Lexapro (Escitalopram) Side Effects: What You Should Know

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe First WeekCommon Side EffectsSerious Side EffectsDrug InteractionsCopingTaking SafelyWithdrawalOverdoseWhen to Seek HelpFAQs

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

The First Week

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Drug Interactions

Coping

Taking Safely

Withdrawal

Overdose

When to Seek Help

FAQs

Close

What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro side effects?You may experience side effects during your first week on Lexapro, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. These effects usually dissipate as your body adjusts to your medication.Do not stop taking your medication abruptly if you do experience side effects, since doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. Instead, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your best options.

What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro side effects?

You may experience side effects during your first week on Lexapro, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. These effects usually dissipate as your body adjusts to your medication.Do not stop taking your medication abruptly if you do experience side effects, since doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. Instead, contact your healthcare provider to discuss your best options.

If you or someone you love istaking Lexapro or escitalopram(the generic version)—or thebrand name Cipralexif you are in the UK—you should be aware of the common and serious side effects of Lexapro. People who use Lexapro may also experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping this medication, as well as a risk of overdose if it is taken in too-high doses.

At a GlanceIf your doctor has prescribed Lexapro, you might wonder what you should expect. Some side effects are completely normal at first (think dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and trouble sleeping). The good news is that these side effects usually fade as your body gets used to taking the medication. You should be feeling mostly back to normal after a week or two, but talk to your doctor if side effects last longer or include more serious symptoms like bleeding, bruising, mania, allergic reactions, hallucinations, changes in blood pressure, or other concerning issues. Also, be sure to skip mixing Lexapro with blood thinners or other medications that affect serotonin levels—and clear it with your doc before you start taking other medications or supplements to rule out any tricky interactions.

At a Glance

If your doctor has prescribed Lexapro, you might wonder what you should expect. Some side effects are completely normal at first (think dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, and trouble sleeping). The good news is that these side effects usually fade as your body gets used to taking the medication. You should be feeling mostly back to normal after a week or two, but talk to your doctor if side effects last longer or include more serious symptoms like bleeding, bruising, mania, allergic reactions, hallucinations, changes in blood pressure, or other concerning issues. Also, be sure to skip mixing Lexapro with blood thinners or other medications that affect serotonin levels—and clear it with your doc before you start taking other medications or supplements to rule out any tricky interactions.

Your First Week on Lexapro

You may experience side effects during the first week of treatment. During your first week of taking Lexapro, some of the most common side effects you might experience include:

How long will Lexapro side effects last?These side effects will likely dissipate after your first one to two weeks of taking the medication. If they persist longer, talk to your care provider. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medication altogether.

How long will Lexapro side effects last?

These side effects will likely dissipate after your first one to two weeks of taking the medication. If they persist longer, talk to your care provider. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medication altogether.

While you might be experiencing some side effects during your first week of taking Lexapro, you may also feel relief from physical symptoms of your mental health condition, such as improved energy and appetite. Mental health symptoms, such asdepressed moodorlack of interest in activities, for instance, may take longer to improve (between six and eight weeks).

Common Lexapro Side Effects

It’s important to remember that side effects are normal and even expected. Roughly 75% of people takingantidepressant medicationsexperience some type of side effects.

While there is a good chance you’ll experience at least some side effects, your physician may still prescribe this medication if they feel that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Some of the most common side effects people experience while taking Lexapro are:

It is important to know that these side effects may appear within the first two weeks of taking the medicine and subside as your body adjusts to it. Additionally, if your Lexapro dosage is increased at a later date, side effects that went away prior to the increase are unlikely to reoccur.

Serious Lexapro Side Effects

If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Black Box Warning

Warning signsto watch for include new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, actions, thoughts, or feelings. Someone who is considering suicide may talk about feeling trapped or a burden to others, increase their drug or alcohol use, isolate from others, or change their sleep patterns, among other actions.

If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Lexapro Drug Interaction Side Effects

Taking Lexapro with other medications, supplements, or substances can also lead to unpleasant or potentially dangerous drug interactions. The following drugs have been known to interact with Lexapro and should be used with caution.

Blood Thinners

Lexapro can increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood thinners such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and warfarin. Warfarin has the potential to interact with several differenttypes of antidepressants.

A study in theJournal of the American Osteopathic Associationfound that patients taking SSRIs are 40% more likely to develop severe gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if they are also taking NSAIDs.

Talk to your physician before taking NSAIDs such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen).

Serotonergic Medication

Medications that may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome include:

The best way to avoid any possible drug interaction is to provide your doctor with a complete list of any prescription and over-the-counter medications (including supplements) you are currently taking.

Coping With Lexapro Side Effects

Lexapro’s side effects can sometimes be a bit unpleasant at first, but they are usually mild. In other words, they can be annoying at first, but they can be managed fairly easily. Talk to your doc about some of the things you can do to feel better until the worst of the side effects start to wear off. Som strategies they might suggest include:

Taking Lexapro Safely

Escitalopram is considered one of the safest antidepressants.That said, as with any kind of treatment, it is important to follow your physician’s instructions for medication use, including when to take the medication, whether it’s okay to increase the dose, what to do if you miss a dose, and medications, foods, and substances to avoid.

If you want to deviate from your treatment plan for any reason, talk with a healthcare provider first. They can help you make changes that provide the desired results without negatively impacting your treatment outcome.

Use As Directed

Depending on your diagnosis, your physician may prescribe Lexapro for a defined period (between six months and one year) or for an extended period (over many years). Ask them or a pharmacist if you have any questions about this medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose?If youmiss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In that case,don’t double up. Just skip the missed dose and make plans to take your next dose as usual.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If youmiss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In that case,don’t double up. Just skip the missed dose and make plans to take your next dose as usual.

Precautions When Taking Lexapro

The medication’s side effects may also be more severe in older adults.If you are in this group, your physician will need to carefully monitor your dose.

Prior to starting escitalopram or Lexapro, tell your care provider if you are allergic or hypersensitive to escitalopram oxalate or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s also important to alert them if you have a history of any of the following medical conditions:

People taking Lexapro should avoid drinking alcohol and taking illicit drugs, as these substances can reduce the effectiveness of the medication and increase its toxicity.

Lexapro Withdrawal Side Effects

Once you start taking Lexapro, you shouldn’t stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. It’s never a good idea to stop your medication abruptly as this may cause you to experiencewithdrawal symptoms, such as:

To reduce the risk of these effects, your doctor may reduce your dosage over the course of several days before discontinuing the medicine altogether. Tapering your medication slowly allows your body to adjust and minimizes the risk of withdrawal effects.

Lexapro Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

Signs of Lexapro Overdose

If you or a loved one has accidentally or intentionally overdosed on escitalopram, the symptoms will typically start out mild and non-specific, worsening over time. Signs of Lexapro overdose include:

If you or a loved one show these symptoms and you suspect an overdose, call 911 or immediately go to the emergency room.

Toxic and potentially life-threatening complications that can later emerge due to taking too much Lexapro can include:

How to Recognize the Signs of Overdose

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most Lexapro side effects usually do not require medical intervention, you should report them to your healthcare provider if they continue for longer than one week or if they interfere with your daily routine. Your physician may decide to adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication entirely.

Also, while there are several fairly common side effects associated with escitalopram, you may find that you experience other less common side effects as well. If you do, alert your physician. You should never stop or change the dosage of your medication on your own.

Remember to consult your healthcare provider any time you’re unsure about any symptoms you experience while taking any medication. Most of the time, particularly in the case of antidepressants, other medication options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common side effects of escitalopram when you first start taking it include gastrointestinal issues, headache, dry mouth, and insomnia. These generally start to subside as your body begins to get used to the medicine. Talk with your physician if you’re concerned about any side effects you may be experiencing.Learn More:What to Expect When Taking Antidepressants

Common side effects of escitalopram when you first start taking it include gastrointestinal issues, headache, dry mouth, and insomnia. These generally start to subside as your body begins to get used to the medicine. Talk with your physician if you’re concerned about any side effects you may be experiencing.

Learn More:What to Expect When Taking Antidepressants

Some patients experience new or worsened anxiety when taking Lexapro.If you are taking Lexapro or escitalopram and feel like your anxiety is increasing, contact your physician to discuss whether this is the right medication for you or if the dosage should be adjusted based on these effects.

Most side effects start to go away after the first week of taking Lexapro. If they don’t, or if the effects interfere with your ability to participate in your regular daily activities, talk to your physician. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or you may need to change medications.Learn More:Guide to Negative Antidepressant Effects

Most side effects start to go away after the first week of taking Lexapro. If they don’t, or if the effects interfere with your ability to participate in your regular daily activities, talk to your physician. Your dosage may need to be adjusted or you may need to change medications.

Learn More:Guide to Negative Antidepressant Effects

If you take more Lexapro than prescribed, you risk effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, pounding or racing heart, and loss of consciousness. If overdose is suspected, contact 911 or seek immediate medical attention.Learn More:Signs of Antidepressant Overdose

If you take more Lexapro than prescribed, you risk effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, pounding or racing heart, and loss of consciousness. If overdose is suspected, contact 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

Learn More:Signs of Antidepressant Overdose

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Escitalopram (marketed as Lexapro) information.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Pillinger T, Howes OD, Correll CU, et al.Antidepressant and antipsychotic side-effects and personlised prescribing: a systematic review and digital tool development.Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(11):860-876. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00262-6U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro: Highlights of prescribing information.American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs.Korkmaz SA, Guney T, Dilek I, Caykoylu A.Interactions between antidepressants and warfarin: a review.Curr Psychiat Res Rev. 2020;16(3):194-204. doi:10.2174/2666082216999200622135657Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019;119(2):102. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity).Canad Fam Phys. 2018;64(10):720-727.Talton CW.Serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity.Fed Pract. 2020;37(10):452-459. doi:10.12788/fp.0042Solmi M, Fornaro M, Ostinelli E, et al.Safety of 80 antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-attention-deficit/hyperactivity medications and mood stabilizers in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders: a large scale systematic meta-review of 78 adverse effects.World Psychiat. 2020;19(2):214-232. doi:10.1002/wps.20765National Library of Medicine.Escitalopram.University of Michigan Health.Escitalopram.

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Escitalopram (marketed as Lexapro) information.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Pillinger T, Howes OD, Correll CU, et al.Antidepressant and antipsychotic side-effects and personlised prescribing: a systematic review and digital tool development.Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(11):860-876. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00262-6U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro: Highlights of prescribing information.American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs.Korkmaz SA, Guney T, Dilek I, Caykoylu A.Interactions between antidepressants and warfarin: a review.Curr Psychiat Res Rev. 2020;16(3):194-204. doi:10.2174/2666082216999200622135657Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019;119(2):102. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity).Canad Fam Phys. 2018;64(10):720-727.Talton CW.Serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity.Fed Pract. 2020;37(10):452-459. doi:10.12788/fp.0042Solmi M, Fornaro M, Ostinelli E, et al.Safety of 80 antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-attention-deficit/hyperactivity medications and mood stabilizers in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders: a large scale systematic meta-review of 78 adverse effects.World Psychiat. 2020;19(2):214-232. doi:10.1002/wps.20765National Library of Medicine.Escitalopram.University of Michigan Health.Escitalopram.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Escitalopram (marketed as Lexapro) information.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Pillinger T, Howes OD, Correll CU, et al.Antidepressant and antipsychotic side-effects and personlised prescribing: a systematic review and digital tool development.Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(11):860-876. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00262-6U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro: Highlights of prescribing information.American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs.Korkmaz SA, Guney T, Dilek I, Caykoylu A.Interactions between antidepressants and warfarin: a review.Curr Psychiat Res Rev. 2020;16(3):194-204. doi:10.2174/2666082216999200622135657Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019;119(2):102. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity).Canad Fam Phys. 2018;64(10):720-727.Talton CW.Serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity.Fed Pract. 2020;37(10):452-459. doi:10.12788/fp.0042Solmi M, Fornaro M, Ostinelli E, et al.Safety of 80 antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-attention-deficit/hyperactivity medications and mood stabilizers in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders: a large scale systematic meta-review of 78 adverse effects.World Psychiat. 2020;19(2):214-232. doi:10.1002/wps.20765National Library of Medicine.Escitalopram.University of Michigan Health.Escitalopram.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Escitalopram (marketed as Lexapro) information.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).

Pillinger T, Howes OD, Correll CU, et al.Antidepressant and antipsychotic side-effects and personlised prescribing: a systematic review and digital tool development.Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(11):860-876. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00262-6

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lexapro: Highlights of prescribing information.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs.

Korkmaz SA, Guney T, Dilek I, Caykoylu A.Interactions between antidepressants and warfarin: a review.Curr Psychiat Res Rev. 2020;16(3):194-204. doi:10.2174/2666082216999200622135657

Yuet WC, Derasari D, Sivoravong J, Mason D, Jann M.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding.J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019;119(2):102. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2019.016

Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (or serotonin toxicity).Canad Fam Phys. 2018;64(10):720-727.

Talton CW.Serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity.Fed Pract. 2020;37(10):452-459. doi:10.12788/fp.0042

Solmi M, Fornaro M, Ostinelli E, et al.Safety of 80 antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-attention-deficit/hyperactivity medications and mood stabilizers in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders: a large scale systematic meta-review of 78 adverse effects.World Psychiat. 2020;19(2):214-232. doi:10.1002/wps.20765

National Library of Medicine.Escitalopram.

University of Michigan Health.Escitalopram.

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