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Lexapro works to treat common symptoms of depression and anxiety. You might become agitated and, in some cases, violent when combining lexapro and alcohol. Liver damage—Studies show that drinking while on antidepressants such as Lexapro may contribute to liver problems and antidepressant-related hepatic injury.
Many people who are taking Lexapro are experiencing depression. Depression can lead individuals to consume drugs or alcohol in an attempt to deal with the symptoms and negative feelings of this mental health disorder. Lexapro is a safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety. However, doctors strongly recommend that people avoid drinking while taking antidepressants. Alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety and can increase the side effects of antidepressants.
Drinking alcohol while taking these types of antidepressants is not recommended. Blood thinners should also be avoided during intake of Lexapro. The risk of bleeding increases with the simultaneous use of blood thinners such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and warfarin.
You may be ok because everyone is different, but drinking on Lexapro gave me the WORST hangovers ever. A couple hours of fun is not worth the hangovers to me, so I quit drinking completely. Mixing alcohol and an SSRI has different results for different people. The best advice based on being on this subreddit for a while is hope for the best and expect the worst. However, a person should always talk to their doctor before having any alcohol if they are also taking Lexapro or any other medicines.
This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex , Cerner Multum™ , ASHP and others. Due to thelink between alcoholism and depression, expertsthinkthat excessive drinking is how some people attempt to treat their depression. Almost41%of people with depression have struggled with drinking during their lifetimes;22%have struggled with drinking during the past 12 months. Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can be a dangerous combination that counteracts Lexapro’s effects.
Side Effects of Alcohol and Lexapro (Escitalopram)
As a result, it is best to avoid alcohol to ensure that Lexapro is working to its fullest potential. While there has not been substantial testing on the interactions of Lexapro and alcohol, it is still advised to not mix the two drugs. Both substances affect the brain, and any interactions that may occur can potentially be serious. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products.
Escitalopram may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome if taken together with some medicines. Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines with escitalopram. Escitalopram may cause some teenagers and young adults to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. Some people may have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless.
What are some frequently asked questions about Lexapro?
Because alcohol also causes these same symptoms, combining the two drugs may magnify alcohol’s effects. If you’re concerned about your alcohol use, you may benefit from substance abuse counseling and treatment programs that can help you overcome your misuse of alcohol. Joining a support group or a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous may help. Your doctor may tell you to avoid alcohol altogether while you’re on Lexapro, or they may say that it’s fine to have a drink from time to time. Everyone’s situation is different, and your doctor will advise you what’s best in your circumstance.
- The next time you’re tempted to mix Lexapro and alcohol, tap into that same willpower.
- However, doctors strongly recommend that people avoid drinking while taking antidepressants.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
- It works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain.
- You should avoid Lexapro with alcohol due to the possibility of major side effects.
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Some eco sober house cost people who mix alcohol and Lexapro also report increased suicidal ideation. If you’ve already had a drink while taking Lexapro, don’t panic.
EP. 10 — Talking Nootropics w/ Hussam Hamoush, PharmD, Co-Owner at Stonebriar Pharmacy
If you or your caregiver notice any of these unwanted effects, tell your doctor right away. Let the doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide. Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have, such as liver failure.
But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects from Lexapro can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Lexapro, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Like most drugs, Lexapro may cause mild to serious side effects. Below are lists of some of the more common side effects the drug may cause. To learn more about GAD and MDD, see “Is Lexapro used for anxiety? Since Lexapro has a half-life of hours, a regular dose of Lexapro will leave your body after a little more than six days.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Lexapro is used to help increase serotonin and overall improve your mental health and wellbeing. When you combine this medication with alcohol, it can get in the way of the medication’s job, leaving you feeling worse. A drink here and there, while safe, may still offset your progress as you continue on your mental health journey. Drinking in excess not only puts you at a greater risk for relapse, alcoholism, and substance use disorder, it will worsen the effects of Lexapro. Think about it—the whole reason why you began the medication was likely because you had low mood, irritability, and anxiety.
For example, you may lose interest in activities you used to enjoy. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration . For a list of possible symptoms, see the “What should be considered before taking Lexapro? To learn more about https://soberhome.net/ how Lexapro compares with Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. After starting Lexapro treatment, it may take several weeks for the symptoms of your condition to ease. Your doctor can tell you more about when to expect a change with Lexapro.
What should I expect if my doctor increases my Lexapro dosage?
Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know about taking generic escitalopram. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether it’s safe to chew or crush Lexapro tablets. You may mash certified sober homes be able to split the 10-milligram and 20-mg tablets using the score line printed across the tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing Lexapro tablets, check out this article.
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Additionally, you want to avoid taking Lexapro with other medications that increase serotonin, such as other antidepressants, migraine medications , and some pain medications. Although rare, this can lead to a serotonin syndrome, marked by symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, among others. Lexapro is often prescribed for depression because it’s an SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This means that it blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, making it more available for use. Since serotonin is important for regulating mood, it is important to have sufficient amounts of this neurotransmitter available in the brain.
Medications For Alcohol Withdrawal
Individuals struggling with addiction sometimes use alcohol as a way to “deal with” mental health disorders. Since alcohol diminishes the effects of Lexapro, some users may begin to drink even more to try and get rid of their feelings of depression or anxiety. This can lead to liver damage due to the increased alcohol usage over time. For individuals with an alcohol use disorder, the long term effects of drinking on Lexapro can be dangerous.
Anyone who wishes to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro or any other medication should speak to their doctor first. Developing alcohol use disorder can affect a person’s relationships and cause social problems, such as unemployment, divorce, and homelessness. This worsening scenario is potentially dangerous as it can lead to some people having an increase in suicidal thoughts. Remember, a self-assessment is not a substitute for professional medical advice.