Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is an antidepressant prescription medication used to alleviate symptoms of depression or anxiety in affected patients. This antidepressant is part of a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and works my increasing the levels of mood-balancing chemicals within the brain. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions regarding Lexapro side effects.
Upset Stomach
Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect in patients taking Lexapro. In clinical trials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 15 percent of depressed patients taking Lexapro experienced nausea during treatment. Additional stomach-related side effects of Lexapro include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, gas and abdominal pain. Typically, these side effects subside with recurrent use of this medication and can be limited by eating a small snack or meal prior to taking a dose of Lexapro.
Decreased Appetite
While taking Lexapro, you can develop a significant decrease in your normal appetite, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. A diminished appetite can limit the amount of food you consume during the day, which can lead to unintended weight loss. Contact your doctor if you experience a decreased appetite in conjunction with stomach pain or bloody stools, as these side effects can be indicative of a severe reaction to Lexapro.
Difficulty Sleeping
Lexapro affects the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, which can lead to sleep-related side effects that include insomnia or fatigue. While taking this medication, you may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Approximately 10 percent of patients with depression reported experiencing insomnia while taking Lexapro during clinical trials, explains the FDA. Alternatively, certain patients can become unusually tired or drowsy after taking a dose of this medication. These side effects of treatment can have a negative effect on your ability to complete tasks associated with work or school.
Decreased Sexual Drive
Men and women who take Lexapro can experience a decreased libido (sex drive or desire) as a side effect of treatment, explains the Better Health Channel, an informational health website established by the Australian government. Patients can find it difficult to achieve orgasm during sexual stimulation, which can contribute to libido decreases. Approximately 3 percent of men with depression have trouble maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse (impotence) while receiving Lexapro treatment, reports the FDA. Discuss these potential side effects with your intimate partner and your doctor before you begin taking this medication.
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
The FDA warns that patients under the age of 24 that take Lexapro or other types of antidepressants are at an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Seek emergency medical care if your child exhibits any abnormal changes in behavior while taking this medication, such as hallucinations, suicidality, increased depression, irritability, hostility, panic attacks or restlessness.
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