Facet Results of Lexapro to Be Conscious of Talkspace

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is a well-liked treatment for treating despair, generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD), and different temper issues. It may be an efficient software in managing these situations, but it surely’s necessary to grasp the uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro that will include taking this antidepressant treatment. Realizing the potential dangers you are taking when deciding on Lexapro is important to your security and well-being. 

Hold studying as we discover frequent and extreme uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro and have a look at potential interactions with different drugs or substances. Whenever you’re knowledgeable of the dangers, you’re in a position to make the very best choices concerning your psychological well being care. 

Potential Dangers & Warnings of Taking Lexapro

Like most drugs, Lexapro can have uncomfortable side effects. Kids underneath 12, pregnant or breastfeeding girls, and a few individuals with sure allergic reactions shouldn’t take Lexapro. Lexapro and being pregnant have their very own correlation, and when you’re pregnant whereas taking Lexapro, studying extra in regards to the two will enable you make the correct resolution earlier than Lexapro use. 

Moreover, individuals with an imbalance of their serotonin ranges won’t 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. 

Facet Results of Lexapro

Whereas analysis reveals that Lexapro can successfully deal with signs of despair and anxiousness, understanding potential uncomfortable side effects is important earlier than starting it or any treatment. All the time talk about the potential dangers versus advantages related to its use and every other well being issues you will have together with your physician. They can assist decide if it’s protected so that you can take Lexapro long-term based mostly in your particular person wants and medical historical past.

“Frequent uncomfortable side effects of taking Lexapro are weak spot, feeling drained, nausea, points with sleep, anxiousness, or lack of urge for food. It will probably additionally trigger sexual issues, reminiscent of decreased intercourse drive and erectile dysfunction. It’s good to pay attention to how the treatment is impacting you and what uncomfortable side effects you’re having. It will probably differ from individual to individual. Make sure you talk about it together with your psychiatrist to make it possible for that is the very best treatment possibility for you.”

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Frequent uncomfortable side effects

Frequent uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro use can vary from gentle to extreme. Analysis reveals that aside from sexual uncomfortable side effects, which usually don’t enhance, most of the extra frequent Lexapro uncomfortable side effects have a tendency to reduce over time. 

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

Frequent uncomfortable side effects related to Lexapro embrace: 

• Nausea: Nausea is without doubt one of the commonest uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro. It usually happens inside the first few weeks after beginning remedy. Usually it might probably resolve over time as your physique adjusts to the treatment. Taking Lexapro with meals or at bedtime might assist cut back nausea signs.
• Change in intercourse drive: Sexual uncomfortable side effects are one other frequent incidence when taking Lexapro. These may embrace issues reminiscent of decreased libido, issue attaining orgasm, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction for males.
• Menstrual cycle modifications and/or vaginal dryness: Girls might also expertise modifications of their menstrual cycle or vaginal dryness whereas on this treatment.
• Insomnia: Insomnia is a possible aspect impact of Lexapro, though it’s much less frequent than nausea or sexual issues. Insomnia typically begins the primary few weeks after beginning remedy however ought to enhance over time as your physique will get used to the treatment’s results. To attenuate insomnia signs, strive avoiding caffeine late within the day and setting a daily sleep schedule by going to mattress at across the identical time every evening. If insomnia persists, discuss together with your physician about adjusting your dose or switching drugs.
• Drowsiness: Lexapro is understood to trigger extreme fatigue and drowsiness in some individuals. 
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth generally is a frequent aspect impact of Lexapro. 
• Diarrhea or constipation: Diarrhea or constipation might happen when utilizing Lexapro.
• Elevated sweating: Lexapro could cause some individuals to expertise elevated sweating. 
• Weight achieve: Whereas it should differ from individual to individual, weight achieve might happen when taking Lexapro. Try our article on Lexapro weight achieve to study in regards to the causes and methods to keep away from these weight fluctuations.

Whereas most uncomfortable side effects are gentle, some might grow to be extra extreme if not addressed. If uncomfortable side effects persist for longer than two weeks or start to intervene together with your means to operate each day, it is best to contact your physician instantly.

Critical uncomfortable side effects

When taking any treatment, it’s very important to pay attention to all the potential uncomfortable side effects. 

“Lexapro is an efficient treatment to deal with despair and anxiousness however it might probably even have critical uncomfortable side effects. Just be sure you discuss to your physician about every other well being points you’ve, in addition to different drugs you may be taking earlier than beginning on Lexapro. This can assist inform your physician and cut back the probabilities of you having uncomfortable side effects.” 

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Critical uncomfortable side effects from taking Lexapro might embrace: 

• Suicidal ideas or behaviors: Suicidal ideas or behaviors might happen in individuals taking this treatment – particularly these underneath 25 – so it is best to monitor for indicators of elevated despair or suicidal habits whereas utilizing this drug.
• Modifications in habits: Some individuals 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 can be a recognized potential aspect impact of Lexapro to pay attention to. 
• Mania: Lexapro can set off manic episodes in some individuals taking it for bipolar dysfunction. 
• Seizures: Extra analysis is required to find out if Lexapro will increase the danger of seizures in individuals with a seizure dysfunction. Nevertheless, the drug can lead to some individuals and not using a situation having seizures. 
• Irregular bleeding or bruising: Irregular bleeding or bruising when taking Lexapro may be attributable to its means to inhibit platelet aggregation in some individuals.
• Issue respiration or swallowing: Lexapro could cause an allergic response. Although uncommon, the response may typically lead to issue respiration and/or swallowing. 

When you expertise any of those extreme uncomfortable side effects whereas taking Lexapro, search medical consideration straight away. 

Lexapro Interactions

Sure drugs and alcohol can work together with and affect the efficacy of Lexapro remedy. You ought to be conscious of potential interactions when taking this or any drug. Make sure you converse together with your physician or pharmacist and share what different medication or drugs you’re taking. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice generally work together with some SSRI drugs, so be certain to examine together 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. Generally recognized interactions can happen with: 

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Different SSRIs 
• Sure antihistamines reminiscent of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 

Sure mixtures of medicine and drugs can improve the danger of creating harmful uncomfortable side effects or cut back the effectiveness of 1 or each medication. 

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

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

Lexapro interactions with alcohol

Keep away from consuming alcohol when taking an SSRI antidepressant like Lexapro. Alcohol’s sedative properties may improve the danger for hostile reactions when mixed with the drug’s lively components. Be taught extra about what can occur when Lexapro and alcohol, so that you’re absolutely conscious of potential reactions.

Speak with a Physician About Lexapro

Speak to a physician or on-line psychiatrist at Talkspace in regards to the potential uncomfortable side effects of Lexapro — each frequent and critical — earlier than taking it or every other anxiousness or despair treatment. Lexapro can successfully deal with despair and different psychological well being situations, but it surely isn’t appropriate for everybody. Understanding the dangers related to its use and figuring out what to search for is essential. 

You don’t must dwell with psychological well being situations that negatively affect your life. Assist is accessible by way of remedy, psychiatrist-prescribed treatment, and way of life modifications. When you’re involved and on the lookout for interventions that can assist you handle the signs of your despair or one other temper dysfunction, discuss to your physician or therapist to seek out out if Lexapro may be an possibility 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, take a look at our sources or discuss to a physician at this time.