With or without a drug, alcohol may aggravate your symptoms of anxiety and depression. Talk to your doctor before you have a drink to see what’s safest for you. It’s also more likely to happen during the first few months of treatment and when your doctor changes your dosage. Because alcohol can make your depression worse, it can also lead to increased suicide risk. Like other SSRIs, Lexapro affects your brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin.

Can you drink moderately on antidepressants?

• As a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), Lexapro operates by balancing serotonin in the brain, aiding in mood improvement and anxiety reduction.
• If you have depression or anxiety and you’re drinking alcohol, talk to your healthcare provider about it.
• Drinking alcohol may also worsen some of the side effects of Lexapro or other antidepressants, including drowsiness and dizziness.
• Lexapro is part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• If you have any questions or concerns about how alcohol may interact with your medication, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Lexapro is part of a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In this article, we look at the risks of drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro or other antidepressants, including how alcohol may worsen their side effects. Healthcare providers don’t recommend drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro. Alcohol can interact with Lexapro and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment.

How Alcohol Influences the Effectiveness of Lexapro

By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, Lexapro helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression. Common side effects may include nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance on its use and potential interactions with other medications. It is generally not recommended to take Lexapro (escitalopram) with alcohol. Combining the two can enhance the sedative effects of Lexapro, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Additionally, alcohol can make depression worse and exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, counteracting the medication’s benefits.

Final Thoughts: Can You Mix Lexapro and Alcohol Safely?

• While the occasional small drink may not cause significant harm, it’s generally recommended to avoid alcohol completely while on Lexapro due to potential risks.
• People who drink alcohol while taking Lexapro may feel more depressed or anxious, and these symptoms may then become more challenging to treat.
• Steve is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social work.
• However, once the initial intoxication wears off, it frequently raises anxiety levels, which may eventually result in more frequent and severe anxiety.
• Alcohol is one of the most commonly used (and even abused) substances worldwide.

It leads to problems in interpersonal relationships and professional relationships. Therefore, seeking treatment becomes a vital step toward recovery and sober living. Therefore, if you have a problem with drinking, which can be the case with depression and anxiety, then be open with your doctor. According to the professional criterion, noticing two to three symptoms mentioned above may indicate mild depression, whereas four to five signs count as moderate depression. People with six or more symptoms mentioned above may suffer from severe forms of depression. Remember that only a mental health expert or psychiatrist can give you a formal diagnosis of depression.

Is Moderate Drinking OK With Lexapro?

You should only use Lexapro under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and it may take several weeks before feeling the full effects of the medication. Xanax, like Lexapro, can have its effectiveness diminished and side effects amplified when mixed with alcohol. This is particularly concerning as both substances can depress the central nervous system, potentially leading to severe drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and cognitive dysfunction.

• Regularly mixing these substances can exacerbate the symptoms of depression and anxiety—the very conditions Lexapro is intended to treat.
• If you’re at low risk of alcohol misuse and want to have a drink once in a while, it might be OK.
• This conversation is part of the commitment health professionals make to ensuring patient safety and well-being.
• But if you want to raise a glass once in a while, you need to do it safely.
• You should only use Lexapro under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and it may take several weeks before feeling the full effects of the medication.

Remember, the key Sober Houses Rules That You Should Follow is to stay informed, consult with healthcare professionals, and prioritize your well-being. Combining Lexapro and alcohol poses significant risks that can undermine both mental and physical health. Prioritizing your well-being means understanding the implications of such interactions and taking steps to avoid potential complications. Managing your mental illness and substance use effectively can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. The combined effects can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, leading to severe mental and physical health consequences.

If you suspect that you or someone around you is developing serotonin syndrome, seek emergency help, as the condition can quickly progress to become life-threatening. The danger of alcohol may also be greater depending on the dosage you take. If https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ you take the maximum dosage for depression—20 mg of Lexapro—your risk of effects from Lexapro and alcohol may be even higher.

By boosting serotonin activity, Lexapro can help alleviate symptoms such as persistent sadness, worry, or tension, making daily life more manageable. If you’ve been prescribed Lexapro, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. Sticking to your treatment plan ensures the medication can work effectively while minimizing potential side effects. It’s not recommended drink alcohol while taking Lexapro (escitalopram) due to potential interactions that can impact your health. When you mix escitalopram or Lexapro with alcohol, what happens is that it exacerbates the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therefore, your doctor will recommend that you stay away from alcohol if you are on Lexapro.

Healthcare providers generally recommend avoiding drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro (escitalopram). Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can potentially increase side effects and reduce how well the medication works. Serious side effects, such as changes in mood or behavior, suicidal thoughts, agitation, or restlessness, may occur at any time during treatment, but they are rare. If you experience any side effects that are persistent or severe, contact your healthcare provider immediately.