Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Lexapro

Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Lexapro

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Arooj Anjum

Biomedical Engineer

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Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Lexapro

 

Did your healthcare provider prescribe you a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant like Lexapro or Zoloft to decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety? Are you wondering if it’s okay to have a glass of alcohol with Lexapro together? We do not recommend you take alcohol and Lexapro together for reasons we will be discussing later in this blog.

 

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What is Lexapro?

 

As mentioned earlier, Lexapro belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used for treating anxiety and depression. Lexapro is the brand name for the generic version of the drug known as escitalopram.

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All medications, especially those treating mental health conditions (ADHD medications like Adderall, Vynase, Qelbree, etc., and antidepressants like SSRI, SNRI, and antipsychotic medicines like Xanax), can lead to some serious and dangerous side effects.

 

Combining these medications with alcohol can lead to severe adverse side effects and harmful drug interactions and increase the potential risks. Even a tiny amount of alcohol and Lexapro can prove to be hazardous for some people.

Serious Side Effects of Lexapro

 

Lexapro can lead to the following potential side effects when used without alcohol;

  • sweating
  • Try out
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Excess gas and belly pain
  • Di dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Runny nose
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Swelling of the sinus
  • Pain in the shoulder and neck
  • Headache
  • Problems with ejaculation

Although rare, antidepressants like Lexapro can cause some severe side effects like panic attacks and anxiety.

Reactions of Lexapro with Alcohol?

 

If you combine alcohol and Lexapro, it can lead to potentially severe side effects. When used together, alcohol and Lexapro lead to excessive drowsiness, lack of coordination, and problems with staying alert.

 

Extreme cases of alcohol and Lexapro lead to violent and aggressive behavior. Drinking alcohol and taking Lexapro does not mean you would feel more drunk, but combining antidepressants with alcohol is not recommended as, at times, it can lead to deadly and dangerous reactions.

Does Alcohol Cause Depression?

 

People usually think that drinking alcohol can make them feel happier. But what they don’t know is that combining antidepressants with alcohol leads to an opposite reaction. It will worsen your depression. We suggest staying away from alcohol when on Lexapro if you don’t want to feel more anxious and depressed.

 

Do you know that drinking too much alcohol along with antidepressants can make it harder to cure your depression or anxiety? It happens because alcohol will change the balance of chemicals in your brain. These chemicals are responsible for affecting mood.

 

Some research concludes that alcohol can cause depression, and when combined with antidepressants, the latter will not work efficiently. It means the effects of alcohol can decrease the effectiveness of the medication, which could increase the depression and worsen the symptoms. At times, the depression would be so severe that people become suicidal, exhibiting suicidal behavior and thoughts.  Although it is rare, depression can also raise your chances of alcohol abuse.

 

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a medical emergency if you feel depression symptoms are getting worse and you are getting suicidal thoughts and behavior. Your doctor might recommend you stop taking Lexapro or offer you other treatment plans to opt for, depending on the seriousness of the condition.

Mental Health and Alcohol 

 

Alcohol abuse is more common in people who are suffering from major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder.

 

People think alcohol will treat their depression by making them feel happier and calmer, but, as we already mentioned, alcohol will worsen the depression symptoms in people, especially those individuals who suffer from alcohol use disorder. This is a never-ending loop of nightmares that requires medical attention.

 

Note– Alcohol is classified as a depressant, which means it can worsen your condition.

 

It will increase the following symptoms of anxiety;

  • frequent irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation
  • Intense significantly that hinders activities daily

Alcohol can also increase depression, and the following symptoms are visible;

  • feeling worthless
  • Frequency sadness
  • Suicidal behavior and thoughts
  • Loss of interest in activities that you previously enjoyed
  • Constant tiredness and fatigue

Get Advice From Your Doctor

 

Occasionally, alcohol and Lexapro or any other antidepressant combination is ok. But it would help if you did not make it a habit.  Some doctors recommend moderate drinking while on Lexapro, which means one drink for women and two drinks for men. To be precise, a drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1 ounce of hard liquor.

 

Also, when combined with alcohol, the effectiveness of Lexapro decreases. Drinking while on medication can increase the risk of related side effects such as;

  • dizziness
  • and impaired coordination
  • Increased  risk of liver damage
  • Chances of alcohol abuse
  • dependence
  • overdose
  • and increased feelings of suicide.

But we would recommend that if you’re starting on your treatment plan with Lexapro, you should get used to the medicine before you add alcohol to your regime. This will help you recognize how you respond to the medication, side effects, etc.

 

However, if you are at risk of alcohol abuse, you should stay away from alcohol and Lexapro, even if it’s a glass per day. Please talk to your doctor first before you start taking Lexapro and combine it with alcohol.

The Bottom Line

 

Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety. With the proper drug administration, serotonin levels will increase, boosting mood and decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety.

 

A combination of Lexapro and alcohol is hazardous, and we do not recommend it. Lexapro on its own has a few potential side effects and, when combined with alcohol, worsens the risk of side effects and increases the dangerous drug interactions.

 

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FAQs

1. Is it safe to combine Lexapro and alcohol?

 

Combining Lexapro with alcohol can affect coordination and balance and disturb your motor skills and alertness. Plus, your reaction time will be more.

2. What are the risks if I combine Lexapro with alcohol?

 

Combining both will affect your ability to maintain your emotions. It can also result in a high risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts.

3. Does alcohol and Lexapro affect the liver?

 

Alcohol is a disinhibiting agent, and combining it with Lexapro can impair a person’s judgment. It can also lead to electrolyte imbalance, arrhythmias, and, in some cases, liver damage. However, not everyone on Lexapro will experience the same symptoms.

4. How much alcohol is regular with antidepressants like Lexapro?

 

We cannot define the amount as it depends on the individual’s factors and the type of antidepressant the person is on. Although some healthcare providers say you can drink up to one or two alcoholic beverages per day. However, we do not recommend alcohol with Lexapro. It’s always better to be on the safe side.

5. Can alcohol cause serotonin syndrome?

 

Although rare, it is essential to know that alcohol withdrawal can lead to heavy drinking, which can cause a surge in serotonin activity. However, it is necessary to understand that this only happens when alcohol is combined with antidepressants, while alcohol alone does not lead to serotonin syndrome.

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