Alcohol and Lexapro
What is Lexapro?
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The drug helps restore the balance of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that affects mood. In some cases, individuals who combine alcohol and Lexapro may struggle with suicidal thoughts. For these reasons, medical practitioners advise against combining the substances.
Lexapro is considered a safe and effective treatment for anxiety and depression. However, when the drug is combined with alcohol, depression can become worse.
What Does Lexapro Treat?
As an antidepressant, Lexapro can have a positive effect on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- Low energy, trouble concentrating
- Feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, guilty, or worthless
- Changes in appetite
- Nervous energy, restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Loss of interest in activities or pleasure
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
Lexapro is also prescribed “off-label” for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and panic disorder. When prescription drugs are prescribed “off-label” it means the drug is not approved by the FDA for treating the condition.
People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants are also at risk of their depression turning into mania. Mania includes symptoms such as “high” mood, a need to keep moving, talking, or walking. Also, the person is easily distracted, extremely irritable, and lacks self-control.
Can Pregnant Women Take Lexapro?
Experts warn that untreated depression can be harmful to a fetus. However, using antidepressants during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters can result in premature birth.
Women who use Lexapro during pregnancy increase the risk of the infant developing persistent pulmonary hypertension. This condition has the potential to be fatal. It is associated with antidepressant use during the second half of the pregnancy.
Side Effects of Lexapro
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Sexual problems
- Infections
- Sleep disturbances
Doctors also warn patients not to stop using Lexapro so they can drink alcohol. Like most other prescription drugs, the sudden discontinuance of Lexapro can result in withdrawal issues.
- Irritability
- Nightmares
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pins and needles sensations
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
When Lexapro is stopped for the purpose of consuming alcohol, the above symptoms can become severe.
Is Lexapro Addictive?
Lexapro is physically non-addictive according to the Food & Drug Administration. However, a person can develop a psychological dependence or addition with prolonged use. Additionally, repeated use of Lexapro can result in needing larger doses to get the desired effects. Lexapro doesn’t generally produce euphoria, but some individuals take large doses hoping to get high.
Signs of Lexapro dependence are mostly psychological in nature including depression, aggression, panic attacks, hallucinations, memory problems, irritability, and insomnia just to name a few.
Side Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol disrupts the natural chemical balance of the central nervous system.
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination and slow reactions
- Mood swings
- Violence or aggression
- Respiratory problems
- Risk of accidents or injuries
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Suicidal ideations
- Pancreatitis
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Also, individuals who abuse alcohol are at increased risk of developing anxiety or depression. Treatment for those issues in the form of antidepressants won’t solve the problem unless alcohol is discontinued.
Alcohol is legal and people spend millions of dollars on these products. However, being legal and being safe are separate issues altogether. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 15 million Americans have alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Risks of Combining Alcohol and Lexapro
Not only does alcohol make depression worse, but it can also counteract the benefits of antidepressants such as Lexapro. Furthermore, many of the side effects of Lexapro such as dizziness or drowsiness are intensified by alcohol.
Generally, no amount of alcohol is entirely safe when a person is taking Lexapro. However, some individuals consume alcohol in moderation occasionally. For example, moderate alcohol use is one alcoholic drink per day for women or two alcoholic drinks per day for men.
- 1.5oz of a 40 percent ABV whiskey
- 5oz of a 12 percent ABV wine
- 12ozs of 5 percent ABV beer
Talk to a doctor before combining alcohol and Lexapro, especially if you are also taking other prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs. Surprisingly, some OTC meds contain small amounts of alcohol.
How to Stop Using Lexapro
Although there is not much evidence to suggest Lexapro addiction exists, a person may still have trouble discontinuing the drug. If you need help overcoming alcohol and Lexapro use or abuse, contact us at A Forever Recovery today. Our treatment programs are clinically proven to be effective.
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Real-World Data on SSRI Antidepressant Side Effects
- nami.org – Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- niaaa.nih.gov – Overview of Alcohol Consumption