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Dr. Mariano:
Is it possible for Lexapro to actually improve libido? I was prescribed 10mg/day Lexapro about a month ago. I’ve always read that SSRI’s reduce libido and I already had low libido, so I was concerned. However, after about the second week, I’ve suddenly experienced a surge in libido? Is this possible? I’ve changed nothing else in regard to medications or nutrition since beginning the lexapro.
thank you
@dano 2919 wrote:
Dr. Mariano:
Is it possible for Lexapro to actually improve libido? I was prescribed 10mg/day Lexapro about a month ago. I’ve always read that SSRI’s reduce libido and I already had low libido, so I was concerned. However, after about the second week, I’ve suddenly experienced a surge in libido? Is this possible? I’ve changed nothing else in regard to medications or nutrition since beginning the lexapro.
thank you
Yes, in some people, Lexapro can improve libido.
Off the top of my head, generally, when this happens, Lexapro helps reduce norepinephrine signaling, reduces inflammatory cytokine signaling, helps improve adrenal function in response to stress, all without lowering dopamine signaling excessively – because it dose reduce dopamine, without increasing serotonin signaling excessively. The sum allows the libido circuitry to function by removing inhibitory signals, avoiding excessive inhibitory signaling, and allowing libido promoting signaling. Generally, adequate iron and other nutrients, and thyroid hormone and reproductive hormones are also a preexisting condition. Thus the right condition needs to be present to allow Lexapro to improve libido.
A similar situation happens in some men who experience improved libido with Finasteride treatment rather than the more common impaired libido. Just the right conditions need be present.
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