Lexapro Side Effects: What to Expect During the First Week and Beyond

Key Information

• Lexapro is an antidepressant medication that can cause side effects, especially during the first week of treatment.
• These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few weeks.
• However, some people may experience more serious side effects that require medical attention.

First Week on Lexapro

• The most common side effects of Lexapro during the first week include:
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Increased sweating
  • Nausea
  • Sleep disturbances
• These side effects typically subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
• If your symptoms are severe or do not go away after a few weeks, talk to your doctor.

Common Lexapro Side Effects

• In addition to the side effects listed above, other common side effects of Lexapro include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Heart palpitations
  • Indigestion
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Shaking
  • Stomach upset
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Weight gain or loss

Serious Lexapro Side Effects

• Some people may experience more serious side effects from Lexapro, including:
  • Allergic reactions, such as hives, rash, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Bleeding or bruising easily
  • Hallucinations
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver damage
  • Mania
  • Seizures
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• If you experience any of these serious side effects, stop taking Lexapro and contact your doctor immediately.

Lexapro Drug Interaction Side Effects

• Lexapro can interact with other medications, including:
  • Blood thinners
  • Other antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Herbal supplements
  • Over-the-counter medications
• Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting Lexapro.

Coping with Lexapro Side Effects

• If you are experiencing mild side effects from Lexapro, there are a few things you can do to cope:
  • Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your side effects.
  • Make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.
  • Join a support group for people taking Lexapro.
  • Be patient. Most side effects of Lexapro go away within a few weeks.

Taking Lexapro Safely

• Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not stop taking Lexapro suddenly, as this can cause serious side effects.
• Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about taking Lexapro.

Lexapro Withdrawal Side Effects

• If you stop taking Lexapro suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Nightmares
  • Restlessness
  • Shakiness
  • Stomach upset
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms if you need to stop taking Lexapro.

Lexapro Overdose Signs

• An overdose of Lexapro can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include:
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Convulsions
  • Dilated pupils
  • Drowsiness
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea
  • Respiratory depression
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
• If you think someone has overdosed on Lexapro, call 911 immediately.

When to Consult Your Doctor

• See your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
  • Serious side effects of Lexapro
  • Side effects that do not go away after a few weeks
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about taking Lexapro.