Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Unfortunately, the higher doses or additional medications can make drinking alcohol even riskier and the consequences more severe. No, it is not recommended to mix Lexapro and alcohol, as both psychiatrists make clear.
Medical
“Moderate” drinking refers to one or two drinks per day, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, 1 ounce of 80-proof whiskey, or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits. 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.
Mixing Lexapro and alcohol might make you more depressed
Lexapro, known by its generic name escitalopram, is a prescription medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and adolescents. 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. However, doctors strongly recommend that people avoid drinking while taking antidepressants.
But usually, doing it can just make it harder to do tasks that require you to be sharp and alert. Drinking alcohol can also lead to more and different side effects — and risks — when combined with the drug. People with depression are at greater risk than others of developing alcohol use disorder.
- It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to boost mood and minimize feelings of anxiety.
- There’s also a chance you may experience unusual mood swings or irritability.
- Alcohol is a depressant and can counteract the positive effects of Lexapro, worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety.
- Lexapro belongs to a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and is designed to treat depression and anxiety.
- Antidepressants in particular can interact with alcohol, so it’s important to talk honestly with your healthcare provider about your drinking if they suggest you begin taking Lexapro.
People who drink alcohol while taking Lexapro may feel more depressed or anxious, and these symptoms may then become more challenging to treat. Understanding the dual diagnosis framework is crucial for providing comprehensive care and improving outcomes for individuals facing both addiction and mental health challenges. They can assess you for depression or refer you to a mental healthcare provider for further help.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Lexapro?
Especially things like feeling fatigued and having trouble with sexual arousal. Since alcohol can have the same effect on some people, the two drugs together can have a much stronger effect. At the same time, depressants aren’t usually a good idea for people dealing with depression because they can make some of the symptoms of depression worse, both short-term and long-term. If you need a depressant effect to deal with a health problem, your doctor will prescribe a safer and more easily dosed depressant that doesn’t have as many negative side effects. Remember, your experience may differ, and the more additional medications you take, the more different side effects you might have when you drink alcohol.
Alcoholism and Personality Changes
Alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety and can increase the side effects of antidepressants. Lexapro is one of the commonly prescribed medications for depression and anxiety. For example, how to deal with potential side effects and whether it’s safe to drink while taking Lexapro. Given the risks, https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ it’s crucial for individuals taking any anxiety medication, including Xanax, to be aware of the potential dangers of mixing these drugs with alcohol. For those currently using Xanax or considering it as a treatment option, understanding these interactions is key to effective and safe treatment. To learn more about how Xanax can potentially worsen anxiety symptoms, especially when combined with alcohol, visit our detailed discussion on Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse.
- Doctors recommend that people who wish to drink alcohol while taking antidepressants should drink slowly and have the alcohol with food.
- It may also increase the risk of side effects such as nausea and difficulty concentrating.
- Lexapro, known by its generic name escitalopram, is a prescription medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- Facing legal issues due to alcohol abuse can be a daunting experience, especially for professionals and parents.
- It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro or other SSRIs.
- As a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), Lexapro operates by balancing serotonin in the brain, aiding in mood improvement and anxiety reduction.
Effects of mixing alcohol and Lexapro
One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of hard liquor. Similar to depression, anxiety symptoms can initially seem to be alleviated by alcohol. However, once the initial intoxication wears off, it frequently raises anxiety levels, which may eventually result in more frequent and severe anxiety. Developing alcohol use disorder can affect a person’s Sober Houses Rules That You Should Follow relationships and cause social problems, such as unemployment, divorce, and homelessness. Other serious side effects of mixing Lexapro with alcohol can include panic attacks, sudden outbursts of emotion or violence, and overdosing.
Practical Tips for Managing Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is a depressant and can counteract the positive effects of Lexapro, worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety. Combining the two may also increase the risk of mood swings and emotional instability. If you’re considering having one drink, it’s important to consult both your doctor and pharmacist. They can explain how alcohol might interact with your medication and assess whether it’s safe for you. For some patients, even one drink is not advisable, particularly those with an alcohol use disorder, liver disease, or a history of severe depression.
Drug & Substance Abuse FAQs
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. Alcohol can impair judgment and affect mood, so drinking on Lexapro brings the possibility of emotional changes. It’s also good to know that mixing Lexapro and alcohol may prevent your body from processing serotonin correctly, leading to additional side effects like vomiting or diarrhea. Depression and anxiety disorders require careful treatment, so it may be necessary to make certain lifestyle adjustments. Read on to know how Lexapro interacts with alcohol, what possible dangers are, and how alcohol can affect mental health overall.