Can you drink on Lexapro? Understand the significant risks and side effects of mixing Lexapro and alcohol. Discover why avoidance is a recommended strategy.

Can You Drink on Lexapro?

Q: Which antidepressant can you drink on?

Alcohol is a CNS depressant and can worsen side effects and mental health conditions when combined with antidepressants. It’s generally not recommended to drink alcohol with antidepressants.

Q: Can I skip a day of Lexapro to drink?

No. Skipping Lexapro to drink is not recommended and may reduce treatment effectiveness or cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and dizziness.

Q: Does Lexapro cause weight gain?

Weight changes can occur with SSRIs for some people. Speak with your healthcare provider for individual guidance and monitoring.

If you think having a drink while taking Lexapro won’t be a problem, think again.

Mixing Lexapro with alcohol can significantly increase the risk of harm.

Key Facts

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States.
Nearly 80% of people have consumed alcohol in their lives.

Drinking alcohol can exacerbate the side effects of Lexapro, such as severe drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, and reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

For these reasons, your healthcare provider recommends avoiding alcohol.

Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol while on Lexapro. A licensed healthcare provider can advise you on the safe use of Lexapro.

At Therapy Fleet, our team of experts is here to guide you towards better mental health. Book your online consultation today.

WARNING!

Antidepressants, including Lexapro (Escitalopram), may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior in children, teens, and adults.
Patients who are taking antidepressants should be closely monitored because depression itself may also lead to suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or behavior, seek medical attention immediately. You can also contact the FDA to report side effects. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Lexapro is not approved for children under 12 years of age
SSRIs or SNRIs, including Lexapro, may pose a risk of developing serotonin syndrome. It’s rare but can be life-threatening.
Lexapro may increase the risk of bleeding. It is not recommended to use blood thinners, NSAIDs, or aspirin.

Careful monitoring and caution are advisable.

What is Lexapro?

When we talk about anxiety or depression, the most common first-line treatment is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

Key fact

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States, with nearly $40 billion spent each year on related costs.

Lexapro is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It is mainly used to treat:

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Symptoms of Depression

Persistent sadness
Emptiness
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness and helplessness
Sleep Problems (sleep more or less than usual)
Changes in appetite (eat more or less than usual)
Difficulty concentrating
Low energy
Psychomotor retardation
Psychomotor agitation
Suicidal thoughts or behaviour

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Excessive and constant worry
Irritability
Restlesness
Fatigue
Muscle tension
Sleep problems
Trouble concentrating

Off-label Uses of Lexapro

Lexapro is sometimes used off-label, and Off-label uses of Lexapro (Escitalopram) are

Therapy Fleet offers online prescription of Lexapro along with therapies that might help reduce anxiety and depression.

How Does Lexapro (Escitalopram) Work?

Lexapro works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin (a chemical responsible for mood regulation) in the brain. It increases serotonin levels in the brain and helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety symptoms, and depression.

Can You Drink on Lexapro?

No, it is not advisable to drink while on Lexapro. Alcohol is a CNS depressant, while Lexapro is an antidepressant. Studies suggest that there is an association between alcohol dependence and depression.

Mixing alcohol with Lexapro can reduce medication effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.

A combination of both may worsen mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. So it’s not a good idea to drink while on Lexapro. Alcohol can negatively interact with other medications, causing potential harm to mental and physical health.

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Is it Okay to drink on Lexapro occasionally?

Lexapro and alcohol are not recommended together, even occasionally. Many patients have reported feeling emotionally low, having blackouts, or excessive drowsiness after mixing Lexapro and alcohol. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol while on lexapro to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness.

What Happens to Your Body if You Drink While on Lexpro (Escitalopram)

Alcohol is a CNS depressant, and it slows down the activity of the brain. Initially, drinking may create a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. If consumption continued, it could lead to poor coordination and severe drowsiness.

Important Note

It is advised not to drink or to drink less and in moderation, though even moderate drinking may also increase the risk of serious harm or death (CDC).

These effects may become more dangerous and long-term, which can affect:

Coordination
Mood
Behaviour
Blood pressure
Self control
Heart rate
Memory
Speech

Alcohol and Depression

Drinking alcohol may worsen depression and anxiety symptoms. Drinking alcohol and Depression are co-occurring health conditions, and one can intensify the other.

Some people try to cope with their depression or anxiety through substance use, drugs, or alcohol consumption without realizing the long-term consequences.

Mixing alcohol with antidepressants can disrupt the balance of brain chemicals that are involved in mood regulation.

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Potential Risks and Side Effects of Drinking on Lexapro

Alcohol is widely consumed in the United States, and many people consume it without a second thought. However, it can lead to substance abuse and health issues.

Alcohol on its own negatively affects both physical and mental health.

Important Note

If depression gets worse, seek medical help immediately because it may lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior.

When combined with antidepressants (Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Pristiq), it can cause more danger and potential risks

Mixing Lexapro with alcohol may cause unpleasant effects and risks, including:

Worsened mental health problems
Reduced treatment effectiveness
Risk of Serotonin syndrome

Some of the short-term side effects may include:

Increased drowsiness
Memory problems
Impaired coordination
Loss of concentration

Important Note

If you are taking antidepressants, it is strongly advised to avoid alcohol

Long-term Side Effects of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol

Irregular heart rate
Cognitive impairment
Liver damage
Increased risk of dependence

If you notice any unusual changes in your health status, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about your health conditions and any side effects you may experience.

5 Alternative Strategies for Drinking While on Lexapro

There are healthier strategies to cope with stress and social situations without risking the side effects of mixing Lexapro and alcohol.

1. Benefits of Exercise and Therapy

Millions of people suffer from depression in the United States. Studies suggest that regular exercise with cognitive behaviour therapy can improve treatment outcomes and help calm both the body and mind without the risks associated with alcohol.

2. Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and medications are powerful tools for managing emotional triggers. It can help improve emotional regulation, making it easier without turning to alcohol.

3. Non-alcoholic Macktails

Non-alcoholic mocktails, herbal teas, and sparkling water can be a healthy alternative during social gatherings, avoiding the risk of turning into alcohol while on Lexapro.

4. Support Group

There are many online communities and support groups where people share similar experiences, challenges, and strategies for living alcohol-free. Joining these groups can provide encouragement, practical advice, and help reduce feelings of isolation.

5. Seek Help

Starting a new medication like Lexapro is challenging, especially in social situations where alcohol is common. If you find it difficult, it’s always best practice to seek help and professional advice to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.

Conclusion

If your doctor prescribes Lexapro, it is important to discuss the risks of combining it with alcohol. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of drowsiness, liver damage, and worsen mental health issues.

Safe alternatives such as exercise, mindfulness, and meditation can help manage stress and social situations without alcohol.

At Therapy Fleet, our team of experts can support and guide you through safe options. Get a same-day lexapro prescription online tailored to your needs.

True wellness begins when we remove what clouds our path.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions our therapists mostly receive regarding Lexapro and its side effects.

1. Which antidepressant can you drink on?

Alcohol is a CNS depressant, and mixing with antidepressants can worsen side effects and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

2. Can I skip a day of Lexapro to drink?

No, skipping Lexapro just for drinking is not recommended. Missing a dose may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and may even cause withdrawal symptoms such as:

Headaches
Irritability
dizziness

3. Does Lexapro cause weight gain?

Weight gain can be a side effect of using Lexapro, but not everyone experiences it. Some people may experience:

Weight changes
Changes in appetite
Fatigue

SSRIs, like Lexapro, cause less weight gain than other antidepressants.

4. Can I have caffeine while taking Lexapro?

Yes, you can, but it may worsen the side effects, such as:

Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Heart palpitation

If you experience these effects, consider reducing your caffeine intake and talk to your healthcare provider.

Medical Disclaimer:

At Therapy Fleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to Therapy Fleet’s qualified staff.