Lexapro is a popular antidepressant medication that can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, and sexual dysfunction.
It is important to discuss any concerns about side effects with a healthcare provider. Additionally, abruptly stopping Lexapro can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may include flu-like symptoms, mood changes, and electric shock sensations in the body.
Gradual tapering (slowly reducing dosage) of the medication is typically recommended to avoid these Lexapro withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly, including dizziness, irritability, and insomnia.
FAQs about Lexapro include its potential interactions with other medications and its effectiveness for different mental health conditions. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro (generically escitalopram) is an antidepressant from the group of drugs known as SSRI inhibitors. It is used to treat major depression and general anxiety disorder by balancing levels of serotonin in the brain. Higher levels of serotonin have been linked to increased mood and lower levels of anxiety.
Antidepressants aren’t new to the market, they have been around for decades. However, in the past 20 or so years, with the boom of social media, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic, antidepressants have become even more popular in our evolving society. From teens to stay-at-home parents, to the elderly, chances are you probably know someone who is suffering or has suffered from depression and anxiety. One of the most common antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications prescribed today is Lexapro. Over the past decade, Lexapro has become a household name in the world of anti-anxiety, and depressant medications. While we probably know the name and know why it’s prescribed, what do we really know about Lexapro itself? How does it work, and what about its side effects? This article will delve into the good, bad, and ugly of Lexapro.
What is an SSRI inhibitor?
You may have heard this term before, as it is a large part of the discussion around antidepressants, but you may not know exactly what it is. SSRI is short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Essentially, an SSRI inhibitor blocks the reuptake of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the body that plays a key role in mood, sleep, digestion, blood clotting, and sexual desire. Furthermore, it has been named the “feel-good hormone” as it plays a role in keeping anxiety and depression at bay. So, an SSRI antidepressant works by not allowing the serotonin that’s been released into the body to be reabsorbed. Instead, the serotonin is left in circulation to pass between cells. The assumption here is that this extra amount of serotonin will affect the person positively, increasing mood and “feel-good hormones.”
Now, let’s look at the side effects of going off Lexapro.
What are Lexapro’s Side Effects?
While Lexapro has helped many, it is important to be aware of the side effects. While the side effects of Lexapro aren’t particularly dangerous, it can be risky to operate machinery or plan to “power through” them without a full understanding of what they entail.
Common side effects of Lexapro include:
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Frequent need to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Rash
- Increased pain during menstruation
- Increased appetite
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Irritability
- Allergies
- Hot flashes
- Abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Pain in limbs
- Weight gain
- Jaw stiffness
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus congestion
- Sinus headache
- Insomnia
More serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Gastroenteritis
- Withdrawals from abruptly discontinued use
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Bronchitis
- Tinnitus.
- Urinary tract infections
In general, Lexapro takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks to begin working. While the first week or so of treatment can be quite trying, some of the most impactful side effects occur during prolonged treatment.
Needless to say, it is important to monitor your side effects while taking Lexapro. New evidence has emerged in the past few years that recognizes the inefficacy of SSRI inhibitors on many patients, and instead supports more naturopathic methods of decreasing depression and anxiety.
It is important that you speak to your health practitioner about any symptoms you are experiencing so that they can monitor any issues that may occur while taking the medication.
Lexapro Withdrawal
If you’re coming off of Lexapro, especially after a long time on the drug, it can cause Lexapro withdrawal. While Lexapro can be incredibly helpful for people struggling to overcome a mental health disorder, it can also cause physical dependence with long-term use, and lead to uncomfortable symptoms once the body no longer has it.
If you’re considering going off Lexapro, it’s imperative that you speak to your prescribing physician first in order to understand what the best protocol will be for you, as withdrawal symptoms of Lexapro can affect day-to-day life. Rather than going off Lexapro cold turkey, many times a tapering strategy is typically recommended by healthcare providers.
The side effects of stopping Lexapro can range from mild to moderate and should be noted for those who are coming off the drug.
Lexapro withdrawal side effects include:
- Flu-like symptoms: Headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, etc.
- Stomach problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness & lightheadedness: When standing up and/or moving quickly in particular.
- Electric shock sensations: Usually referred to as “brain zaps” or “brain shivers”
- Mood swings: Irritability, moodiness, anxiety
These withdrawal symptoms can last several weeks to several months. If you’re unable to function normally or are concerned with the severity of your symptoms, it’s important that you discuss your options with your doctor.
Lexapro FAQs
Is Lexapro addictive?
Lexapro isn’t an addictive medication, since you won’t experience any euphoric “high” from it, and it does not lead to any compulsive or drug-seeking behaviors.
However, like with other antidepressants, sudden discontinuation of Lexapro may cause withdrawal symptoms. In these cases, it’s always important that you follow a healthcare provider’s instructions for stopping Lexapro, as well as seek their guidance if any issues arise.
Can you consume alcohol while taking Lexapro?
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Lexapro, because it has the potential to increase the risk of certain side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Additionally, alcohol can actually worsen any symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can counteract the effects of the medication.
Is Lexapro an SSRI?
Yes, Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). SSRIs are a class of medications that are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
SSRIs like Lexapro work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain, allowing more of the neurotransmitter to remain in the synapses between neurons.
Find Help For Lexapro Addiction At Renaissance Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with Lexapro addiction and need help, our team at Renaissance Recovery can help you. Call our admissions team to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and get your new life started today. We can help you find the happiness you’re looking for, call us at 866.330.9449 to learn more.
