Lexapro®

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Primarily, SSRIs are antidepressants. They’re sometimes prescribed alongside cognitive behavioral therapy to help people manage depression, anxiety and panic disorders.^[1]

It was also noticed that SSRIs increased the length of time it took men to climax. Because of this side effect, SSRIs are often prescribed ‘off-label’^[2] to men who suffer from premature ejaculation.

Premature ejaculation is when men ejaculate too quickly, or sooner than they want it to, during sex. Often referred to as PE, it can affect relationships and cause unwanted stress and anxiety the longer it goes untreated.

How does Lexapro work?

It was discovered that SSRIs can sometimes delay ejaculation, and so they’re sometimes prescribed ‘off-label’ to men who suffer from premature ejaculation (PE). They work by raising your serotonin levels, or more specifically, stopping it from being reabsorbed, which is known as ‘reuptake’.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates numerous physiological functions, including mood and memory.^[3] The effect medications like Lexpro have on your serotonin is thought to play a part in controlling how long it takes you to reach climax. By allowing you to last longer, the tablets can put you back in control of your sex life.

What doses of Lexapro are there?

Lexapro tablets are available in three strengths — 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.

Our clinicians can take the full picture of your health into account before recommending a starting dose they think is safe and suitable for you.

How to take Lexapro

Lexapro can be taken with or without food. You should always take the tablets exactly as they’ve been prescribed.

Whichever strength tablet you’re taking, you will usually only need to take one each day. Taking more than you need won’t help improve your PE symptoms. SSRIs work by building up in your system, so doubling your dose or taking them shortly before sex won’t make them more effective at slowing down the time it takes you to ejaculate. Instead, take the tablets at the same time each day.

How long does it take Lexapro to work?

It’s hard to say exactly how long it will be before you see the benefits of Lexapro. People respond to medications differently, and since there aren’t a great amount of studies about using escitalopram to treat premature ejaculations, we can’t say for certain when you’ll start to feel the full effects of the tablets.

Compared to other antidepressants, though, escitalopram is thought to have a faster onset of action.^[1] SSRIs are usually prescribed for a number of months so they can build up in your system, but based on a 2006 study, escitalopram might work sooner than other similar SSRIs. Another study found that the benefits of escitalopram can be long-term, continuing after a course of treatment is finished.^[2]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Lexapro?

You should always take Lexapro exactly how a clinician has advised you to. If you forget to take your tablet at the usual time, you can take it as soon as you remember. If you realize you’ve missed a dose the following day, you don’t need to double your dose to make up for it. Just skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage routine.

If you accidentally take too much Lexapro, go to your nearest hospital and seek urgent medical attention. If you can, bring the package insert that comes with your tablets so you can get the right help sooner.