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.