Is it safe to stay on Lexapro long term?

Key takeaways

• Lexapro (escitalopram) is generally considered safe for long-term use to manage depression and anxiety, with no known major problems linked to prolonged treatment.
• Common side effects may include nervousness, headaches, nausea, and decreased libido, while rare but serious risks include serotonin syndrome when combined with certain medications and potential bleeding issues due to lowered platelet counts.
• Alternative treatments for depression include other antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic medications, as well as talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress management.

Overview

Lexapro is the brand name of the drug escitalopram. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These types of drugs can help with depression and anxiety symptoms by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain.

Healthcare professionals often prescribe Lexapro as a long-term treatment option, so it is typically safe to keep taking it for months or years.

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Can you stay on Lexapro forever?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), taking Lexapro (escitalopram) to treat depression for prolonged periods of time is considered safe. There are currently no known problems linked to the long-term use of Lexapro.

However, some older reports suggest that taking SSRIs long-term may cause some side effects, such as increasing the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen in your blood. This protein is found in the blood of people who may have cancer. It’s thought that this may increase the risk of developing cancer, but more research is needed to confirm this.

There has also been a report of cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis linked to long-term use of escitalopram, but this is rare and typically goes away on its own with time.

What are the benefits of staying on Lexapro long term?

One of the primary benefits of Lexapro is that it can help relieve or manage anxiety and depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain. It can also help manage symptoms of depression, such as:

• hopelessness
• difficulty sleeping
• loss of interest in everyday activities
• low energy and fatigue
• muscle tension
• irritability
• excessive anxiety
• excessive sleeping
• difficulty concentrating

Lexapro may also help people manage other health conditions when doctors prescribe it as an off-label medication, including:

• panic disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• eating disorders

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• Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day at 988.
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What are the risk factors for staying on Lexapro long term?

Taking Lexapro is generally safe. However, it is not risk-free. This medication may interact with certain drugs, such as cold medications and cough suppressants. This may cause a significant increase in serotonin, which can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life threatening reaction.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:

• tachycardia, a heart rate over 100 beats per minute
• dizziness
• hypertension
• flushing
• sweating
• eye pupils dilation

Lexapro may also decrease your platelet counts. Platelets help your blood to form clots, which helps stop bleeding. A low platelet count can increase the chance of severe bleeding.

It’s important to let your doctor know if you have a health condition that can cause severe bleeding, such as a blood-clotting disorder. Also, let your doctor know if you’re taking medications that can increase your risk of bleeding, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Other side effects you may experience when taking Lexapro may include:

• nervousness
• headaches
• restlessness and difficulty sleeping
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• increased sweating
• decreased libido

In some rare cases, Lexapro may cause severe side effects such as seizures and even coma.

Alternative treatment options

Lexapro is not the only treatment available for depression. Several alternative options are available, such as:

Medications

There are various types of antidepressant medications that you can take that may help ease depression symptoms, such as:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

• citalopram (Celexa)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• sertraline (Zoloft)

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):

• duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
• venlafaxine (Effexor)

Tricyclic antidepressants: 

• amitriptyline (Elavil)
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• protriptyline (Vivactil)

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Talk therapy

Talk therapy and lifestyle changes can also be important in treating depression. This may include a combination of therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

These types of talk therapy aim to modify certain behaviors and thinking patterns that can lead to anxiety and depression.

During therapy, the specialists may also teach you mindful exercises that can help you manage and reduce your stress levels and anxiety. This may help reduce the chance that depression will recur.

Lifestyle measures

Doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to help naturally improve your anxiety and depression. These may include:

• eating a balanced diet
• getting enough sleep, at least 7 hours for adults
• engaging in regular physical activities
• practicing mindful activities, such as medication and breathing exercises
• engaging in activities that lower your stress levels, such as listening to music, reading, or spending time on hobbies you enjoy

If your depression symptoms are affecting your daily life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can work with you to put together a suitable treatment plan.

What’s next?

Lexapro is typically considered very safe and effective for long-term treatment of depression. Here are some next steps to consider throughout your treatment journey:

• Regularly review your Lexapro treatment plan with your doctor to assess ongoing benefits and risks.
• Monitor for side effects like serotonin syndrome (e.g., rapid heart rate, dizziness) or unusual bleeding, and report them immediately.
• Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor if side effects become problematic or if you want to explore other options.
• Combine Lexapro with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices to enhance overall well-being.
• Seek support if you experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm tendencies, using resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• Stay informed about potential long-term risks, such as rare conditions like cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis, and address concerns with your doctor.
• Explore talk therapy as a complementary treatment to Lexapro for long-term mental health management.

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• When’s the best time to take Lexapro for anxiety
• Lexapro dosage
• Lexapro vs. Zoloft

Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.