Sexual roller-coaster on Citalopram

[Meerkat]

I've taken citalopram 20mg now for a while and in the 1st six weeks my sexlife changed drastically. It was not better or worse, but just different, taking much longer and eventually a lot more intense and satisfying. The frequency went down, though, and I was not as often preoccupied with it like I used to.
Over the last couple of weeks that changed and the relatively positive effects have stayed except that now the frequency of my urges has gone straight through the roof. Mrs. Meerkat at first welcomed this as rather amusing and enjoyable, but now it's getting a little much of the good thing. Although it's not yet interfering with the attention that the Meerkat offspring normally gets, the now nearly daily parental (sometimes multiple) romps sort of cut into their time.
For now, I accept it for what it is, but I'm sort of worried that I'm setting myself up for a crash.
Normally you hear only about this medication that it acts as a cold shower on sexuality, but I can't help but having to come to the conclusion that it works on me as is someone turned my sexual clock back to my mid-twenties (which is a loooooong time ago, I asure you.).
Anyone had this experience? If so, how do you deal with it?

[Celeste]

I have no sexual drive.....my husband is being very supportive. but for how long? is it celexa or is it because i feel so numb? i tired of trying to feel so normal.

[Rhone]

Hello Meer-
I have had a similar experience- I am new to Celexa but it had an immediate
effect that is like the one you describe. I will say that my sexual desire seems to follow my wife's cycle. I also accept this as a posotive side affect. My dosage is the same as yours as well. I am in my mid thirties and like you realize this roller coaster ride is one I can embrace. I do have a bit of a problem ejaculating and this does not frustrate me (the Celexa works!)-
All in all it is an odd wrinkle in the fabric that has become my life with this drug.

[Meerkat]

Hello Rhone,
Thanks for your take on it. I'm in my mid/early fifties, so my sudden boost in interest was somewhat as a surprise. I don't know how long you've been on celexa, but after about 3 months, Mrs Meerkat and myself figured out the ejaculation thing as well.

[Jim]

I've been on Celexa a little over a month now for mild depression/anxiety..started with 20mg, went to 40 2 weeks ago.

I'd be interested in how the Meerkats dealt with the "ejaculation" thing as this has become a major problem for me. I have plenty of drive, but can't seem to get to the end of the road..even after a couple of hours (my wife is quite patient :-))
I'm in my mid 50's

[phoebe]

Way to go Jim!!! The problem is ??? I'm sure your wife is pretty pleased. I too have drive but takes a long time to reach orgasm. My boyfriend on the other hand is not that patient. He can't seem to keep up with me. When i am getting started he is done. I'm in my twenties. He has gotton quite creative; i'm enjoying the ride. i am on 40 mg of celexa.

[Jim]

The problem is, that since being on Celexa I've been unable to achieve orgasm. We've tried several options/alternatives with no luck. She's pleased and patient with me but after 2-3 hours we're both pretty much worn out.

and trying to accomplish the completion on my own doesn't work either :-(

[phoebe]

That must be so frustrating for you. What does your doc say about it? Like i mentioned before, it takes a lot longer for me to reach orgasm either on my own or with help, but eventually i do. I;m sorry to hear about your concern.

[Jim]

Thank you. I saw my doctor last week and believe it or not forgot to discuss it as there were some other items on the agenda. yes, it is frustrating
but..hopefully will get past it. Will discuss with my doctor on the next visit.

Jim

[Meerkat]

Hi Jim, I tried to answer earlier, but sometimes this bord act a tad weird and apparently my reply didn't stick.
In any case, first of all, you're still in the buildup phase of your meds and as frustrating as it is, then the sexual side effects appear to be the worst. They will taper of after six to eight weeks if how it happened with me is any indication.
Second: If citalopram works with you as it has with me, then you'll notice a change in how you perceive your anxiety and more specifically; your anxiety about 'sexual malfunction'. Of course I don't know you from Adam, but with me that was somewhat of an issue. I was scared and confused about what to expect and how it would affect my sexual experience, performance and drive. It so appeared that this anxiety was a primary killer for any chance of 'making it to the end of the road' as you put it. Once I stopped worrying and fretting about it, it just happened and kept on going and then some. Sometimes 3 times daly.
Third: It will take a bit more than when you were 25 and it will also require some additional work from your partner. Mrs. Meerkat started doing Kegel-exercises and regularly working out again and that helped a lot.
Fourth: You stated that you are on 40mg for a mild depression & anxiety, but I take 20mg for fairly severe unipolar depression and PTSD and it does the job just fine. Maybe something to bring up with your doc. Mine, although I'm a civilian, is and Army doctor of the 'less-is-better' variety and he did a marvelous job of setting up a regimen for me that includes therapy, physical fitness and medication and I tell you, I haven't felt better than since I left the service, now 22 years ago.
Oh yes, and I finally quit the coffin-nails too, which is greatly appreciated by Mrs.Meerkat and the Meerkittens.
Hope that this gives you something to work with.

[phoebe]

Good luck talking to your doc. bout it. Perhaps he will recomnend another drug. Good luck.

[Bangalee]

Jim, my experience has been the same as yours and Meerkat's in several respects.

I'm 36 and was started on 20 mg. I had the same problem of being able to go on for a couple of hours but couldn't cum. Even trying to "go solo" didn't work - I would just end up with a sweat-soaked pillow and sheets, tennis elbow and a sore hand, but no orgasm.

I got used to 20 mg and was finally able to complete the sex act in about an hour. After the dosage was raised to 40 mg I had problems all over again as I adjusted to that dosage.

I'm now taking 40 mg of Celexa, 300 mg of Wellbutrin, blood pressure medication and about 10 ounces of hard liquor daily, but now I'm able to "do the deed" once a day if I want to, and can be done in about half an hour. When I'm feeling particularly frisky I can do it 3 times in one day, but my usual is 3-4 times per week.

I also credit quitting smoking with improving sex. I actually have more feeling "down there". I suppose this is because the nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarettes robs your blood of oxygen and less oxygen means poorer circulation and less sensation.

Anyway I just think you need time to get used to the medication and the higher dosage, and I'm sure things will improve for you. It may take longer to get there, but when you do...MAN is it ever intense! Note also that the addition of Wellbutrin did nothing to affect sex, so if the problem persists you might discuss switching from Celexa to Wellbutrin with your doctor.

[Jim]

Thanks, folks...good advice. I'll give it some more time. We've discussed switching meds previously as i was having some other unpleasant effects with Celexa. he prescribed it more for anxiety than depression. We've had a rather stressful home life the last several months and I suppose it all caught up with me. He felt that he'd rather have me on celexa than ativan which I
take as needed. He mentioned putting me on Zoloft instead, but other than the frustrating sexual effects the other unpleasant effects are no longer a problem My wife was on Wellbutrin for a while but she had some rather serious side effects and they took her off of that one pretty quick.

And yes, perhaps I should quit smoking.

Jim

[Jim]

Taking matters into my own hand today I finally had success
in reaching orgasm..took a while and as others have said it
seemed to last longer and was certainly more intense. Maybe
things are starting to work again!

Jim

[Meerkat]

Well, good for you, Jim!
That's the start and now hold on to the thought that you KNOW you can do it. Don't let any anxiety or fretting get in the way. It's your (healthy) mind over matter and your excitement with your partner that gets you to the next step when you feel you're ready for that even when you have to finish it with the fast 5. One step at a time.
Not wanting to sound too much like the typical Californian (which I'm not), but ya gotta be positive with it.
Mrs. Meerkat asks me to convey her congrats too, a request that I dutyfully and happily comply with.

Jim wrote:

Taking matters into my own hand today I finally had success
in reaching orgasm..took a while and as others have said it
seemed to last longer and was certainly more intense. Maybe
things are starting to work again!
Jim

[Thomas]

I am 28 and having the same problems.

It is so hard to ejaculate. It is starting to really tick me off and i ma thinking off coming of citalopram. I have only been on it a week though so I will give it some more time.

[carie uk]

hi thomas,hope u have stuck on the citalopram plan as when i started it i had no desire whats so ever,but after about 4 weeks i was back 2 normal,i,ve just had my dose increased by 10mg and guess what i got no sexy thoughts going on at all, but i no i will b back 2 normal in a few weeks!

[Gibbie]

I started on 20mg citalopram almost 5 months ago and moved to 40mg 2 months ago.

I reacted well and I'm really getting through the anxiety and depression (despite losing my job 2 months ago). Keeping fit, stopped drinking so much, and working through a book called "Mind Over Mood" has changed my life.

BUT I CANNOT EJACULATE!!!!!!!!!!

It's driving me crazy. The urges are incredible, the act(s) with my wife fantastic, but I cannot "get to the end of the road". I think I've managed it twice in 5 months.

***IMPORTANT NOTE***
It's not so bad that I'm going to stop the medication. I heard some bad stories but I never experienced any really bad side effects. Citalopram changed my life.

Anyway, I guess I just need to keep going and see where it leads. And have my wife walking like John Wayne for another short while...

[Zak]

I am also taking 40 mg celexa. Sex is definately at least 10 times more enjoyable, lasts longer and it is just amazing.

[Mixed emotions]

Hi everyone! I am so frustrated because I am not in a sexual mood at all! I just started Celexa 3 weeks ago and so far so good. I have not yelled or screamed since I have started taking Celexa. Before taking celexa I was a wreck. I couldn't sleep, eat, unsociable, anything negative you can think of. My atitude is alot better, but it is still not totally under control. What can I do about my sex drive? I will just do it to please him, but I get no satisfaction from it anymore, and I can not have an orgasm, no matter where he decides to put his face, lol! Can someone advise?