Lexapro(Escitalopram) is a popular medication for treatingdepression,generalized anxiety disorder(GAD), and other mood disorders. It can be an effective tool in managing these conditions, but it’s important to understand the side effects of Lexapro that may come with taking this antidepressant medication. Knowing the potential risks you take when deciding on Lexapro is essential for your safety and well-being.Keep reading as we explore common and severe side effects of Lexapro and look at possible interactions with other medications or substances. When you’re informed of the risks, you’re able to make the best decisions regarding your mental health care.

Lexapro(Escitalopram) is a popular medication for treatingdepression,generalized anxiety disorder(GAD), and other mood disorders. It can be an effective tool in managing these conditions, but it’s important to understand the side effects of Lexapro that may come with taking this antidepressant medication. Knowing the potential risks you take when deciding on Lexapro is essential for your safety and well-being.

Keep reading as we explore common and severe side effects of Lexapro and look at possible interactions with other medications or substances. When you’re informed of the risks, you’re able to make the best decisions regarding your mental health care.

Potential Risks & Warnings of Taking LexaproLike most medications, Lexapro can have side effects. Children under 12, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and some people with certain allergies should not take Lexapro.Lexapro and pregnancyhave their own correlation, and if you’re pregnant while taking Lexapro, reading more about the two will help you make the right decision before Lexapro use.Additionally, people with an imbalance in their serotonin levels might not be able to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro. The drug has also been associated with low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia) in the elderly who need to monitor their sodium intake.Lexapro prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started

Potential Risks & Warnings of Taking Lexapro

Like most medications, Lexapro can have side effects. Children under 12, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and some people with certain allergies should not take Lexapro.Lexapro and pregnancyhave their own correlation, and if you’re pregnant while taking Lexapro, reading more about the two will help you make the right decision before Lexapro use.

Additionally, people with an imbalance in their serotonin levels might not be able to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro. The drug has also been associated with low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia) in the elderly who need to monitor their sodium intake.

Lexapro prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started

Lexapro prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

Lexapro prescription online

Get an evaluation and prescription for Lexapro from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.

Side Effects of Lexapro

Whileresearch showsthat Lexapro can effectively treat symptoms of depression and anxiety, understanding potential side effects is essential before beginning it or any medication. Always discuss the potential risks versus benefits associated with its use and any other health concerns you may have with your doctor. They can help determine if it’s safe for you to take Lexapro long-term based on your individual needs and medical history.

“Common side effects of taking Lexapro are weakness, feeling tired, nausea, issues with sleep, anxiety, or loss of appetite. It can also cause sexual problems, such as decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction. It is good to be aware of how the medication is impacting you and what side effects you are having. It can vary from person to person. Be sure to discuss it with your psychiatrist to make sure that this is the best medication option for you.”

Common side effects

Common side effects of Lexapro use can range from mild to severe.Research showsthat except for sexual side effects, which typically don’t improve, many of the more common Lexapro side effects tend to lessen over time.

Common side effects associated with Lexapro include:

While most side effects are mild, some may become more severe if not addressed. If side effects persist for longer than two weeks or begin to interfere with your ability to function daily, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Serious side effects

When taking any medication, it’s vital to be aware ofallthe potential side effects.

“Lexapro is an effective medication to treat depression and anxiety but it can also have serious side effects. Make sure that you talk to your doctor about any other health issues you have, as well as other medications you might be taking before starting on Lexapro. This can help inform your doctor and reduce the chances of you having side effects.”

Serious side effects from taking Lexapro may include:

If you experience any of these severe side effects while taking Lexapro, seek medical attention right away.

Lexapro InteractionsCertain medications and alcohol can interact with and impact the efficacy of Lexapro treatment. You should be aware of potential interactions when taking this or any drug. Be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist and share what other drugs or medicine you’re taking. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice commonly interact with some SSRI medications, so make sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor about that interaction.Lexapro interactions with other drugsSome prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements can interact with Lexapro. Commonly known interactions can occur with:Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Other SSRIsCertain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)Certain combinations of drugs and medicine can increase the risk of developing dangerous side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both drugs.For example, combining Lexapro with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause serious reactions, including high blood pressure and seizures. Studieshave linkedcomplications to Lexapro and MAOIs when taken within 14 days of each other.Finally, certain drug interactions with antibiotics — like clarithromycin, which can cause an irregular heart rhythm that can be life-threatening — should not be taken while on Lexapro.Lexapro interactions with alcoholAvoid drinking alcohol when taking an SSRI antidepressant like Lexapro. Alcohol’s sedative properties could increase the risk for adverse reactions when combined with the drug’s active ingredients. Learn more about what can happen whenLexapro and alcohol, so you’re fully aware of potential reactions.

Lexapro Interactions

Certain medications and alcohol can interact with and impact the efficacy of Lexapro treatment. You should be aware of potential interactions when taking this or any drug. Be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist and share what other drugs or medicine you’re taking. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice commonly interact with some SSRI medications, so make sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor about that interaction.

Lexapro interactions with other drugs

Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements can interact with Lexapro. Commonly known interactions can occur with:

Certain combinations of drugs and medicine can increase the risk of developing dangerous side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both drugs.

For example, combining Lexapro with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause serious reactions, including high blood pressure and seizures. Studieshave linkedcomplications to Lexapro and MAOIs when taken within 14 days of each other.

Finally, certain drug interactions with antibiotics — like clarithromycin, which can cause an irregular heart rhythm that can be life-threatening — should not be taken while on Lexapro.

Lexapro interactions with alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol when taking an SSRI antidepressant like Lexapro. Alcohol’s sedative properties could increase the risk for adverse reactions when combined with the drug’s active ingredients. Learn more about what can happen whenLexapro and alcohol, so you’re fully aware of potential reactions.

Talk with a Doctor About LexaproTalk to a doctor oronline psychiatristat Talkspace about the potential side effects of Lexapro — both common and serious — before taking it or any other anxiety ordepression medication. Lexapro can effectively treat depression and other mental health conditions, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Understanding the risks associated with its use and knowing what to look for is crucial.You don’t have to live with mental health conditions that negatively impact your life. Help is available through therapy,psychiatrist-prescribed medication, and lifestyle changes. If you’re concerned and looking for interventions to help you manage the symptoms of your depression or another mood disorder, talk to your doctor or therapist to find out if Lexapro might be an option for you.To get answers to more questions about Lexapro, such as the difference betweenCelexa vs. Lexaproorhow long it takes for Lexapro to work, check out our resources or talk to a doctor today.

Talk with a Doctor About Lexapro

Talk to a doctor oronline psychiatristat Talkspace about the potential side effects of Lexapro — both common and serious — before taking it or any other anxiety ordepression medication. Lexapro can effectively treat depression and other mental health conditions, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Understanding the risks associated with its use and knowing what to look for is crucial.

You don’t have to live with mental health conditions that negatively impact your life. Help is available through therapy,psychiatrist-prescribed medication, and lifestyle changes. If you’re concerned and looking for interventions to help you manage the symptoms of your depression or another mood disorder, talk to your doctor or therapist to find out if Lexapro might be an option for you.

To get answers to more questions about Lexapro, such as the difference betweenCelexa vs. Lexaproorhow long it takes for Lexapro to work, check out our resources or talk to a doctor today.

Sources:

Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.

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