*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Common Lexapro side effects include nausea, fatigue, changes in sleep, and sexual dysfunction. Serious side effects require medical attention such as a risk of suicidal thoughts, symptoms of mania, and allergic reactions.
One of the most common reasons people want to stop taking a medication is the occurrence of side effects. If Lexapro side effects persist beyond the first few weeks, a prescriber can help you determine next steps, which may include a change in dosage, timing of dosage, or to a different medication.
If you are considering Lexapro or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health are a good place to start. Their providers offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can answer any questions you have about Lexapro’s side effects.
Boxed Warning: Escitalopram (Lexapro) - Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people
Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Escitalopram can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with escitalopram and any other medications before starting treatment.
Key Takeaways
Common Lexapro side effects can impact your digestive system, sleep patterns, appetite, and sexual functioning. There is also a risk of serious side effects that require medical attention.
If Lexapro side effects persist longer than a few weeks, your provider can help you determine next steps, which may include a change in dosage, timing of dosage, or medication.
There are several ways to cope with Lexapro side effects, including self care practices, medication adjustments, and therapy.
If you are considering Lexapro or an alternative, a good place to start is with an evaluation from a medical provider. Many online psychiatry platforms offer online assessments and medication management, such as Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Common Lexapro Side Effects
Individuals taking Lexapro may experience common side effects that impact their digestive system, sleep, appetite, and sexual functioning. Some may require medical attention but many often resolve on their own.
Common side effects of Lexapro may include:*1
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Delayed ejaculation
- Reduced sex drive
- Problems having an orgasm
*All medications, including Lexapro, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
Serious Lexapro Side Effects
There is a risk for side effects to be severe or persistent. If these side effects appear, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Serious side effects of Lexapro that require immediate medical attention include:*1
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Bruising or unusual bleeding
- Symptoms of mania or hypomania
- Seizures or convulsions
- Allergic reactions
- Muscle rigidity, tremors, fever, and/or seizures (Could be a sign of serotonin syndrome)
*All medications, including Lexapro, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
What Are the Risks & Warnings for Lexapro?
Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors
Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Escitalopram can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with escitalopram and any other medications before starting treatment.
Triggering Manic Episodes
Lexapro can increase the chances of mania in people without bipolar disorder, making mood swings even higher for those with bipolar disorder. Prior to starting treatment with an antidepressant like Lexapro, patients with depressive symptoms should be screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder.
Seizures
SSRI medications such as Lexapro can cause seizures when taken in high doses or with other similar drugs. It is crucial to alert your doctor if you have a history of seizures.
Allergic Reactions
For some people taking Lexapro, an allergic reaction may occur which may be dangerous.
Severe allergic reactions to Lexapro can include:
- Breathing problems
- Swelling
- Rash/hives
If you experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the throat, seek immediate medical help.
Serotonin Syndrome
Taking Lexapro may increase the risk of a serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from high levels of serotonin in the body. Symptoms include fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, agitation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Pregnancy Risks
Lexapro may have risks in newborns when taken by mothers in the last few months of pregnancy. Also excreted in breast milk, Lexapro can negatively impact a nursing newborn.
Breastfeeding Risks
Lexapro is excreted in breast milk, which may carry some risk for a nursing newborn.
Irregular Heart Rhythms (Arrythmias)
For some people, taking Lexapro may cause an irregular heart rhythm. If you have any previous heart or heart-related conditions, your doctor may perform an EKG test before taking Lexapro.
Liver Problems
Some people have low levels of specific liver enzymes that can worsen Lexapro’s side effects, so ask your doctor if you need to test your liver enzymes.
Hyponatremia (Low Sodium Levels)
For some people, taking Lexapro may increase the risk of hyponatremia, a condition where salt levels in the blood are too low. This condition can be life-threatening if not appropriately addressed. Headaches, problems with thinking, concentration, or memory, and difficulty urinating are all signs of low salt in the body.
Angle-closure Glaucoma (Serious Eye Condition)
Lexapro may cause angle-closure glaucoma, which can develop suddenly and lead to vision loss. If you have eye problems or a family history of glaucoma, your doctor may recommend an eye exam before taking Lexapro.
Abnormal Bleeding
Taking Lexapro may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. This can include bruising under the skin, a cut that does not stop bleeding, discolored stool, nose bleedings, or vomiting blood.
Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
People discontinuing Lexapro abruptly may have symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal, also called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Because of this, it is always recommended to taper the dose of medication as instructed by your provider. Do not stop taking Lexapro or adjust your dosage on your own.
Here are common symptoms of Lexapro withdrawal:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Sleep problems
- Seizures
- Electric shock sensations
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care as soon as possible.
Drug Interactions
Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Lexapro can change how Lexapro works in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Substances you should avoid using while taking Lexapro include:
- Additional SSRI or SNRI medications
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Buspirone
- Alcohol
This is not a comprehensive list of medications that interact with Lexapro. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over the counter medications you take, as well as supplements, herbs, and teas.
*This is not a comprehensive list of all warnings and precautions for Lexapro. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential warning and precautions of any medication.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Important Things to Know About Taking Lexapro
Before starting Lexapro, it’s important to understand what to expect during your first weeks of treatment. Your prescriber will discuss your dosage, how to take your medication, precautions for the medication, potential side effects you may experience, and what to do if side effects become a problem.
How Long Does It Take for Lexapro to Work?
Lexapro can take about 4-8 weeks to become fully effective, but some individuals may start to feel better after the first week or two. Each person may have a different response time based on how their body absorbs and processes the medication.
Can Lexapro Worsen Symptoms at First?
Yes, some people starting Lexapro may experience uncomfortable side effects such as insomnia, increased sweating, fatigue, bodily pain, and headache.1 Lexapro can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some people. If you experience worsened symptoms or side effects of any kind, contact your provider immediately.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your Lexapro dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed one and take your next scheduled dose. Never take two doses at once, and continue taking your medication as prescribed unless your prescriber directs you to do otherwise.1
Who Experiences Side Effects More?
Some patients may experience side effects from Lexapro more than others. While predicting who will respond poorly is difficult, specific patient populations should be cautious with Lexapro. Patients taking other SSRIs, SNRIs, or medications that increase serotonin in the brain should avoid Lexapro due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Adolescent patients and their parents should be aware of the risk of increased suicidal ideation when starting Lexapro. It is essential to discuss your health conditions with your physician to select the medication that is the most suitable for you.
Populations who are at an increased risk for experiencing side effects include those who are or have:2
- Susceptible to nausea and vomiting
- Suicidal ideations
- A history of serotonin syndrome
- A history of heart conditions
- Bipolar disorder
- Prior allergic reactions to escitalopram
- Prior vision issues such as glaucoma
- A history of seizures
How to Cope With Common Lexapro Side Effects
There are ways to cope with the most common Lexapro side effects*. Many may go away on their own during the first few weeks. Contact your provider if side effects persist or worsen.
Digestive Symptoms
Taking Lexapro can cause digestive side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. To reduce these, follow meal timing recommendations for Lexapro. Also, drink plenty of water, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid spicy foods. You may also try ginger or peppermint teas, but talk with your healthcare provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine or using supplements such as tea.
Increased Sweating
Many medications, including Lexapro, can cause increased sweating. Wearing loose clothing and using a topical antiperspirant can help. Your provider may also make an adjustment or change of medication if the sweating interferes with your daily life. Be aware that excessive sweating is also a symptom of serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication with antidepressants that requires immediate medical care.1
Sleep Changes
Sleep changes such as drowsiness and insomnia may occur when taking Lexapro. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, keep a sleep diary to track patterns, and get daily light exposure. Getting 30 minutes of exercise during the day can help your sleep quality, but avoid intense activity before bed. Your provider may also recommend taking your medication at a certain time of the day or using sleep aids.
Sexual Side Effects
Men taking Lexapro may experience erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, and delayed ejaculation. Women may have problems with orgasms and decreased sex drive.1 These effects may go away after the first few weeks. Scheduling sexual activity before taking a dose may also reduce the risk or impact of sexual side effects. If these effects are bothersome or persistent, your provider may consider a change of dosage or medication.
*All medications, including Lexapro, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
More Ways to Manage Lexapro Side Effects
Here are more ways to cope with and reduce the impact of Lexapro side effects.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Following good sleep hygiene practices can help you get better sleep while your body adjusts to the medication. Try to wake up and go to bed about the same time each day, and make sure your sleeping environment is relaxing and comfortable to you. If you experience drowsiness, avoid doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
Healthy Lifestyle Activities
Eating well, sleeping enough, and getting adequate exercise are all parts of a healthy lifestyle. These activities are important for all aspects of your physical and mental health and can help you endure the impact of side effects.
Follow a Daily Routine
Following your normal routine is important whether or not the medication is working yet. Doing your regular daily activities can keep life more predictable and reduce stress as you adjust to the medication. Also, be sure you are taking your medication as prescribed and at a consistent time each day.
Consider Therapy
Psychotherapy can support you by addressing the impact of side effects and helping you develop strategies to manage them. For in-person treatment, your primary care provider or insurance company can provide a referral, or you may get one from family or friends.
To find an online therapist, an online therapist directory is a great starting point. Many online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health, also offer therapy services.
Should I Stop Taking Lexapro If I Start Feeling Side Effects?
Do not stop taking Lexapro unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. Doing so can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and nausea. For some people who have been taking antidepressants over a long course of time, abruptly stopping Lexapro can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal.
If you are experiencing side effects from your medication, tell your provider. They will help you determine the best course for continued treatment, which may include changing your dosage, the time for your dosage, or your medication. If your doctor determines discontinuing your medication is the best option, they will provide a plan for stopping your medication gradually, which can minimize your risk of developing withdrawal symptoms.
When Should I Call My Doctor About Lexapro Side Effects?
Side effects are one of the most common reasons people choose to stop taking medication. While some effects can be managed and may fade away, some do not go away unless a person stops taking the medication. Side effects can occur even if you are taking your medication correctly.
Contact your provider as soon as possible if side effects persist or become hard to tolerate so you can consider other treatment options. While not common, some people taking Lexapro may experience serious side effects. These effects often require immediate medical care and some may be life-threatening. If you notice any of the serious side effects listed above, seek medical care immediately.
When Should I Seek an Alternative to Lexapro Due to Side Effects?
Lexapro’s initial side effects typically subside after a few weeks. If after some time you are looking to change your medication due to continued side effects, work with a doctor to find an alternative. There are many Lexapro alternatives available. All classes of antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms, though potential risks and benefits can vary.
Other SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are usually the first antidepressants considered as Lexapro alternatives because of their safety and effectiveness.
Atypical antidepressants work differently to improve symptoms and don’t fit into a formal category. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications with more side effects. However, they may be helpful for those who need to avoid or can’t tolerate other types of antidepressants.
How to Get a Prescription for Lexapro or Alternative Medications
To get a prescription for Lexapro or an alternative in person, start with an evaluation for your symptoms. Your primary care provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, can help you get the process started. They may make a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist to determine if a prescription Lexapro alternatives should be included in your treatment plan.
To get an online prescription for a Lexapro alternative, you will also start by getting evaluated by an online psychiatric provider. We have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that prescribe non-controlled substances such as antidepressants and some anti-anxiety medications.
Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that may be used to treat anxiety symptoms. To get prescribed benzodiazepines, you must do your evaluation with an online psychiatry provider that can and will prescribe controlled substances.
We have thoroughly evaluated online providers like Talkiatry that can and will prescribe benzodiazepines and found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. If your provider feels a benzodiazepine is a good fit for your anxiety symptoms, they may offer you a benzodiazepine prescription online.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
Questions to Ask Your Provider
It is important to discuss the potential side effects of Lexapro with your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist you may experience immediately after starting the treatment. Ask them whether these side effects will go away on their own or if any intervention is needed.
Also, many online psychiatry services are available with convenient access to mental health care for depression and anxiety problems. Individuals may even change prescribers and get a mental health evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan.
Questions to ask your care team about Lexapro side effects may include:
- How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Lexapro?
- How quickly can Lexapro cause side effects?
- What are the first days of Lexapro side effects like?
- What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects, especially in the first week?
- When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing side effects?
- If I’m not able to tolerate the side effects, are there Lexapro alternatives to consider?
- How should I cope with side effects?
- What to do if the side effects do not disappear after the first few weeks?
- Can I skip or lower a dose to avoid the side effects?
- Can I switch the drug if the side effects last longer or get worse?
- What to do if I have serious side effects?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Lexapro prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Lexapro.
- Take your medication as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Keeping a consistent dosing schedule reduces the chance of unwanted side effects. When taking antidepressants, this approach can prevent withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, brain zaps, and flu-like symptoms.1
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your sleep patterns and initial medication response.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you or your child have any worsening mental health symptoms. Antidepressants have a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children under age 18 and young adults.
- You should take your first dose while you are home and not needing to drive. Lexapro has been known to cause drowsiness in some patients, and you should avoid driving after taking Lexapro until you know how it affects you.1
- Ask your doctor whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro.
- Tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter treatments. Many over-the-counter medications and supplements can interact with prescription medications. This is because they are processed by the same gut enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYPs). These interactions can lead to unwanted side effects or reduce the effectiveness of your prescription medication.3
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Lexapro (Escitalopram) & What Is It Used to Treat?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drug class.1 It is FDA-approved to treat depression in adults and children ages 12 and older, and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children ages 7 and older.
What Does Lexapro Do?
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a body chemical involved in mood regulation.1
How Does Lexapro Make You Feel During the First Week?
During the first week of taking Lexapro, the medication is building up in your body. This may trigger side effects for some people. It takes several weeks for Lexapro to start working and you may not notice any difference in your symptoms yet.
Which Antidepressants Cause the Fewest Side Effects?
SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressants that cause the fewest side effects. These are newer classes of antidepressants and are often preferred for their milder side effects.
Which Antidepressants Cause the Most Side Effects?
Monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tetracyclic, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) cause the most side effects. These are older classes of medication and are not first-line treatments for depression because they have more side effects than newer antidepressants.
Should I Stop Taking Lexapro If I Experience Side Effects?
Do not stop taking Lexapro unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. Doing so can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and nausea.
What’s the Number One Side Effect of Lexapro?
In the clinical trials for Lexapro, the most commonly reported side effect was a headache.1
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Lexapro – escitalopram tablet, film coated, Lexapro – escitalopram solution. (October 1, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Santarsieri, D., & Schwartz, T. (2015). Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians. Drugs in Context, 4, 1–12. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.212290
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Marken, P. A., & Munro, J. S. (2000). Selecting a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor: Clinically Important Distinguishing Features. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181142/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary updates: Added “Key Takeaways” feature. Edited for clarity. Condensed “What is Lexapro (Escitalopram)?” and moved to FAQs. Removed “Additional Side Effects of Lexapro”, “Long-term Effects of Lexaapro”, and “Side Effects of Lexapro” introductory paragraph. Revised and moved “Allergic Reactions to Lexapro” to “Warnings & Risks”. Replaced “Interactions With Lexapro (Escitalopram)” and “Withdrawal Symptoms From Lexapro” sections with new “Warnings & Risks” feature. Revised “Who Experiences Side Effects More?” Added new “Important Things to Know About Taking Lexapro” section. Condensed “Lexapro Side Effects on Pregnancy & Breastfeeding” section and moved info to “Warnings & Risks” feature. Added new sections/features “How to Cope With Common Lexapro Side Effects”, “More Ways to Manage Lexapro Side Effects”, “Should I Stop Taking Lexapro If I Start Feeling Side Effects?”, “When Should I Seek an Alternative to Lexapro Due to Side Effects?”, “How to Get a Prescription for Lexapro or Alternative Medications” and all included subsections. Retitled “Questions to Ask Your Health Team” to “Questions to Ask Your Provider”. Replaced “Final Thoughts” with “Prescriber’s Tips” feature. Removed “For Further Reading”, Added FAQs.
Author: Zachary Reale, PharmD
Medical Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, PharmD
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Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
