Lexapro belongs to a family of antidepressant drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). It is prescribed for children and adults ages 12 and over who suffer from the symptoms that accompany both anxiety and major depressive disorder. While SSRIs are frequently prescribed because their side effects are less severe than other antidepressants, patients still need to be aware of what may occur.
Common Side Effects
Lexapro produces side effects which are considered to be more common, due to the number of people they affect. In some cases, side effects such as dizziness and nausea may subside once your body has become acclimated to the medication. However other side effects labeled as common, such as dry mouth and sexual problems some patients encounter, appear to last.
In addition to these side effects, patients may also suffer from headaches, extreme tiredness, constipation and increased sweating. If any of these do not improve, speak with your doctor. You may require a change in dose or medication.
Sexual Side Effects
Lexapro may produce sexual side effects that can affect patients long-term. These are commonly seen among people taking SSRIs and include problems such as impotence, decreased sex drive, problems ejaculating and difficulty having an orgasm.
Arthur Schoenstadt, MD of eMedTV states that a decreased sex drive can occur in both genders while taking Lexapro, and typically affects 7 percent of patients who use it for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Ejaculation problems appear to occur in 14 percent of men taking this drug for GAD, while only 9 percent of men experienced this side effects when prescribed this drug for depression. Impotence, another side effect for men, is a condition which results in an inability to maintain or achieve an erection. This side effect, however, occurs in only 3 percent of men.
Women may have difficulty achieving an orgasm during intercourse while taking Lexapro. The highest incidence appears in women taking this medication for GAD, affecting 6 percent.
Insomnia
Insomnia affects 12 percent of patients taking Lexapro and can make the symptoms of anxiety and depression worse. Therefore it is imperative to recognize its signs and report them to your doctor.
While the most obvious sign may be the inability to go to sleep, you may also find yourself waking up through the night, unable to fall back asleep. Another symptom of insomnia is sleeping through the night and waking up feeling as if you hadn't slept. This is because your body never fell into a deep sleep. Finally, if you notice yourself waking much earlier than usual, and it begins happening on a regular basis, insomnia may be the cause.
Dry Mouth
Just as sexual side effects may linger while taking Lexapro, so too can dry mouth. It occurs in 9 percent of patients, and is seen as frequently in those who take the drug for depression as those who take it for anxiety.
This is a side effect that may be managed easier than the sexual side effects may be. For instance you can sip water or sugarless drinks frequently throughout the day. However drinking something with sugar may just increase your thirst. Try to stay away from caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee and tea, as the caffeine only makes your mouth more dry. Finally, try to omit salty or spicy foods from your diet, as these may cause you pain if your mouth is too dry.
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