Lexapro, also sold under the generic brand name escitalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant that acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Lexapro is prescribed to treat depression and other disorders, like anxiety. Kristi Monson, PharmD, and Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, authors of the article "Lexapro Side Effects," state that most patients tolerate Lexapro well, and if side effects occur, they are usually minor and go away once the patient's body adjusts to the medication. Patients should not stop taking Lexapro because of the side effects without talking to their doctors first.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Some patients who use Lexapro experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, which occur in 18 percent of users, according to Monson and Schoenstadt. Eight percent of users have diarrhea, while 6 percent have constipation. Indigestion, decreased appetite and weight gain are less common, affecting one to five percent of patients; rarely, a user may have weight loss. Drugs.com add that stomach upset may also occur.
Sexual Side Effects
Sexual side effects can also occur with Lexapro, and can interfere in the user's life. Monson and Schoenstadt state that ejaculation problems occur in 14 percent of patients; 7 percent have a decreased sex drive, and 6 percent have trouble reaching an orgasm. Impotence, like erectile dysfunction, occurs less often---1 to 5 percent of users.
Mood Side Effects
Mood changes may occur in some users of Lexapro; however, this is not normal, and should be reported. Examples of mood side effects include suicidal thoughts, anxiety, aggressive and mania, which is an abnormally elevated mood.
Other Side Effects
Monson and Schoenstadt note that headaches are the most common side effect of Lexapro, affecting 24 percent of patients. Sleep can also be affected: 13 percent have extreme tiredness, 12 percent have insomnia and 8 percent have fatigue. Dry mouth can also occur, affecting up to 9 percent of users. Eight percent experience increased sweating. Dizziness affects 5 percent, which includes feeling lightheaded when standing up or sitting down.
