Yes, libido can return after stopping Lexapro (escitalopram), but the timeline varies from person to person. Some people experience a quick recovery, while others may take weeks or even months to regain their normal sex drive.
How Does Lexapro Affect Libido?
Lexapro is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression. While effective, SSRIs are known to cause sexual side effects, including:
🔻 Reduced Sexual Desire – A common side effect due to increased serotonin levels, which can suppress dopamine (a key player in sexual motivation).
🔻 Difficulty Achieving Arousal – Some people experience numbness or reduced sensitivity.
🔻 Delayed Orgasm or Anorgasmia – Lexapro can make it harder to climax or eliminate the ability to orgasm entirely.
🔻 Erectile Dysfunction or Vaginal Dryness – Some people struggle with physical sexual responses.
How Long Does It Take for Libido to Return After Stopping Lexapro?
The recovery timeline depends on factors like dosage, duration of use, and individual body chemistry:
⏳ A Few Weeks – Some people notice improvements within 2-4 weeks after stopping Lexapro.
⏳ A Few Months – For others, full libido recovery may take several months, especially if they used Lexapro for a long time.
⏳ Long-Term (Persistent Sexual Dysfunction) – In rare cases, some people experience Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), where sexual side effects continue even after stopping the medication.
How to Speed Up Libido Recovery After Lexapro?
✅ Exercise Regularly – Boosts dopamine and testosterone, improving libido.
✅ Manage Stress & Anxiety – Meditation, therapy, and deep breathing exercises can help.
✅ Eat Libido-Boosting Foods – Foods rich in zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats support sexual function.
✅ Try Herbal Libido Boosters – Natural African libido-enhancing herbs can support recovery. Many have used traditional African herbs for centuries to restore sexual vitality.
✅ Consider Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – Some doctors prescribe Wellbutrin, an antidepressant with fewer sexual side effects, as a replacement for Lexapro.
Related Search Questions:
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🔎 How to fix low libido after SSRI use?
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Would you like suggestions for herbal solutions or supplements to help speed up recovery? 🌿🔥
