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Anti Depression Meds & Sexual performance

Hello Folks....First post (go gentle)
I am a 53 year old, healthy male, physically fit (but not precious about exercise)
I separated from my wife three years ago & have been happily single since...
I suffered a bout of depression 4 years ago was prescribed Citolpram (20mg), it’s great, it does the job...and I feel I could comfortably come off the drug now, but keep taking it out of habit.
I haven’t had any sexual experiences for three years since my separation, but recently met this fantastic lady...and we had our first weekend away this weekend. Aside from the fact that we are very in tune with each other culturally & mentally....the sex was phenomenal. I was quite obviously worried about my ability to perform (I’m not young anymore !) BUT...when she gave me oral & when we had penetrative sex...I could hardly feel it. I’ve varying accounts of people losing their libido when taking Citalopram, I had no problem maintaining an erection or ejaculation (it took longer) but the loss of sensitivity is worrying ? Anyone with a similar experience or advice ?
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134578 tn?1693250592
My brother took an anti-depressant with a name that began with C, but I don't know for sure if it's the one you named. He mentioned once that it slowed things down in bed. (I said, "That's good, right? Women are supposed to like it if the guy can go longer," and he said, "Yeah, but she's taking it too, and it takes her longer as well.") It didn't sound like he was saying he couldn't get an erection, just that reaching ejaculation took longer.

There should be an FAQ section in the documentation that comes with your prescription, or on the website for your medication. Here's an example of an anecdotal approach rather than clinical FAQ's:  https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jun/08/my-life-in-sex-after-taking-antidepressants-my-genitals-felt-numb
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
Congrats on your new relationship. :)

Unfortunately, genital numbness is a fairly common side effect of SSRIs, which is what citalopram is. Some SSRIs cause more sexual side effects than others, and everyone will react differently, but definitely talk to your doctor. Perhaps now is a good time to discontinue it, or lower the dose, or try to switch meds. Don't stop taking it on your own. Some meds can cause serious neurological issues if stopped cold-turkey.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side-effects/201906/post-ssri-sexual-dysfunction-recognized-medical-condition

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-7125745/How-depression-pills-wreck-sex-life.html

Helpful - 0
20620809 tn?1504362969
Talk to your doctor.  They sometimes can do some minor changes to help patients who experience sexual side effects form SSRI's and other antidepressants.  An example is a 'drug holiday'.  That's where they lower the dose for say a Saturday and Sunday and during that time, erection and ejaculation is easier.  https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/antidepressant-sexual-side-effects#management  This article gives basic but good suggestions including timing of medication, dosing adjustments, etc.  With your doctors help, this can hopefully be managed.  It is for many.  Most with depression and anxiety find ways to still continue on their meds than to discontinue them.  
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