Symptoms: Emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, depersonalization/derealization, tinnitus, muscle/joint pain, anhedonia, GI disturbances
I was prescribed Lexapro for depression, anxiety and chronic pain. While I was warned of sexual dysfunction, I was assured by my doctor that this specific side effect was, in all cases, temporary. ED was the only side effect he mentioned.
The dysfunction appeared within the first week of treatment, and I went off of the medication as soon as I noticed it, as instructed.
More than 10 years have passed and my problem has only gotten worse. Every aspect of my sexual function is severely damaged. No erogenous sensation remains, and I cannot have anything resembling a true orgasm. I appear to have developed penile fibrosis, which indicates long-term damage. Despite being completely defunct in this region, my libido yet survives. High libido paired with total loss of function and sensation is every bit as torturous as it sounds.
Having an essential component of your sexuality ripped from you at a young age is a hideously traumatic experience. If you think sex is an unimportant or dispensable aspect of your life, you are mistaken. You do not get used to this.
I hope PSSD is eventually recognized for what it is: an act of sexual violence against a vulnerable population.