Lexapro Side Effects and Special Warnings

Lexapro side effects cannot usually be anticipated, but if any develop or intensify you should contact your physician immediately. Only your doctor can or should decide if you should continue taking this antidepressant.

More common Lexapro side effects may include:

Constipation, decreased appetite, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorder, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, runny nose, sinusitis, sleepiness, sweating

Less common Lexapro side effects may include:

Abdominal pain, abnormal dreaming, allergic reactions, blurred vision, bronchitis, chest pain, coughing, earache, fever, gas, heartburn, high blood pressure, hot flushes, increased appetite, irritability, joint pain, lack of concentration, lack of energy, lack of orgasm, lightheadedness, menstrual cramps, migraine, muscle pain, nasal congestion, neck and shoulder pain, pain in arms or legs, palpitations, rash, ringing in the ears, sinus congestion, sinus headache, stomachache, tingling, toothache, tremors, urinary problems, vertigo, vomiting, weight changes, yawning

Also, a variety of very rare Lexapro side effects have also been reported. Check with your doctor if you develop any new or unusual symptoms when taking this antidepressant.

Lexapro side effects and special warnings:

Lexapro will sometimes make people sleepy. Until you know how this antidepressant effects you, it should be used with caution when driving a car or operating other hazardous machinery. In rare cases, Lexapro can trigger mania (unreasonably high spirits and/or excess energy). If you've ever had this Lexapro side effect, be sure to let your doctor know. Also you should make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had problems with your liver or kidneys. Your doctor may then need to adjust your Lexapro dosage.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this depression medication:

You should never take Lexapro when taking the related drug Celexa. Also, you should be very careful to avoid MAO inhibitors such as Marplan, Parnate and Nardil. Although, Lexapro is not known to interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages while taking this antidepressant. If Lexapro is taken with certain other medications, the effects of either could be increased, decreased or altered in some other way. It is especially important to check with your physician before combining Lexapro with the following:

Carbamazepine, (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Drugs that act on the brain, including antidepressants, painkillers, sedatives and tranquilizers
Ketaconazole (Nizoral)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Narcotic painkillers
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

Special information if you are pregnant or breast-feeding

If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should let your doctor know as soon as possible. Lexapro should only be continued if the benefits outweigh the risks. Lexapro appears in breast milk and can affect the nursing infant. If you decide to breast-feed Lexapro is not recommended.

Information provided by The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition

Additional information By Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate