Premature ejaculation- one of the worst bedroom blues where you desperately chase satisfaction but end up in frustration, depression, and embarrassment. It leaves you breathless but nowhere near the finish line. The question lingers in your mind, “Why can’t I just…?” Well, no need to worry. There are various treatment options for premature ejaculation, and Lexapro is one of them.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 20-30% of males suffer from premature ejaculation, irrespective of their race and ethnicity. [1] These alarming statistics indicate that every 1 male among 3 suffers from PE. Therefore, there are different over-the-counter medications, including Lexapro, for males dealing with premature ejaculation to delay their orgasm.
In this blog, we will get into the details of Lexapro, how it works, its effectiveness, and its side effects.
Lexapro (Escitalopram) belongs to the class of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders in adults, elders, and children aged 7 or more. [2] One of the side effects of Escitalopram is delayed orgasm. Due to this reason, it is also used as an off-label medication for premature ejaculation.
Lexapro or Escitalopram boost serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake. It does not only delay ejaculation, but higher serotonin levels in the brain can also help with arousal and delayed gratification, which might extend the time to reach the climax.
Besides Lexapro, other SSRIs studied for PE are:
Lexapro is not an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It is prescribed as an off-label drug for PE. However, while using Lexapro for premature ejaculation, males should keep in mind that its primary approval is limited to the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders.
The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology published a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial which studied the efficacy of Escitalopram in the treatment of premature ejaculation. [3]
In this study, 276 married males received 10 mg of Escitalopram or placebo for 12 weeks after pretreatment evaluation. The efficacy of the Escitalopram and placebo was assessed every 2 weeks, at the cessation of treatment, and at 3 and 6-month intervals after cessation.
As a result, the group that received Escitalopram showed improvement in premature ejaculation and long-term benefits after the cessation of treatment. These results suggest that Lexapro is effective in the treatment of premature ejaculation. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy conclusively.
Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram. It is available in the form of oral solutions and tablets. Your doctor may advise you to take it once a day.
It is critical to note that the FDA has not approved or determined the exact dosage for Lexapro to treat premature ejaculation. However, the typical dosage given in clinical trials is 10 mg once a day. [3] [4] If you’re considering Lexapro as a treatment option for PE, consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential benefits, side effects, and dosage.
Additionally, antidepressants like escitalopram are not suitable for everyone. The choice of treatment depends on your medical history, past medical history, health conditions, and your current medical regimen for comorbid conditions. It is essential to consult a doctor before starting this medication for yout safety profile.
Although the exact duration has not been determined yet, the clinical trials suggest that Lexapro takes at least 4 weeks or more to show significant results. [5] Moreover, the side effects of Lexapro start to become insignificant after 4 weeks.
If you have just started it, be patient and continue taking your medication according to your doctor’s advice. It might take several weeks to show significant results. If you have used it for several months and haven’t noticed any improvement, consult your healthcare professional to discuss your concerns.
Lexapro is taken once a day, either in the morning or at night. There is no specific time, but if you feel insomnia or sleeplessness after taking Lexapro, you can take it in the morning. Moreover, whether you take it in the morning or evening, there is no difference in efficacy. [7]
All antidepressants, including Escitalopram, are associated with certain undesirable side effects. According to the Journal of Human Andrology, these side effects are more marked in early weeks. After 4 weeks, they tend to subside gradually. [5]
The mild side effects of Lexapro are:
The more serious side effects of Lexapro are:
A few studies suggest that Lexapro can negatively affect sperm parameters after long-term use. [6] H. koyuncu et Al. studied the effect of Escitalopram treatment on semen parameters. [4]
This study involved 25 patients with lifelong PE who met the criteria of the International Society of Sexual Medicine. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and semen parameters were assessed before the treatment and at 1 and 3-month intervals after the treatment. They received 10 mg of Escitalopram once a day for 12 weeks.
In the third month of treatment, there was a significant improvement in intravaginal ejaculatory time and satisfaction rates. However, semen parameters showed a decrease in sperm motility and concentration and altered morphology of sperms. This data suggests that Lexapro can improve PE, but it can negatively impact semen parameters. There is a need to investigate the exact mechanisms further.
Lexapro has a few contraindications. People with serotonin syndrome, those using MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), pimozide, and those having known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or any of its ingredients should not use Escitalopram.
It is important to note that Lexapro can interact with other SSRIs, SNRIs or tryptophans, NSAIDs, Aspirin, and Warfarin. Concomitant use of these medications is not recommended.
While Lexapro is an off-label drug for premature ejaculation, it is associated with certain side effects. If you are suffering from PE, consult your doctor to discuss your health condition, current medications, possible benefits, and side effects to start a regimen of Lexapro.
1.Gillman N, Gillman M. Premature Ejaculation: Aetiology and Treatment Strategies. Medical sciences. 2019;7(11):102-102. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci7110102
2.Landy K, Rosani A, Estevez R. Escitalopram. Nih.gov. Published November 10, 2023. Accessed April 9, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557734/
3-Mohammad Reza Safarinejad. Safety and Efficacy of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. 2007;27(5):444-450. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/jcp.0b013e31814b98d4
4.H Koyuncu, Serefoglu EC, E Yencilek, H Atalay, Akbas NB, K Sarıca. Escitalopram treatment for premature ejaculation has a negative effect on semen parameters. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2011;23(6):257-261. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2011.35
5.Adham Zaazaa, Selim O, Hossam Hosny Awad, Soltan G, Ghanem H. Safety and efficacy of escitalopram in the treatment of premature ejaculation. Human Andrology (Print). 2012;2(1):16-18. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/01.xha.0000410959.63823.93
6.HIGHLIGHTS of PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021323s047lbl.pdf
7.Han KM, Yoon HK. Comparison of Morning and Evening/Night Dosing on the Efficacy of Escitalopram in Major Depressive Disorder at Naturalistic Setting. Chronobiology in medicine (Online). 2019;1(4):152-156. doi:https://doi.org/10.33069/cim.2019.0029
Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction are usually deemed as sexual disorders which men develop in old age; however, recent surveys have found that younger people are equally susceptible or even more prone to develop such issues. Let’s find out what are the causative factors that have resulted in such a high preponderance of these sexual […]
One popular treatment medicine to combat Premature Ejaculation is Sertraline (Zoloft®). It is an antidepressant that has shown its potential in treating PE. A clinical trial published in the International Journal of Impotence Research included 46 potent men diagnosed with premature ejaculation. They were given Sertraline from 25mg to 100mg per day. They experienced an […]
Did you know premature ejaculation is the most common sexual disorder among males affecting upto 30-40% of the male population worldwide (1)? Men usually tend to hide their sexual problems because of societal pressure and the stigma related to sexual dysfunction. As a result they may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or drinking. […]
Taking SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) for depression or anxiety can sometimes lead to sexual dysfunction. This condition is called Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD). The risk of PSSD is low but still notable—about 1 in 216 people who take SSRIs may end up with PSSD. In general, PSSD affects about 4.3 in every 100,000 […]
When seeking to gain more control over your ejaculation, you may have come across many different products claiming to help. But knowing where to start as someone looking for a reliable solution can be difficult. One product that is growing in popularity is Promescent Delay Spray, formulated with special ingredients designed to create longer-lasting pleasure […]
Usage, Dosage, Side Effects And Overall Review When it comes to overcoming erectile dysfunction (ED) and achieving a thriving sex life, tadalafil has emerged as a game-changer. With its long-lasting effects and flexibility, this medication has brought hope and renewed confidence to individuals and couples worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins […]