Side Effects of Lexapro to Be Aware of — Talkspace

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is a well-liked treatment for treating melancholy, generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD), and different temper issues. It may be an efficient instrument in managing these circumstances, nevertheless it’s vital to grasp the unintended effects of Lexapro that will include taking this antidepressant treatment. Knowing the potential dangers you’re taking when deciding on Lexapro is important in your security and well-being. 

Keep studying as we discover widespread and extreme unintended effects of Lexapro and have a look at attainable interactions with different medicines or substances. When you’re knowledgeable of the dangers, you’re in a position to make the most effective selections concerning your psychological well being care. 

Potential Risks & Warnings of Taking Lexapro

Like most medicines, Lexapro can have unintended effects. Children below 12, pregnant or breastfeeding ladies, and a few folks with sure allergy symptoms mustn’t take Lexapro. Lexapro and being pregnant have their very own correlation, and in case you’re pregnant whereas taking Lexapro, studying extra in regards to the two will provide help to make the best determination earlier than Lexapro use. 

Additionally, folks with an imbalance of their serotonin ranges may not be capable of take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro. The drug has additionally been related to low sodium within the blood (hyponatremia) within the aged who want to watch their sodium consumption. 

Side Effects of Lexapro

While analysis exhibits that Lexapro can successfully deal with signs of melancholy and nervousness, understanding potential unintended effects is important earlier than starting it or any treatment. Always focus on the potential dangers versus advantages related to its use and some other well being issues you will have along with your physician. They may also help decide if it’s protected so that you can take Lexapro long-term primarily based in your particular person wants and medical historical past.

“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.”

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Common unintended effects

Common unintended effects of Lexapro use can vary from delicate to extreme. Research exhibits that apart from sexual unintended effects, which usually don’t enhance, lots of the extra widespread Lexapro unintended effects have a tendency to minimize over time. 

A variety of Lexapro unintended effects resolve inside two weeks of beginning the treatment. It’s greatest to start with a low Lexapro dosage and slowly enhance the quantity taken over a number of weeks as suggested by your physician.

Common unintended effects related to Lexapro embrace: 

• Nausea: Nausea is among the commonest unintended effects of Lexapro. It sometimes happens throughout the first few weeks after beginning therapy. Often it may possibly resolve over time as your physique adjusts to the treatment. Taking Lexapro with meals or at bedtime might assist scale back nausea signs.
• Change in intercourse drive: Sexual unintended effects are one other widespread incidence when taking Lexapro. These would possibly embrace issues corresponding to decreased libido, issue attaining orgasm, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction for males.
• Menstrual cycle adjustments and/or vaginal dryness: Women might also expertise adjustments of their menstrual cycle or vaginal dryness whereas on this treatment.
• Insomnia: Insomnia is a possible facet impact of Lexapro, though it’s much less widespread than nausea or sexual issues. Insomnia usually begins the primary few weeks after beginning therapy however ought to enhance over time as your physique will get used to the treatment’s results. To decrease insomnia signs, strive avoiding caffeine late within the day and setting an everyday sleep schedule by going to mattress at across the similar time every night time. If insomnia persists, discuss along with your physician about adjusting your dose or switching medicines.
• Drowsiness: Lexapro is understood to trigger extreme fatigue and drowsiness in some folks. 
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth generally is a widespread facet impact of Lexapro. 
• Diarrhea or constipation: Diarrhea or constipation might happen when utilizing Lexapro.
• Increased sweating: Lexapro may cause some folks to expertise elevated sweating. 
• Weight acquire: While it is going to fluctuate from individual to individual, weight acquire might happen when taking Lexapro. Check out our article on Lexapro weight acquire to study in regards to the causes and methods to keep away from these weight fluctuations.

While most unintended effects are delicate, some might grow to be extra extreme if not addressed. If unintended effects persist for longer than two weeks or start to intervene along with your capability to operate each day, it’s best to contact your physician instantly.

Serious unintended effects

When taking any treatment, it’s very important to concentrate on all the potential unintended 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.” 

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Serious unintended effects from taking Lexapro might embrace: 

• Suicidal ideas or behaviors: Suicidal ideas or behaviors might happen in folks taking this treatment – particularly these below 25 – so it’s best to monitor for indicators of elevated melancholy or suicidal habits whereas utilizing this drug.
• Changes in habits: Some folks discover a rise in aggression or agitation after starting Lexapro.
• Serotonin syndrome: Serotonin syndrome can happen when an excessive amount of serotonin builds up within the physique — signs embrace confusion, agitation, and fever. This is a identified attainable facet impact of Lexapro to concentrate on. 
• Mania: Lexapro can set off manic episodes in some folks taking it for bipolar dysfunction. 
• Seizures: More analysis is required to find out if Lexapro will increase the danger of seizures in folks with a seizure dysfunction. However, the drug can lead to some folks with out a situation having seizures. 
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising: Abnormal bleeding or bruising when taking Lexapro may be on account of its capability to inhibit platelet aggregation in some folks.
• Difficulty respiratory or swallowing: Lexapro may cause an allergic response. Though uncommon, the response would possibly generally lead to issue respiratory and/or swallowing. 

If you expertise any of those extreme unintended effects whereas taking Lexapro, search medical consideration instantly. 

Lexapro Interactions

Certain medicines and alcohol can work together with and affect the efficacy of Lexapro therapy. You ought to pay attention to potential interactions when taking this or any drug. Be certain to talk along with your physician or pharmacist and share what different medication or medication you’re taking. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice generally work together with some SSRI medicines, so ensure to examine along with your pharmacist or physician about that interplay. 

Lexapro interactions with different medication

Some prescription and over-the-counter medication, nutritional vitamins, or dietary supplements can work together with Lexapro. Commonly identified interactions can happen with: 

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Other SSRIs 
• Certain antihistamines corresponding to diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 

Certain combos of medication and medication can enhance the danger of creating harmful unintended effects or scale back the effectiveness of 1 or each medication. 

For instance, combining Lexapro with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may cause critical reactions, together with hypertension and seizures. Studies have linked problems to Lexapro and MAOIs when taken inside 14 days of one another.

Finally, sure drug interactions with antibiotics — like clarithromycin, which might trigger an irregular coronary heart rhythm that may be life-threatening — shouldn’t be taken whereas on Lexapro.

Lexapro interactions with alcohol

Avoid consuming alcohol when taking an SSRI antidepressant like Lexapro. Alcohol’s sedative properties might enhance the danger for antagonistic reactions when mixed with the drug’s energetic elements. Learn extra about what can occur when Lexapro and alcohol, so that you’re totally conscious of potential reactions.

Talk with a Doctor About Lexapro

Talk to a health care provider or on-line psychiatrist at Talkspace in regards to the potential unintended effects of Lexapro — each widespread and critical — earlier than taking it or some other nervousness or melancholy treatment. Lexapro can successfully deal with melancholy and different psychological well being circumstances, nevertheless it isn’t appropriate for everybody. Understanding the dangers related to its use and understanding what to search for is essential. 

You don’t need to reside with psychological well being circumstances that negatively affect your life. Help is accessible by remedy, psychiatrist-prescribed treatment, and life-style adjustments. If you’re involved and in search of interventions that will help you handle the signs of your melancholy or one other temper dysfunction, discuss to your physician or therapist to search out out if Lexapro is likely to be an choice for you. 

To get solutions to extra questions on Lexapro, such because the distinction between Celexa vs. Lexapro or how lengthy it takes for Lexapro to work, try our sources or discuss to a health care provider immediately.