Lexapro Patient Tips

Medically reviewed by Carmen PopeBPharm. Last updated on Feb 252026.

1. How it works

• Lexapro is used major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is a brand name for escitalopram.
• Experts aren't sure exactly how Lexapro works but believe its effects are due to its ability to block the reuptake of serotonin by nerves. This results in an increase in serotonin concentrations in the nerve synapse (the space between two nerves).
• Lexapro belongs to the drug class called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

2. Upsides

• Used to relieve major depressive disorder (severe depression) in adults and teens 12 years of age and older.
• Also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children 7 years and older.
• Less likely to cause drowsiness than some other antidepressants.
• Has also been used off-label for other conditions such as panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• SSRIs in generalare better tolerated than many other medicines used in the treatment of depression.
• May be more effective with fewer adverse effects than other SSRIs.
• Available as a generic under the name of escitalopram.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60take no other medication or have no other medical conditionsside effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Insomnia or drowsinesssexual dysfunctionnauseadry mouthand increased sweating.
• As with other antidepressantsLexapro may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior; the risk is higher in children and young adults aged less than 24. Monitor for worsening mood.
• May precipitate a manic episode in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
• May cause a lowering of total body sodium (hyponatremia); elderly people or people taking diuretics or already dehydrated may be more at risk.
• May impair judgment and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol.
• May cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped or interrupted (symptoms include nauseavomitingdiarrheaheadachesdizzinesssweatingchillstremorsvivid dreamsand insomnia); taper off dosage slowly over several weeks to months.
• Interaction or overdosage may cause serotonin syndrome (symptoms include mental status changes [such as agitationhallucinationscomadelirium])fast heart ratedizzinessflushingmuscle tremor or rigidityand stomach symptoms (including nauseavomitingand diarrhea]).
• May increase the risk of bleedingespecially if used with other drugs that also increase bleeding risk. Rarely associated with seizures.
• Seek medical advice if a rash develops while taking Lexapro. Discontinue if a severe allergic reaction to Lexapro occurs and seek urgent medical advice.
• May interact with several other drugs including other antidepressantstramadolbupropiondiureticsSt John's Wortand drugs that prolong the QT interval (such as pimozide or thioridazine).
• May not be suitable for some people including those with glaucomableeding disordersa history of seizuresliver or kidney diseasethe elderlyor certain heart conditions. People with diabetes may need the dosage of their medication adjusted.

Note: In generalseniors or childrenpeople with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problemsheart diseasediabetesseizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

• Lexapro (escitalopram) treats major depression in adults and teens 12+and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children 7+. It's generally well-tolerated with fewer side effects than many antidepressants. Common side effects include insomnianauseadry mouthand sexual dysfunction. Risks include suicidal thoughts (especially in under-24s)serotonin syndromehyponatremiaand increased bleeding. Avoid abrupt discontinuation. Not suitable for those with certain heart conditionsglaucomaor bleeding disorders.

5. Tips

• Take Lexapro with or without food. Dosage adjustments should be made no more frequently than weekly - your doctor will advise you on this.
• Do not stop suddenly as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
• Do not drive or operate machinery if this medicine makes you drowsy or impairs your judgment. Avoid alcohol.
• Be alert for worsening mood and suicide-related thoughts or behaviors. Seek medical advice if changes are apparent.
• Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms consistent with serotonin syndrome (such as agitationhallucinationsfast heart ratedizzinessflushingnauseaor diarrhea) develop.
• Talk to your doctor immediately if you develop a rash or seek urgent medical advice with severe allergy-type symptoms such as swelling of the face or throator shortness of breath.
• Do not take any other medicinesincluding those bought over-the-counterwithout first consulting a doctor or pharmacist and asking if the medicine is safe to take with Lexapro.
• Talk with your doctor if you experience any: unusual bruising or increased bleeding while taking Lexapropersistent headachesconfusionweaknessor unsteadiness resulting in falls.
• Other reasons to visit your doctor include an increaseirregularityor slowing of your heart rate or shortness of breatheye pain or swelling or visual disturbancesseizuresmanic behavior such as recklessnessracing thoughtsincreased energyor severe difficulty in sleeping.

6. Response and effectiveness

• Peak blood levels are reached approximately 5 hours after a dose but it may take up to a week for levels to become stabilized in the body. An improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms may not be noticed for 1-4 weeks. Treatment should be continued as directed even after improvement.

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Lexapro may either decrease its effectaffect how long it worksincrease side effectsor have less of an effect when taken with Lexapro. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; howeversometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Lexapro include:

• anti-anxiety medications such as lorazepam
• antipsychotics such as lithium and thioridazine
• aspirin and other NSAIDssuch as ibuprofendiclofenacand naproxen
• indigestion remediessuch as cimetidine
• migraine medications such as eletriptanrizatriptanor zolmitriptan
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)such as isocarboxazidphenelzineor selegiline
• other antidepressantssuch as amitriptyline and desipramine
• other SSRIssuch as citalopram or fluoxetine
• sleeping pills such as triazolam or zopiclone
• some antibiotics such as linezolid
• some antifungals such as ketoconazole
• some diabetes medications such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone
• St John's Wort
• Tramadol
• warfarin and other anticoagulants
• other medications that may thin the blood

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Lexapro. You should refer to the prescribing information for Lexapro for a complete list of interactions.

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Frequently asked questions

• Why does Lexapro (escitalopram) cause weight gain? Complete Patient Guide
• When's the best time to take Lexapro (escitalopram) - Morning or Night?
• SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
• How long does it take for Lexapro (escitalopram) to work?
• Does Lexapro (escitalopram) cause night sweats?
• What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro?
• Lexapro vs Zoloft: How do they compare?

Further information

Rememberkeep this and all other medicines out of the reach of childrennever share your medicines with othersand use Lexapro only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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