Lexapro and Alcohol

What Is Lexapro (Escitalopram)?

Lexapro is the brand name of the drug escitalopram oxalate, an antidepressant medication that is prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (anxiety) and major depressive disorder (depression). Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that treats depression by increasing serotonin availability in the brain.

Side effects of Lexapro include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Increased sweating
• Changes in sex drive or ability
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Excessive tiredness or trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Increased appetite or weight gain
• Flu-like symptoms
• Runny nose
• Sneezing

Can you Drink Alcohol on Lexapro?

Few studies have been conducted on the interaction between alcohol and antidepressants, so the negative interactions and side effects are not known conclusively. Some studies suggest that light to moderate drinking is safe on some antidepressants, whereas drinking alcohol on other types of antidepressants can cause adverse reactions.

In limited studies of SSRIs like Lexapro, researchers found no serious interactions when consumed with moderate alcohol doses. In another clinical trial, Lexapro did not increase the cognitive and motor effects of drinking alcohol.

The FDA and drug manufacturers do not recommend drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro for lack of definitive evidence of its safety, and with the assumption that antidepressants may enhance the effects of alcohol. 

However, some doctors do allow their patients occasional to moderate drinking while on Lexapro.

Before combining alcohol with any antidepressant, including Lexapro, patients should discuss the risks with their doctor beforehand to determine if it is safe for them.

Side Effects of Lexapro and Alcohol Interaction

There is limited conclusive data on the side effects of Lexapro and alcohol interaction. Some sources suggest that mixing Lexapro with alcohol may bear some possible adverse short-term effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdose, and increased feelings of depression or hopelessness.

According to the FDA, Lexapro may cause drowsiness or affect the ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. Because alcohol also causes these same symptoms, combining the two drugs may magnify alcohol’s effects. 

Another independent study suggests a possible risk of pathological intoxication when SSRIs such as Lexapro are consumed with alcohol. Pathological intoxication refers to a temporary psychotic episode caused by drinking that is often violent. This condition is most commonly diagnosed in patients with existing mental illnesses. Patients with other diagnosed mental health conditions should speak with their healthcare provider before consuming alcohol with Lexapro.

There are no known consequences associated with long-term use of escitalopram and no known long-term side effects of mixing Lexapro and alcohol.

Dangers of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol 

Lexapro may increase the sedation and motor effects of alcohol, which may be why some people have reported experiencing blackouts or temporary memory loss after mixing alcohol and Lexapro. 

Drinking while on antidepressants may present a risk for the liver. The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests that in some patients, when alcohol is combined with antidepressants, the liver cannot process all the toxins present, and fatal toxicity can occur. Studies indicate that drinking while on antidepressants may contribute to liver problems and antidepressant-related hepatic injury. It is currently unknown how Lexapro, in particular, impacts the liver.

Alcohol and Lexapro increase your heart rate, leading to acute severe conditions such as heart failure, especially in patients with high blood pressure. It is unknown if mixing Lexapro and Alcohol causes long-term heart damage.

It is rare for a patient to overdose on Lexapro alone. But according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there is an increased risk for overdose while mixing alcohol and Lexapro.

Alcohol, a depressant, can cause or worsen depressive symptoms, which include suicidal thoughts. It also reduces inhibitions, including inhibitions against suicide and self-destructive behavior. More than half of people who commit suicide are found to have been drinking. This may present an additional risk to patients with substance use disorder or other existing mental illness. 

Patients with existing health conditions related to the heart, liver, or kidney are at increased risk for side effects. They should discuss whether or not it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro with their healthcare provider.