Lexapro is a brand name of escitalopram, an antidepressant. Possible Lexapro side effects include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, sweating, and more. Several factors, such as age and taking other medications, can influence these side effects.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These medications help maintain high levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain, which doctors believe may help stabilize mood. Doctors prescribe Lexapro to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

This article provides information on Lexapro’s side effects, including interactions with other drugs. It also offers advice on when a person taking Lexapro may need to contact a doctor.

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Lexapro side effects may vary among different people:

Adults

In adults, common side effects of Lexapro include:

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), many common side effects of Lexapro may improve within the first 2 weeks of taking the medication. However, the sexual side effects of taking Lexapro often do not improve.

Children

Doctors do not recommend Lexapro for children under the age of 12 years.

They may prescribe Lexapro to adolescents ages 12⁠ to 17 for the treatment of MDD. Side effects for this age group are similar to those for adults.

Side effects that may be more common among people ages 12 to 17 include:

Boxed warning

A boxed warning is the strongest warning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can require a drug to have.

The boxed warning for Lexapro indicates that it may carry a risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. The boxed warning also notes that the FDA has not approved Lexapro for children younger than 12 years old.

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be more likely to occur in the first few months of taking the drug or if the dose changes. It is important to look out for new or worsening thoughts or behaviors related to self-harm or suicide.

If a person’s depression gets worse, or they experience new or increased suicidal ideation, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

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Pregnant people

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Lexapro in pregnancy risk category C. This means people should only take it if the drug’s benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

If a person has taken Lexapro in the later stages of pregnancy, particularly the third trimester, healthcare professionals will need to monitor the newborn.

Abruptly stopping Lexapro is not advisable. A person who is taking Lexapro and becomes pregnant will need to speak with a doctor about their options.

The FDA notes that taking SSRIs during the second half of pregnancy slightly increases the risk of the infant developing a serious condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension. However, the overall risk remains minimal. The condition occurs in fewer than 1% of pregnancies with SSRI treatment.

The evidence on certain pregnancy complications is mixed. For example, a large 2015 study found that people who take SSRIs during pregnancy have a lower risk of birth before 37 weeks and cesarean delivery than people who have depression or other mental health conditions but do not take SSRIs.

This means that while there are risks linked to taking SSRIs during pregnancy, untreated depression may also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications.

It is best for people who are pregnant or trying to conceive to consult their doctor when considering Lexapro treatment before or during pregnancy. It is also important for the person to discuss their medical history and the possible risks and benefits of this medication with a doctor before deciding whether to take it.

People who are breastfeeding

People who are breast- or chestfeeding can pass Lexapro to babies via their breast milk. Usually, this does not cause side effects for infants. However, in rare cases, the infant may become restless, irritable, or sick.

If a person notices these changes, it is important to talk with a doctor or pharmacist right away.

Lexapro may produce other side effects that can be serious or life threatening. People who suspect they are experiencing a serious side effect should seek immediate medical attention.

Some serious side effects of Lexapro include:

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome — or serotonin toxicity — is a potentially life threatening condition that occurs due to an excess of serotonin in the body.

This condition can cause changes to a person’s mental state, such as:

Other symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

It is important for people to talk with a doctor about any other drugs they take before starting Lexapro to reduce the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Allergies

Although it is rare, Lexapro may cause severe allergic reactions, which can result in:

A serious allergic reaction requires emergency medical help.

Mania or hypomania

In people with bipolar disorder, Lexapro can increase the likelihood of a manic or hypomanic episode.

Symptoms include:

  • very elevated mood, such as feeling extremely happy
  • very high self-esteem or overconfidence
  • irritability
  • racing thoughts
  • reckless behavior
  • talking more or faster than usual
  • being easily distracted
  • needing less sleep than usual

It is best for people with a personal or family history of manic episodes or bipolar disorder to discuss this with their doctor before taking Lexapro.

Low sodium levels in the blood

People who take Lexapro may be at a greater risk of experiencing low sodium levels in the blood. This is more common for older adults.

Symptoms of this condition include:

In serious cases, low blood sodium levels can lead to symptoms such as

Without treatment, the condition can be life threatening.

Lexapro can trigger adverse reactions when people take it with other medications.

For example, people should not take this medication within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), another type of antidepressant.

The antipsychotic medication pimozide can also cause serious heart problems when a person takes it with Lexapro.

Lexapro may increase a person’s chances of experiencing abnormal bleeding or bruising, especially when people take it with aspirin, blood thinners, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. People who take these drugs with Lexapro may experience:

Lexapro may also interact with drugs and supplements such as:

People need to talk with their doctor about any other medications or supplements they take before starting Lexapro. It is best to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Lexapro.

Lexapro can cause issues in people with the following health conditions:

  • Bipolar disorder: People with bipolar disorder are at risk of experiencing manic episodes when taking Lexapro.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: People who are at risk of angle-closure glaucoma may experience a glaucoma episode due to the pupil dilation that occurs when taking Lexapro.
  • Seizures: Doctors do not know whether Lexapro increases seizure risk for people with seizure conditions. However, the medication itself can cause seizures in some people.
  • Heart problems: Lexapro can cause the heart to beat too fast or irregularly, so it may not be appropriate for people with heart problems.

People who wish to stop taking Lexapro need to speak with their doctor first. Stopping Lexapro too quickly may cause:

  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • high or low mood
  • changes in sleeping habits
  • inability to manage emotions (emotional lability)
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • agitation
  • confusion
  • feelings of electric shock

Slowly stopping treatment with a doctor’s supervision can help lower the risk of these side effects.

A 2017 study in China found that 87% of people taking Lexapro for MDD showed good or excellent improvement after 6 weeks. People with milder depression at the start of the study had a greater reduction in symptoms than people with more severe depression.

Clinical trials have also shown Lexapro to be effective. A 2019 research review and meta-analysis found that escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, was 68% more likely to reduce symptoms of MDD than a placebo medication.

In the same 2019 review, researchers found escitalopram to be more effective than some other antidepressant medications, such as fluoxetine. However, the authors note that their research does not address individual factors that help a doctor decide which medication may be right for a particular person.

Is taking Lexapro worth it?

Lexapro may help adolescents and adults with MDD and adults with GAD find relief from the symptoms of these conditions.

Like other medications, it can cause some side effects and drug interactions. However, the benefits may outweigh the possible adverse effects for some people.

Depression and anxiety may have major effects on a person’s quality of life. While it can be challenging to take the first steps to reach out for help, treatments are available that can help a person feel better.

It is important for a person to talk with a doctor to determine whether Lexapro is the right treatment for their specific needs.

People who take Lexapro will need to contact their doctor if they have any symptoms that cause discomfort or do not clear up.

If a person notices any serious side effects or sudden changes in their mood or thinking, they should seek immediate medical help.

Doctors may combine talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with antidepressants. A therapist can deliver talk therapies. CBT can help people identify the causes of their symptoms and find ways to cope, and Lexapro can work to reduce symptoms.

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If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, they may want to reach out to their therapist if they have one.

Generally, common side effects from Lexapro may improve within 2 weeks of taking the drug.

Although some side effects can be serious, these reactions are rare. People who have concerns about taking Lexapro can speak with a doctor.

To minimize possible side effects, people need to ensure they do not take any medications that could interfere with Lexapro.

Certain health conditions may also increase the chance of certain side effects, so a person should discuss their health history with a doctor before starting Lexapro.

A person can also speak with a doctor about lowering their Lexapro dosage to help reduce adverse effects.

Lexapro can trigger side effects in some people. These can range from mild to severe, although severe side effects are rare.

It is important that people speak with a doctor about other medications they take before starting Lexapro. They should also tell their doctor about any other health conditions they may have.

If a person experiences serious adverse effects when taking Lexapro, they should seek medical attention immediately.