Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 80% of people aged 12 or older have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives.[1] You can find someone drinking in almost any setting, including work dinners, birthday parties, and sporting events.
Since alcohol is so heavily ingrained into American society, you might not think twice about having a beer or a glass of wine. Unfortunately, if you take prescription medications, there might be negative interactions with alcohol. For example, if you take Lexapro, you should avoid all alcohol consumption.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It increases serotonin levels in your brain to manage depressive or anxious symptoms. While Lexapro is considered a generally safe medication to take, you should never mix it with alcohol.
Mixing alcohol and Lexapro can lead to worsened symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased side effects, and a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome.
What you will learn:
- What is Lexapro?
- Can you drink alcohol when you take Lexapro?
- What are the dangers of mixing Lexapro and alcohol?
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant medication that treats symptoms like suicidal thoughts. It can be used to manage conditions like major depressive disorder and anxiety-related conditions. Doctors prescribe it for long-term use and it is not considered an addictive substance.
The side effects of Lexapro may include:[2]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and constipation
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Increased yawning
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased sweating and shaking
- Heartburn and stomach pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
Usually, the side effects of escitalopram will subside once your body adjusts to the medication. If they become severe or persist longer than a couple of weeks, consult with your doctor about the effects you are experiencing.
Can You Drink Alcohol on Lexapro?
The Food and Drug Administration publishes labels online for medications like Lexapro. On the Lexapro label, the FDA warns that you should not drink alcohol while taking it.[3]
Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down activity in your central nervous system. Lexapro can cause side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Mixing the two substances leads to an increased risk of sedation or mental impairment.
If you have an alcohol use disorder, you should inform your doctor before you begin taking medication like Lexapro. They can help you find the resources you need to overcome your alcoholism before you begin taking medication to treat your depression or anxiety. This is important as consuming alcohol regularly and suffering from addiction can make depression worse over time.
Risks of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol
If you take Lexapro daily, it’s important to be aware of the risk of alcohol consumption. The effects of alcohol can increase the side effects of Lexapro, decrease its effectiveness, and cause a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
The dangers of combining alcohol and Lexapro include:
Increased Side Effects
Because alcohol is a depressant, it can increase the side effects of Lexapro like dizziness and drowsiness. It can also cause more intense impairments in judgment and coordination issues.
Serotonin Syndrome
Alcohol causes your brain to release higher amounts of serotonin. The purpose of Lexapro is to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. When you combine these substances, you might have too much serotonin available in your brain.
In other words, you could develop serotonin syndrome, which causes symptoms like:[4]
- Anxiety, agitation, and restlessness
- Startling easily and delirium
- Tachycardia and hypertension
- Hyperthermia
- Excessive sweating
- Shivering and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors and shaking
- Muscle hypertonia or rigidity
- Rapid eye movements
- Seizures
If you experience the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, contact emergency medical services immediately.
Decreased Effectiveness
Alcohol is also known to decrease the effectiveness of antidepressant medications like Lexapro. You might experience increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Because escitalopram is meant to treat depression and anxiety, you should avoid substances that can increase your symptoms.
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism, it’s time to seek professional help. Alcohol use disorder can lead to a wide variety of physical and mental health risks, including rendering your antidepressant medications ineffective. Thankfully, alcohol rehab programs can help you recover from alcohol use disorder by offering the tools and support you need to achieve sobriety.
At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with an alcohol addiction treatment program that suits your needs. If you struggle with co-occurring depression or anxiety, we can refer you to a dual-diagnosis rehab program. These treatment centers will help you recover from your mental health condition and alcoholism at the same time.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find alcoholism treatment.
References:
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States
- Medline Plus: Escitalopram
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Lexapro Label
- Merck Manuals: Serotonin Syndrome