Tag Archives: Lexapro

Possible Side Effects from Lexapro

Lexapro Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate). Yet, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

 (This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Lexapro. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Lexapro side effects with you.)

 Common Side Effects of Lexapro

 Lexapro has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.


 In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to those that occur in another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

 Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Lexapro include:  

  • Headache — in up to 24 percent of people
  • Nausea — up to 18 percent
  • Ejaculation problems — up to 14 percent
  • Extreme tiredness — up to 13 percent
  • Insomnia — up to 12 percent
  • Dry mouth — up to 9 percent
  • Fatigue — up to 8 percent
  • Increased sweating — up to 8 percent
  • Diarrhea — up to 8 percent
  • A decreased sex drive — up to 7 percent
  • Orgasm problems — up to 6 percent
  • Constipation — up to 6 percent
  • Dizziness — up to 5 percent.

 Some of these side effects, such as dizziness and nausea, might go away as your body adjusts to Lexapro. Others, such as sexual problems and dry mouth, are less likely to go away.

 Other Common Lexapro Side Effects

Other common side effects of Lexapro (occurring in 1 percent to 5 percent of patients) include but are not limited to: 

  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Decreased appetite
  • A burning or tingling sensation
  • Vomiting
  • Vivid dreams, nightmares, or increased dreaming
  • Increased weight
  • Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED
  • Lexapro Side Effects to Report
  • There are a number of less common but more serious side effects of Lexapro that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
  • Hostility or aggressiveness
  • Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
  • Restlessness or an inability to sit still
  • Extreme elation, or a feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood

 Other unusual changes in behavior

Signs of serotonin syndrome (a rare but dangerous problem associated with certain medications), such as: 


  • Confusion or other mental changes
  • A rapid heart rate
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Hallucinations
  • Blood pressure changes
  • An irregular heart rhythm
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Fever, sweating, or shivering
  • Shakiness
  • Agitation
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Chest palpitations
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

 Rare Lexapro Side Effects

There are other possible problems that can occur in people taking Lexapro. These rare side effects occur in less than 1 percent of people. It is difficult to tell whether these side effects are because of the medication or something else.

These rare Lexapro side effects include but are not limited to: 

  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • Anemia
  • Nose bleed
  • Weight loss
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Muscle pain or bone pain
  • Liver problems
  • Mania or hypomania
  • Decreases in blood sodium levels (hyponatremia)
  • Asthma
  • Acne
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  • Hair loss

 Final Thoughts

It is possible that you may experience some or none of the Lexapro side effects explained above. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand whether you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking Lexapro. Also let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a side effect of Lexapro, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

The information provided on this site is for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment  for any medical conditions. Consult with a healthcare professional before  starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking  any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. 

Reference:

This information was obtained from the following website:

MedTv Health Information brought to life

http://depression.emedtv.com/lexapro/lexapro-side-effects-p3.html

Accessed on October 12, 2009