Escitalopram oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved escitalopram oral tablet to treat:

• major depressive disorder (depression) in adults and children ages 12 years and older
• generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children ages 7 years and older

This article describes possible side effects of escitalopram oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for escitalopram. You can explore this overview article to learn more about escitalopram oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Escitalopram oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Lexapro. Escitalopram also comes as a liquid solution that you swallow, but this form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about this form, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people

Escitalopram has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For details, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.

More common side effects of escitalopram

Escitalopram oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of escitalopram oral tablet include:

• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• sexual side effects*
• nausea
• sweating
• fatigue (low energy)

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of escitalopram

Escitalopram may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of escitalopram oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• loss of appetite
• fatigue (low energy)
• feeling anxious
• nausea
• weakness
• tremor (uncontrollable shaking in a part of your body)
• sweating more than usual
• sleepiness
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• sexual side effects*
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.

Serious side effects of escitalopram

Escitalopram may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from escitalopram oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with escitalopram.

Serious side effects of escitalopram oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• increased risk of bleeding
• low blood sodium level*
• serotonin syndrome (high level of the chemical serotonin in your body)
• seizures (changes in the electrical activity of your brain)
• sexual side effects*
• withdrawal symptoms, if treatment with escitalopram is suddenly stopped
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people†
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.
† Escitalopram oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.

Side effects of escitalopram in children

Doctors prescribe escitalopram oral tablet to treat the following conditions in children:

• major depressive disorder (depression) in children ages 12 years and older
• generalized anxiety disorder in children ages 7 years and older

In studies, the following side effects were more common in children than in adults:

• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people*

* Escitalopram oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.

If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking escitalopram oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common questions about side effects of escitalopram

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of escitalopram oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is there a best time of day to take escitalopram to reduce the risk of side effects?

It depends. But there’s no one best time of day to take escitalopram.

The best time to take escitalopram to reduce the risk of side effects may depend on side effects you have from taking the drug.

For example, if you have insomnia (trouble sleeping) during treatment, taking the medication in the morning may help you avoid this side effect.

On the other hand, other people may experience sleepiness as a side effect. In this case, taking the medication close to bedtime may be a better choice.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about reducing your risk of side effects from taking escitalopram.

How long do side effects of escitalopram usually last?

It varies. Usually, side effects caused by escitalopram are short term and go away on their own. However, in rare cases, the drug may cause long-term side effects. See the question below to learn more.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you develop side effects that bother you or don’t go away while you’re taking escitalopram. They can review your symptoms and may recommend an alternative treatment. They can also determine whether it’s safe for you to continue taking escitalopram.

Does escitalopram cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases, escitalopram oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.

Examples of long-term side effects reported with escitalopram oral tablet include:

• increased risk of bleeding
• low blood sodium level*
• serotonin syndrome (high level of the chemical serotonin in your body)
• sexual side effects*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section below.

These long-term side effects usually go away when you stop taking escitalopram oral tablet. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects of escitalopram.

Coupon for escitalopram

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for escitalopram when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs. 

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Side effects of escitalopram in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of escitalopram oral tablet.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

In studies, the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was slightly increased in children and young adults (up to age 24 years) taking escitalopram oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are potentially serious side effects of all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs in children and young adults. (Escitalopram is an SSRI drug.) But some studies have found that SSRIs actually decreased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults ages 25 years and older.

It’s also important to know that depression is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. (SSRI drugs such as escitalopram are prescribed to treat depression.)

With suicidal thoughts and behaviors, you experience thoughts of harming yourself. Symptoms may include intense negative emotions such as hopelessness and guilt, and behaviors such as giving away possessions or withdrawing from loved ones.

Certain factors can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking escitalopram oral tablet. These include when you first begin treatment with escitalopram and if your doctor changes your dosage. It’s thought the risk of this side effect may decrease as you continue taking escitalopram.

Ways to manage

If you’re comfortable doing so, it can be helpful to let a close friend or family member know that you’re taking escitalopram. They can watch for changes in your mood, thinking, or behavior during your treatment.

If you experience symptoms or have concerns about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend appropriate treatment for your symptoms. They may also suggest exploring other treatments for depression and have you stop taking escitalopram.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline 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.

Sexual side effects

In studies, sexual side effects were somewhat common in people taking escitalopram oral tablet. These side effects may be mild or serious.

Examples of sexual side effects reported in studies of escitalopram include:

• difficulty having an orgasm
• erectile dysfunction
• low sex drive

Certain factors can increase the risk of sexual side effects with escitalopram oral tablet. These include having certain mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. (Escitalopram is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.)

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of sexual side effects while taking escitalopram, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may also suggest exploring other treatments for your condition besides escitalopram.

Low blood sodium level

A low blood sodium level was rare in people taking escitalopram oral tablet in studies. This side effect may be serious, although it’s often mild.

Sodium is an important electrolyte in your body that helps with muscle and nerve function. Symptoms of low blood sodium can include weakness, fatigue (low energy), and muscle cramps.

Certain factors can increase the risk of low blood sodium with escitalopram oral tablet. These include:

• being age 65 years or older
• being dehydrated (having a low fluid level in your body)
• taking a diuretic medication (water pill), such as furosemide (Lasix)

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of low blood sodium, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with escitalopram. If your symptoms are severe or your blood sodium is very low, they may also recommend a treatment to raise your sodium level.

Allergic reaction

For some people, escitalopram oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was rare in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.

If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to escitalopram oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for escitalopram

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking escitalopram oral tablet.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people

Escitalopram has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Side effects of escitalopram in detail” section above.

Other warnings

It may not be safe for you to take escitalopram oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether escitalopram oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking escitalopram oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• bipolar disorder or mania, or a family history of these conditions
• bleeding problems
• epilepsy
• seizures (changes in the electrical activity of your brain)
• glaucoma
• heart, liver, or kidney conditions
• low blood sodium level
• taking or having recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug, such as phenelzine (Nardil)
• taking the antipsychotic drug pimozide
• past allergic reaction to escitalopram

Escitalopram and pregnancy

It isn’t known whether escitalopram should be taken during pregnancy. But there are risks associated with having depression or anxiety that isn’t treated while pregnant. (Escitalopram is prescribed for treating anxiety and depression.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for anxiety or depression during pregnancy. They can review the benefits and risks of different treatment options and decide whether you should take escitalopram during pregnancy.

If you and your doctor decide you’ll take escitalopram during pregnancy, consider joining the drug’s pregnancy registry. These registries help doctors and patients make safe treatment decisions during pregnancy. You can learn more or join the registry by calling 844-405-6185 or visiting this site.

Escitalopram and breastfeeding

Check with your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you to breastfeed during treatment with escitalopram. There are reports of side effects in children exposed to the drug through breastfeeding. These side effects include agitation, sleepiness, and reduced weight gain.

Escitalopram and alcohol

Escitalopram oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.

That said, escitalopram and alcohol can cause some similar side effects. Examples include nausea and weakness. Combining escitalopram and alcohol could raise your risk of these side effects.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with escitalopram oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of escitalopram oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my risk of sexual side effects from taking escitalopram depend on my dosage?
• How do side effects of escitalopram compare with those of other treatments for my condition?
• Am I at higher risk of side effects from taking escitalopram based on my health history?
• Are there certain foods or diets I should avoid while taking escitalopram?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.