“Sometimes you choose the antidepressant based on the side effect profile, but often it will be Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules a case of what the patient has used and tolerated before. You also have to consider what you as the doctor are most experienced in using,” Professor Lintzeris told TMR. No statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in mean number of days ± SD. Discover stories of famous actors with alcohol problems and their inspiring journeys to recovery.
- Drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro may worsen the medication’s side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness.
- When adolescents and young adults take SSRIs, they may notice an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors during the first month of treatment.
- Alcohol interacts with all significant medications a person may take simultaneously, leading to various side effects.
- For instance, mixing Lexapro and alcohol is not recommended as it may lead to various adversities.
Dual Diagnosis of Addiction and Mental Health Issues
In some cases, individuals may experience more severe side effects such as allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts, or serotonin syndrome. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur. Being honest with your healthcare provider can assist them in determining whether changing your drinking habits is necessary or if another medication is a better option for you. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to boost mood and minimize feelings of anxiety. Some healthcare providers may advise you to keep your drinking to a moderate level. “Moderate” drinking refers to one or two drinks per day, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Alcohol and Mental Health Issues
This talk delves into the physical and behavioral effects when these substances are used together, pointing out the dangers of their interaction. Doctors and medical experts typically do not recommend drinking alcohol when taking any antidepressant like Lexapro. Not only can alcohol counteract the benefits of the SSRI, but it could also inflame the symptoms of depression. Lexapro (a branded version of escitalopram) is an SSRI antidepressant, but can you take Lexapro and drink alcohol? Although SSRIs are one of the safest classes of medications for depression, mixing Lexapro and alcohol is inadvisable. Finding alternatives to alcohol while managing your mental health can be a breath of fresh air!
- Some OTC treatments, such as cough syrups, also contain small amounts of alcohol.
- This talk delves into the physical and behavioral effects when these substances are used together, pointing out the dangers of their interaction.
- The most common side effect of Lexapro is sexual dysfunction, which can include a decrease in libido, difficulties achieving orgasm, or erectile dysfunction.
- If you subsequently develop a co-occurring alcohol use disorder, you will require coordinated dual diagnosis treatment.
- It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.
The Importance of Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Consequently, a user may be at an increased risk of engaging in activities that cause them injury without realizing it. SSRIs like Lexapro are among the safest classes of antidepressants, so they’re frequently prescribed. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. To avoid dangerous side effects such as drowsiness and liver problems, it’s best not to use alcohol while you take Lexapro. Drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro made have side effects, including decreasing the effectiveness of the medication.
It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. While it is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and to communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider. Remember, Lexapro is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and therapy and lifestyle changes are often recommended alongside medication. Combining alcohol and Lexapro can lead to serious side effects, exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and potentially increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
If you take the SSRI antidepressant Lexapro for depression or anxiety, you may wonder if it’s OK to have a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine once in a while. But there are lots of reasons to stay away from alcohol when you take antidepressants like Lexapro, which is the brand name of a drug called escitalopram. In the longer-term, alcohol can cause depression and anxiety and increase the risk of self-harm and suicide. Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Individuals who regularly drink alcohol while taking Lexapro may also experience potential severe side effects that are permanently irreparable. It’s better to avoid drinking altogether during a course of medication—regardless if it’s just one drink.
This may impair your judgment and coordination, and potentially lead to serious health risks. It’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Not only can alcohol make Lexapro less effective, but it can also enhance the side effects of the medication. You might experience increased dizziness, drowsiness, or a persistent sense of confusion.
These side effects may be felt between the first two weeks of taking Lexapro. You must talk to your doctor and healthcare provider should you experience worsening side effects. This particular medication, Lexapro, is used for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
In the case of SSRIs, drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro could even bring fatal consequences, if these are not addressed early on. Alcohol dependence comorbid with major depressive disorder poses a major challenge in the clinical setting. The results in the treatment with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors have been conflicting. Looking into how Xanax and alcohol work together shows a potentially risky mix between a strong anti-anxiety drug and a commonly used depressant.
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Some peer-reviewed studies endorsed by medical associations also show that if you drink alcohol while taking Lexapro, you may become more prone to alcohol use disorder. They can assess you for depression or refer you to a mental healthcare provider for further help. Some experts think that “self-medication” (drinking to try to temporarily alleviate depression) may be the reason behind many dual diagnoses of alcohol use disorder and depression. This can help people https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ regulate their emotions and improve overall symptoms of depression and anxiety. In this article, I’ll cover what Lexapro is and the risks you should be aware of when taking the medication while drinking alcohol. The woman voluntarily presented to a withdrawal facility, commenced a three-week escitalopram taper and was prescribed naloxone.
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Her skills extend to instructional design, facilitation, and management, making her a valuable trainer in her facility’s training programs. Both substances affect the central nervous system, and their combined use can have serious consequences. Since Lexapro and alcohol have sedative properties, using them together can cause severe impairment of coordination and judgment.
Individuals may feel pressured to drink alcohol in social situations, leading them to disregard the potential risks and interactions with their medication. However, if the drug works to manage your condition well, your doctor may say that it’s safe to have a drink from time to time. Your doctor may tell you to avoid drinking altogether while you’re on Lexapro.
Can You Mix Lexapro and Alcohol?
Alcohol can negatively impact the treatment of depression even when someone consumes it in moderation. Similar to the effect that keflex & alcohol has on a person’s system, there are certain side effects of Lexapro and alcohol that you may encounter should you consume them together. Get started with our free assessment, which will tell you in minutes if treatment could be a good fit. If yes, we’ll connect you right to a clinician who can prescribe medication and have it shipped right to your door.