Possible Side Effects of Lexapro

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant medication related to Celexa. It may be prescribed for the treatment of bipolar depression, in combination with other medications.

Potential Common Side Effects of Lexapro

Common side effects include nausea, sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, sexual problems, sweating, shaking, loss of appetite, dry mouth, constipation, infection, and yawning.

According to the FDA, other side effects in children and adolescents include increased thirst, an abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation, nosebleeds, difficult urination, heavy periods, possible slowed growth rate, and weight change

What Does This Mean For Me?

It's important to know that many side effects go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. While these side effects usually do not require medical intervention, you should report them to your healthcare provider if they continue for over one week, or if they interfere with your daily routine. Your doctor may decide to adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication entirely.

Also, you may experience other, less common side effects. If you do, alert your doctor. You should never stop or change the dosage of your medication on your own.

What Are the Potential Serious Side Effects of Lexapro?

If you experience any of the following side effects, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately, or seek emergency medical care.

Thinking of suicide or attempting suicide
Serotonin syndrome: symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, coma, coordination or balance problems, muscle twitching, racing heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, sweating, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Severe allergic reaction: symptoms may include rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, lips, eyes, or tongue, fever, joint pain

Increased risk of bleeding: symptoms may include bleeding or bruising — more likely to occur if also on a blood thinner or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)
Seizure
Manic episode: symptoms may include severely increased energy, trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, reckless behavior like excessive gambling or shopping, inflated sense of self, rapid speech, extremely happy or irritable
Change in appetite or weight
Low blood sodium levels

Potential Withdrawal Side Effects of Lexapro

It's never a good idea to stop your medication abruptly. Stopping lexapro may cause some withdrawal symptoms, such:

Anxiety
Irritability
High or low mood
Restlessness
Alteration in sleep habits
Headache
Sweating
Nausea
Dizziness
Electric shock-like sensations
Shaking
Confusion

Disclaimer

Remember, this is not intended to be an all-inclusive list or to replace information provided by your doctor. A number of other side effects for both usage and withdrawal have been reported by the public. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Remember to consult your health care provider anytime you’re unsure about any symptom, or symptoms, that you experience while taking any medication. Most of the time, particularly in the case of antidepressants, other medications are available when serious or bothersome side effects occur.

Be good to yourself. Take your medications and be safe.

_Source:

_{FDA. FDA-Approved Medication Guide: Lexapro.}