citalopram, is available, and it was found to be just as effective for treating PE as daily treatment in a 2021 study.
Effects of Lexapro
Premature ejaculation is a common problem for men of all ages. It can affect younger men with limited sexual experience, older men who are experiencing age-related changes in their physical function, and everyone in between. While there is no cure for PE, many people find relief through a combination of lifestyle and pharmaceutical treatments.
One of the most popular and well-researched methods for treating PE is with SSRIs. Several studies have shown that fluoxetine and other SSRIs can reduce PE by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. SSRIs are also known to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can often be associated with PE.
While SSRIs can be effective in improving PE, there are some potential side effects that should be taken into account. Some men may experience sleepiness, dizziness, or nausea when taking SSRIs for PE. These side effects should be discussed with a doctor before starting treatment. Additionally, it is important not to stop or change the dosage of SSRIs without first discussing this with your provider. Doing so can lead to a severe withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, headache, and sleeping problems.
Another potential side effect of SSRIs is delayed ejaculation, or anorgasmia. This is a condition in which a man experiences difficulty reaching an orgasm during sexual stimulation, and can cause distress and sexual frustration. SSRIs can sometimes cause this side effect, but it is usually temporary and does not last long.
A study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research in 2011 found that escitalopram (Lexapro) had a negative impact on the quality of sperm. The study involved 25 men with PE who underwent a sperm analysis before and after 12 weeks of Lexapro use. The results showed that escitalopram significantly reduced sperm motility and sperm morphology, which can be harmful to the male reproductive system.
