What causes low libido after taking medications for OCD?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a bad complaints of OCD 7 years ago, then I met with a Psychiatrist, he advised me Clonazepam 0.5 at night alongwith Escitalopram 10 mg in the morning. I felt a little comfort. But for getting more effectiveness I increased myself the dose of Clonazepam upto 2 mg for anxiety, panic attacks, etc. Now I am quite well using the above-mentioned medicines and I do not miss my dose (Escitalopam 10 and at night 2 mg Clonazepam). Now I am facing serious problems of sexual erection due to which my marriage life is disturbing because my libido is too much low. It is requested to kindly help me or advise me in the matter.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your situation. I can imagine how hard it must be for you. I would put forward a few things you need to consider right now. First of all, Clonazepam at a dose of 2 mg if used for long duration can be addictive. This medication should be used only for initial few weeks or months to stabilize the anxiety symptoms.

Escitalopram unfortunately can cause sexual side effects, what you can do is, if medication is working for you, ask your doctor to add something for sexual side effects or you can ask for changing the medication. Please do not worry as this is a common side-effect and only stays till the medication is going on and it gets normal after a few days of stopping the medication.

Please do not stop medications suddenly, you need to taper them off and also take an alternative medicine otherwise your OCD symptoms can come back. You can start therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy will help you with OCD symptoms and this will help you getting off of medications soon.