If you have anxiety or depression, your doctor may prescribe Lexapro for you. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions:
- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults
- major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and some children
To learn more about GAD and MDD, see “Is Lexapro used for anxiety?” and “Is Lexapro used for other conditions?” below.
Lexapro basics
Lexapro is a kind of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It contains the active ingredient escitalopram. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Lexapro comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s also available as a generic drug called escitalopram.
Read on to learn about Lexapro’s side effects, dosage, and more.
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. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Lexapro. They can also suggest ways to help reduce them.
Mild side effects
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Lexapro can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the drug’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Lexapro that have been reported include:
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- fatigue (low energy)
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- sleepiness
- sweating more than usual
- digestive side effects, such as:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- sexual side effects, such as:
- low sex drive
- delayed ejacul*tion
- difficulty reaching org*sm
- mild allergic reaction*
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.
Serious side effects
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.
Serious side effects of Lexapro that have been reported include:
- low blood sodium level
- serotonin syndrome (a condition caused by high levels of a chemical called serotonin)
- seizures
- bleeding or bruising, or bleeding more easily than usual
- boxed warning: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors*
- severe allergic reaction†
* For more information, see the “What should be considered before taking Lexapro?” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see “Allergic reaction” just below.
Allergic reactionSome people may have an allergic reaction to Lexapro. Allergic reaction wasn’t reported in studies of Lexapro, but has been reported since it became available for use.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Lexapro. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Below are commonly used dosages of Lexapro, but your doctor will recommend the dosage that’s right for you. Always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Form
Lexapro comes as a tablet that you swallow.
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Lexapro is available in three strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 10 mg
- 20 mg
Recommended dosages
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Lexapro. Then they’ll adjust it over time until you reach a dosage that treats your condition without causing bothersome side effects.
Your Lexapro dosage will be based on several factors, including:
- other medical conditions you have, such as liver disease
- how well your condition is improving with the drug
Lexapro can be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The usual dosages for these uses are described below.
To learn more about Lexapro’s dosages, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor.
Dosage for major depressive disorder
The usual dosage of Lexapro for MDD is 10 mg once per day. The maximum dosage for this use is 20 mg once per day.
Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder
The usual dosage of Lexapro for GAD is 10 mg once per day. For this use, the maximum dosage is 20 mg once per day.
Questions about Lexapro’s dosing
Below are some common questions about Lexapro’s dosing.
- What if I miss a dose of Lexapro? If you miss a dose of Lexapro, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at its usual time. You should not take two doses of Lexapro at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so can increase your risk of side effects.
- Will I need to use Lexapro long term? It’s possible. If Lexapro is working well for your condition without causing bothersome side effects, you may take the drug long term.
- How long does Lexapro take to work? 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.
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Lexapro.
How does Lexapro compare with Wellbutrin?
Below are a few ways Lexapro compares with Wellbutrin.
| Lexapro | Wellbutrin | |
| Active ingredient | escitalopram | bupropion |
| Drug group | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a kind of antidepressant | norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which is a kind of antidepressant |
| Form | tablet that you swallow | tablet that you swallow |
| Uses | • to treat generalized anxiety disorder • to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) | • to help prevent seasonal affective disorder • to treat MDD |
To learn more about how Lexapro compares with Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Wellbutrin comes in two long-acting forms called Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. In this section, “Wellbutrin” is used to describe both forms of the drug.
Are Lexapro’s side effects in men different than in women?
Most of Lexapro’s side effects are the same for males* and females* who take the drug. (For lists of possible side effects, see the “What are Lexapro’s side effects?” section above.)
But in rare cases, Lexapro may cause side effects in females that do not occur in males. These include menstrual (period) problems, such as menstrual cramps.
Lexapro may also cause different sexual side effects in males and females. For details, see the “Does Lexapro cause sexual side effects?” question below.
If you have more questions about what to expect with Lexapro, talk with your doctor.
* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
What should I expect if my doctor increases my Lexapro dosage?
If your doctor increases your Lexapro dosage, they may have you watch for symptoms of certain side effects. This is because higher doses of Lexapro may increase your risk for certain side effects.
These side effects and their symptoms include:
- Serotonin syndrome (a condition caused by high levels of a chemical called serotonin). Symptoms may include:
- changes in blood pressure
- tremor (shaking) or seizure
- restlessness
- sweating
- nausea and vomiting
- Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Lexapro has a
boxed warning about this risk. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For a list of possible symptoms, see the “What should be considered before taking Lexapro?” section below.
To learn more about what to expect if your Lexapro dosage is increased, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on your risk of these side effects and what to do if they happen.
Does Lexapro cause sexual side effects?
Yes, Lexapro may cause certain sexual side effects. These may be the same or different for males* and females.*
For example, males or females taking Lexapro may notice decreased libido (sex drive). And males taking the drug may have delayed ejacul*tion or erectile dysfunction, while females may have difficulty reaching org*sm.
If you’re worried about sexual side effects with Lexapro, talk with your doctor. They can help determine your risk of these side effects and recommend ways to help manage them if they occur.
* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
What is the half-life of Lexapro?
The
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have anxiety, your doctor may prescribe Lexapro for you. It’s used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults.
With GAD, you have constant or overwhelming worry about everyday situations. This worry may affect your relationships and daily activities. For example, you may find it hard to work or leave your home because of it.
In addition to worry, other symptoms of GAD can include:
- difficulty concentrating
- trouble sleeping or relaxing
- fatigue (low energy)
- nervousness or irritability
Lexapro is a kind of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. This helps to ease symptoms of GAD.
For information about Lexapro’s other uses, see “Is Lexapro used for other conditions?” just below.
If you have depression, your doctor may prescribe Lexapro for you. It’s used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and children ages 12 years and older.
With MDD, you have long lasting or intense feelings of sadness, which may affect your daily life. For example, you may lose interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Symptoms of MDD can include:
- loss of appetite
- restlessness or irritability
- fatigue (low energy)
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Lexapro is a kind of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. This helps to ease symptoms of MDD by improving emotions and mood.
For more information about Lexapro’s use for anxiety, see “Is Lexapro used for anxiety?” just above.
Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering treatment with Lexapro include:
- other medications you take
- any medical conditions you may have
- your overall health
These and other factors are described below.
Interactions
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.
Before taking Lexapro, be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Lexapro.
For information about drug-condition interactions, see the “Other warnings” section below.
Interactions with drugs or supplements
Lexapro can interact with several kinds of drugs. These include:
- amphetamine drugs, such as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis)
- antipsychotic drugs, such as pimozide
- blood thinners, such as warfarin (Jantoven)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- certain antidepressants, such as selegiline (Emsam) and amitriptyline
- certain migraine drugs, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) and zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- the opioid drugs fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora) and tramadol (ConZip, Ultram)
- the acid reflux drug cimetidine
- the blood pressure drug metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL, Kapspargo Sprinkle)
- the antifungal drug ketoconazole
- the mood stabilizer drug lithium (Lithobid)
- the anxiety drug buspirone
This list does not contain all kinds of drugs that may interact with Lexapro. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with Lexapro.
Boxed warning
Lexapro has a
Medications used to treat depression can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. 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.
During Lexapro treatment, your doctor will monitor you for changes in behavior or mood. They’ll watch most closely for these changes whenever they adjust your dosage and in your first few months of treatment. They may also have you, close friends, or family members watch for these changes.
Examples of behavior or mood changes that may happen include feeling more agitated, restless, or angry than usual. It’s also important to watch for new or worsened anxiety or depression. If you have any of these symptoms while taking Lexapro, tell your doctor right away.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself during Lexapro treatment, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
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Other warnings
Lexapro can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Lexapro is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Factors to consider include those described below.
Dehydration or taking diuretics. Lexapro may cause a low blood sodium level. If you’re dehydrated or take a diuretic (water pill), your risk of low sodium may be increased. Your doctor can recommend whether Lexapro is a safe treatment option for you.
Bipolar disorder or mania. If you have bipolar disorder or mania, Lexapro may increase your risk of a manic or mixed episode. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor about any mental health conditions you have. They can tell you whether Lexapro is a safe treatment option.
Seizures. Seizures are a possible side effect of Lexapro. If you have a seizure condition, such as epilepsy, your risk of seizures may be higher. Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you have a seizure condition. They can help determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Liver problems. Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have, such as liver failure. Having liver problems may increase your risk of side effects from Lexapro, so your doctor may prescribe you a lower dose.
Severe kidney problems. 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. They can tell you whether it’s safe for you to take.
Bleeding problems. If you have a bleeding problem, such as hemophilia, talk with your doctor before taking Lexapro. This drug can increase your risk of bleeding even more. Your doctor will let you know whether Lexapro is the right treatment for you.
Narrow eye angles. If you have narrow eye angles, tell your doctor before starting Lexapro. This an eye condition in which your iris and cornea are closer together than usual. Lexapro may widen your pupils, which could lead to closed-angle glaucoma in people with narrow eye angles. Closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency. It can cause loss of vision and severe eye pain. Due to this risk, your doctor may suggest you have an eye exam before starting Lexapro.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lexapro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better options.
Lexapro and alcohol
Lexapro’s drugmaker recommends that you avoid alcohol while taking this drug. Alcohol can worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression, which Lexapro is used to treat. And consuming alcohol while taking Lexapro can worsen certain side effects of the drug, including sleepiness and fatigue (low energy).
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether there’s a safe amount to consume while you’re taking Lexapro.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Below is important information about Lexapro, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Lexapro and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Lexapro is safe to take during pregnancy. But other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been studied in pregnancy. These studies suggest that SSRIs, such as Lexapro, may cause problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects).
These problems were more commonly seen in babies after birth when their mother took an SSRI in the last 3 months of her pregnancy. They include:
- pulmonary hypertension (a lung condition that causes a lack of oxygen in your body)
- unstable body temperature
- trouble breathing
- trouble eating
- decreased muscle tone
- seizures
If you take Lexapro during pregnancy, consider enrolling in a pregnancy registry. These registries collect important information about the safety of a drug when used during pregnancy. To enroll in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants, visit the registry’s site, call 866-961-2388, or talk with your doctor.
Lexapro and breastfeeding
Lexapro can pass into breast milk, which may lead to side effects in a child who is breastfed.
If you’re breastfeeding while taking Lexapro, watch the child for these side effects:
- excess sleepiness
- agitation
- difficulty gaining weight or eating
- restlessness
Your doctor can tell you more about the risks and benefits of taking Lexapro while breastfeeding.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are used to treat depression. Both medications belong to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
For more information about how Lexapro compares with Prozac, see this article.
Both escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) belong to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They’re both used to treat depression.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article.
Both escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) are used to treat certain kinds of anxiety and depression. And both medications belong to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
For more information about how Lexapro compares with Zoloft, see this article.
Do not take more Lexapro than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- serotonin syndrome (a condition caused by high levels of a chemical called serotonin)
- seizures
- changes in blood pressure
- heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm
What to do in case you take too much Lexapro
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Lexapro. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Your doctor will explain how to take Lexapro, including how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow their instructions.
Taking Lexapro
Lexapro comes as a tablet that you swallow.
Accessible medication containers and labels
Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Also, if you’re having difficulty opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Lexapro in an easy-open container. They can also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Questions about taking Lexapro
Below are some common questions about taking Lexapro.
- Can Lexapro be chewed, crushed, or split? Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether it’s safe to chew or crush Lexapro tablets. You may be able to split the 10-milligram (mg) and 20-mg tablets using the score line printed across the tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing Lexapro tablets, check out this article.
- Should I take Lexapro with food? You can take Lexapro with or without food.
- Is there a best time of day to take Lexapro? You can take Lexapro any time of day. But the best time to take the drug depends on any side effects that you have. For example, if you have insomnia (trouble sleeping) with Lexapro, it may be best to take the drug in the morning. But if you have sleepiness with the drug, it may be best to take your dose at bedtime. Whatever time works best for you, try to take Lexapro around the same time each day. Doing this helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps it to work effectively.
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors, including what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
Lexapro is available as the generic drug escitalopram. A generic medication contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less. Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know about taking generic escitalopram.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.
If you have anxiety or depression, your doctor may prescribe Lexapro for you. If you have questions about taking this drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Questions you may want to ask include:
- Should I take Lexapro along with other treatments for anxiety or depression?
- Will Lexapro cure my condition?
- Will Lexapro interact with any of the other drugs I’m taking?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
