Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lexapro to treat:
This article describes possible side effects of Lexapro. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Lexapro, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Lexapro is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called escitalopram. This article describes possible side effects of Lexapro.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Lexapro has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section below.
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More common side effects of Lexapro
Lexapro 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 Lexapro oral tablet include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of Lexapro
Lexapro may cause certain mild side effects. Typically, 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 Lexapro oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
Lexapro may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of Lexapro
Lexapro may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Lexapro, 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 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 Lexapro.
Serious side effects of Lexapro that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section below.
† Lexapro has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
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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Side effects of Lexapro in children
For children, doctors prescribe Lexapro to treat the following conditions:
In studies, overall side effects were similar among children and adults. But the following side effects were more common in children than in adults:
Lexapro has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section below.
A decrease in appetite and weight loss have been seen with drugs known as SSRIs. Lexapro is an SSRI. Due to this possible risk, your child’s doctor will likely monitor your child’s weight and height during treatment with Lexapro oral tablet.
If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking Lexapro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions about side effects of Lexapro
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Lexapro. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do side effects of Lexapro in women compare with those seen in men?
Overall, most side effects reported in studies of Lexapro did not differ significantly in females* compared with males.* But females also reported menstrual cramps and other problems with their menstrual period.
Sexual side effects† are also a common side effect of Lexapro and other SSRIs. And symptoms of sexual side effects may differ in females and males.
Anyone can have low sex drive as a possible sexual side effect with Lexapro. Females may also have trouble having an orgasm, or delayed orgasm. Males may also have problems with getting or keeping an erection, or difficulty ejaculating.
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely discuss any difficulties with sexual health you may have before starting Lexapro. They’ll also monitor for and discuss any changes in sexual side effects while you’re taking Lexapro.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to know more about how the side effects of Lexapro compare in females or males.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section below.
Will I experience more side effects during the first week of treatment with Lexapro?
You may have side effects during your first week of treatment with Lexapro. Common side effects can occur early on when starting any drug, including Lexapro. But typically, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed.
It’s hard to predict who will have side effects from any medication, and how long any possible side effects may last.
Even though you might have side effects soon after starting Lexapro, you may not see the full benefit of the drug for treating your condition right away. It can take a few weeks to see the full effect of any antidepressant medication, including Lexapro. But you should keep taking it as prescribed.
For more details about what to expect during your first week of treatment with Lexapro, see this article. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist about which side effects may be more likely to occur during your first week of treatment with Lexapro.
How long do side effects of Lexapro usually last?
It depends on a few factors, including the specific side effect, why you’re taking Lexapro, and how long you take the drug. With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks.
Some side effects could occur after stopping Lexapro. For example, if you stop Lexapro abruptly, it could lead to symptoms of discontinuation syndrome, such as nausea, trouble sleeping, and fatigue.
If you and your doctor decide you should stop taking Lexapro, your doctor may tell you how to gradually lower your dosage of the drug to help limit these symptoms.
If you’re having bothersome side effects, or they aren’t going away with time, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage any side effects. Or they can help decide whether a different treatment could be an option.
In rare cases, Lexapro may cause long-term side effects. To learn more, see the question “Does Lexapro cause long-term side effects” below or talk with your doctor.
Does Lexapro cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in rare cases, Lexapro may cause long-term side effects. Most common side effects are mild and go away with time. But some side effects can occur if you take the drug for a long time or may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of possible long-term side effects reported with Lexapro include weight changes and the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.*
A decrease in appetite and weight loss have also been seen with the group of drugs known as SSRIs. Lexapro is an SSRI. If your child is prescribed Lexapro, your child’s doctor will likely monitor your child’s weight and height during treatment with Lexapro.
Some side effects can also occur when stopping Lexapro. Unless your doctor tells you to, do not stop taking Lexapro abruptly. If you and your doctor decide you should stop taking Lexapro oral tablet, your doctor may tell you how to gradually lower your dosage to prevent discontinuation syndrome or other possible long-term side effects.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to prevent or manage them. Also, ask your doctor for more information about how long the side effects of Lexapro may last.
* Lexapro 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 Lexapro in detail” section below.
Is weight gain possible with Lexapro?
In studies, there wasn’t a difference in body weight in people taking Lexapro compared to people not taking the drug. That said, weight gain and increased appetite were reported in some people taking Lexapro.
Keep in mind that weight loss may be a symptom of depression or anxiety. So for some people, being treated for their condition may lead to improved symptoms, including weight gain.
Lexapro is less likely to cause weight gain than some other antidepressants. In fact, a decrease in appetite is a reported side effect with Lexapro.
If you have more questions about weight gain or weight loss with Lexapro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of Lexapro in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Lexapro.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Lexapro 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.
In studies, there was a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults (ages 24 years and younger) taking Lexapro. This side effect was uncommon but may be serious. The risk may be higher during the first few months of starting treatment or after any dosage changes.
Symptoms of suicidal thoughts may include:
- new or worsening depression
- new or worsening anxiety or panic attacks
- feeling agitated, irritable, or restless
- trouble sleeping
- attempts to die by suicide
- acting on dangerous impulses
Lexapro is only approved for children ages 7 years and older to treat generalized anxiety disorder, and for children ages 12 years and older to treat major depressive disorder.
Keep in mind that depression or other mental health conditions are the most important causes that can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Ways to manage
If you or your child have concerns about suicidal thoughts or behaviors, tell your doctor. They’ll likely discuss the possible risks and benefits of treatment with Lexapro before you start the drug.
And they’ll monitor you for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in the first few months of starting treatment and after any dosage changes. Family members or caregivers should also stay alert and immediately report any unusual changes in behavior.
It’s important to keep all follow-up visits with your or your child’s doctor. And call them if you’re concerned about symptoms.
If you have depression that gets worse or doesn’t improve, or if you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor will likely consider changing you to a different treatment or stopping Lexapro. If you need urgent help, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Sexual side effects
Sexual side effects were common in studies of people taking Lexapro. These side effects can be mild or serious.
Symptoms of sexual side effects may include:
Changes in sexual desire, or satisfaction may also be due to certain mental health conditions. These include the conditions Lexapro is used to treat, such as depression. For more about depression and sex, read this article.
It’s unclear how common or severe sexual side effects are with Lexapro. This might be partly because people may not want to discuss these concerns.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Ways to manage
If you have sexual side effects, or you have concerns about these, tell your doctor.
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely discuss any difficulties with sexual health you may have before starting Lexapro. They’ll also discuss any changes in sex or ask you about sexual side effects while you’re taking Lexapro. You should also bring up any changes in sexual function or desire with your doctor.
Depending on what side effects you have, your doctor may explore other treatments for your condition. Or they may share possible treatments for these side effects.
Serotonin syndrome
In rare cases, Lexapro may cause serotonin syndrome (a high level of the chemical serotonin in your body).
With serotonin syndrome, you have too much serotonin in your body. This reaction can be serious. Symptoms may include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome with Lexapro. These include taking other medications that affect serotonin along with Lexapro, such as:
Some supplements, such as St. John’s wort, can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
The risk of serotonin syndrome may be higher when starting any drug that affects serotonin and during dosage changes.
Ways to manage
If you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, tell your doctor right away. The way serotonin syndrome is managed will depend on how severe your symptoms are. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Lexapro or other medications that may affect your serotonin levels. You may also need treatment for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Keep your doctor and pharmacist informed of all drugs and supplements you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) products. This may help lower your risk of taking more than one drug that can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
For some people, Lexapro can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, typically 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 Lexapro, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for Lexapro
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Lexapro.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Lexapro has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of Lexapro in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Lexapro if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Lexapro is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
* For more information about these serious side effects of Lexapro, see the “Serious side effects of Lexapro” section above.
Lexapro and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Lexapro should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Taking an SSRI, such as Lexapro, during the third trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of problems in the pregnant person or fetus. But untreated mental health conditions can also pose risks during and after pregnancy.
If you take Lexapro during pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to join the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects information about the risks and benefits of taking Lexapro while pregnant. To learn more, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the registry website or call 844-405-6185.
Lexapro and breastfeeding
Lexapro may not be recommended to be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Lexapro passes into breast milk. There are reports of excess sleepiness, restlessness, inadequate feeding, and weight gain, or other side effects in children exposed to Lexapro in breast milk.
If you breastfeed while taking Lexapro, call your doctor if your child is sleepier or fussier than usual, or if they’re not feeding or gaining weight as they should.
Lexapro is not known to interact with alcohol.
Still, the prescribing information for Lexapro says that it’s not recommended to drink alcohol during treatment with Lexapro. This same concern applies to other SSRIs.
For example, Lexapro may cause sleepiness or tiredness. These side effects may be worse if you drink alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Lexapro. See this article for more details about the effects of mixing Lexapro and alcohol.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of Lexapro. 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 dosage of Lexapro affect how likely I am to have side effects?
- Can Lexapro cause weight gain?
- Will I have more side effects during the first week of treatment with Lexapro?
- How long do side effects of Lexapro typically last?
- How do side effects of Lexapro seen in women* compare with those seen in men?*
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
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.
