There are conflicting results of studies on the safety of alcohol use together with Lexapro. Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can be potentially dangerous, both psychologically and physically. At first I was only having a few glasses of wine but slowly over time I drank more and more.
- Drinking alcohol while on Lexapro can cause a number of side effects and can worsen any side effects that may be caused by Lexapro on its own.
- Do not stop taking prescription medication without your doctor’s approval.
- Not only can alcohol potentially increase your risk of developing side effects while using Lexapro, but it may also make the symptoms of anxiety or depression worse.
- Maintaining optimal levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin is important for your mental focus and emotional state.
- But if depression is interfering with your daily life, make an appointment to see your doctor.
One side effect of Lexapro is the increased risk for suicide, especially in individuals younger than age 24. Because alcohol increases your risk for depression, mixing Lexapro and drinking can elevate your risk for suicide. If you’re unsure about how your SSRI antidepressant mixes with alcohol, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What are Lexapro’s side effects?
Doctors recommend that people who wish to drink alcohol while taking antidepressants should drink slowly and have the alcohol with food. Drinking alcohol may also worsen some of the side effects of Lexapro or other antidepressants, including drowsiness and dizziness. Our guide to Lexapro provides more information about how Lexapro and escitalopram work, as well as how you can use Lexapro or similar medications to treat depression and anxiety. By inhibiting serotonin reuptake, Lexapro increases serotonin levels in your brain and helps you to maintain a healthy mental state. You should always discuss with your doctor whether or not it will be safe for you to drink while on Lexapro.
That’s why building your own recovery toolkit can make a difference in your ability to weather the most intense cravings. A positive distraction can help occupy your thoughts and energy, giving you something to focus on besides the urge to drink. Internal triggerstypically involve memories, thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations Sober Sayings and Sober Quotes that prompt the urge to drink. Below, we’ll explore why cravings happen and offer a few tips to manage them, from in-the-moment techniques to long-term coping strategies. This is especially true if you’re taking an antidepressant like Lexapro. You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
What Is Lexapro (Escitalopram)?
He did however agree to change my medication and prescribed me 20mg of citalopram. Other serious side effects of mixing Lexapro with alcohol can include panic attacks, sudden outbursts of emotion or violence, and overdosing. SSRIs can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger adults https://accountingcoaching.online/patients-of-sober-living-centers-are-often-last-to/ and adolescents during the first few weeks of treatment. Additionally, some research shows an increase in alcohol dependence for those who drink while taking SSRI antidepressants. Lastly I’ll explain alternative ways of treating depression that don’t involve prescription medications.
You may wonder whether there is a safe way to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft. Furthermore, mixing alcohol and Zoloft can lead to trouble reacting and thinking clearly. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors, including what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. It’s not known if Lexapro is safe for people with a severe kidney problem, such as kidney failure. Before starting Lexapro, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have.
Why Lexapro and Alcohol Don’t Go Well Together
Specifically, this risk is higher in people ages 24 years and younger. This risk applies to Lexapro, an antidepressant used to treat depression in adults and children ages 12 years and older. Lexapro has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
This article will cover what to expect when starting treatment with Lexapro, such as side effects that most commonly emerge in the first week. Anyone who wishes to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro or any other medication should speak to their doctor first. Healthcare professionals do not generally recommend that people drink alcohol while taking Lexapro. If alcohol is a normal part of your daily life, giving up drinking while you’re using Lexapro can be something of a challenge. Serotonin syndrome can involve dangerous side effects such as changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Although Lexapro is less likely to cause side effects and interactions than certain other types of antidepressants, it can still cause issues.