Lexapro and Alcohol

Lexapro is an antidepressant. This generic drug is the brand-name version of the escitalopram oxalate. In particular, Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is determined to help with treatment:

•  Generalized anxiety disorder
•  Major depressive disorder
•  Other mental health issues

Like other SSRIs, Lexapro affects your brain by stopping the eruption of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is known for its effects on the mood. SSRI drugs are among the safest classes of antidepressants, so they are often the first choice of doctors to treat depression.

Nevertheless, like all drugs, Lexapro comes with risks. Combining lexapro with alcohol may worsen the symptoms of your condition. It can also lead to other unpleasant side effects. Find out why combination of medicine with alcohol is not a good idea.

Can I take lexapro with Alcohol?

According to the American Food and Drug Administration, clinical trials have not yet shown that alcohol increases the effect of Lexapro on the brain. Although this does not mean that the risk is not there, though. Instead, it means more research is needed to understand how Laxapro and Alcohol are interacting with each other in your brain.

It also does not mean that it is safe to take Lexapro and drink alcohol. Whenever you take Lexapro, you risk yourself for potentially serious side effects. If you drink alcohol, it is best to drink it during treatment with medication. If you take Lexapro, talk to your doctor before drinking any alcohol.

Interactions

Drinking all those taking lexapro will not be side-effects. But it is important to understand how these two strong substances can affect each other. Drinking on Lexapro may be the following reason:

•  Deficiency of drug efficacy (it can not work to treat your condition)
•  Anxiety increased
•  Worse depression
•  Sleepiness
•  Liver problems
•  Alcohol

There is also a risk that alcohol may increase the risk for side effects related to Lexapro. These are side effects which cause the drug which can be more serious in the drug mix with alcohol. The side effects of Lexapro include:

•  Nausea
•  Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying)
•  Sleepiness
•  Dry mouth
•  Diarrhea

Lexapro can also increase the risk of suicide. This risk is particularly high in children, adolescents and young adults. This is likely to happen even during the first few months of treatment and when your doctor changes your dose. Because alcohol can make your depression worse, it can also increase the risk of suicide.

The risk of alcohol may also be higher depending on the dosage you take. If you take the maximum dose for depression – 20 mg lexapro- oflexapro and alcohol can be more prone to impact.

What to do

Lexapro is a long term drug. Most people should not drink alcohol during treatment with medication. However, if the drug works to manage your condition well then your doctor can say that drinking from time to time is safe. Keep in mind that everyone’s status is different. Your doctor can tell you to avoid drinking alcohol completely during Lexapro. Always check with your doctor before taking a drink.

Effects of alcohol on mental health issues

If you have a mental health condition, then the possibility of drinking alcohol is not a good idea, whether you take medicine such as lexapro or not. Alcohol is a depression. This means that it can make your situation worse. It can increase the following symptoms of anxiety:

•  Intense anxieties that come in the way of your daily life
•  Irritability
•  Fatigue
•  Insomnia or discomfort

It can make depression even worse. Symptoms may include:
•  Persistent sadness
•  Emptiness
•  The lack of interest in the activities you enjoyed
•  Fatigue
•  Suicidal thoughts

Talk to your doctor

Lexapro and alcohol both change the way your brain works. To avoid dangerous side effects such as drowsiness and liver problems, it is best not to use alcohol when you take lexapro. Alcohol may also prevent lexapro from working.

With or without medication, alcohol can increase your symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, each person’s status is different. Talk to your doctor before drinking to see what is most safe for you.

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.