Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol With Lexapro?

Temitope Oyeleke, PharmD
·6 min read
2

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD

Healthcare providers generally recommend avoiding drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro (escitalopram). Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can potentially increase side effects and reduce how well the medication works.

Lexapro is the brand-name version of escitalopram, a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro works by increasing serotonin levels to improve mood and decrease feelings of anxiety.

If you have any questions or concerns about how alcohol may interact with your medication, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

This article will discuss the risks associated with consuming alcohol with Lexapro and other antidepressants.

<p>Getty Images / Joe Raedle / Staff</p>

Getty Images / Joe Raedle / Staff

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Lexapro?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro or other SSRIs.

While no clinical trials show that Lexapro enhances the effects of alcohol, that doesn't mean there isn't a risk associated with mixing the two.

Mixing alcohol with Lexapro can boost the risk of side effects of the medication, potentially resulting in:

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.



Takeaway

If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and connect with a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. For more mental health resources, see the National Helpline Database.



Is Moderate Drinking OK With Lexapro?

There is limited research on the effects of mixing Lexapro and alcohol. Therefore, healthcare providers generally advise not to mix the two, even in small amounts.

Either substance can make you drowsy, less alert, and uncoordinated. When taken together, the side effects associated with Lexapro can become increased.

Some healthcare providers may advise you to keep your drinking to a moderate level. “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.

If you feel drowsy, dizzy, and less alert on Lexapro alone, you will likely not be able to tolerate the combined effects of alcohol.

Don't skip a dose or stop taking Lexapro so that you can drink. Lexapro requires a consistent, daily dose to build up in your body over time and work as intended.

Abruptly stopping Lexapro can cause side effects, including:

It is important to consult your healthcare provider before stopping any of your medications.

Side Effects of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol

In clinical tests, combining Lexapro with alcohol did not increase the mental or physical impairments caused by alcohol.

However, the manufacturer of Lexapro still recommends against mixing the two. This is because alcohol has many risks on its own, and when taken with Lexapro, side effects of the medication can become more severe and more likely to happen.

Mixing alcohol and Lexapro can lead to several potential side effects, including:

  • Worsened depression and increased anxiety: While alcohol may seem to improve mood temporarily, it can cause symptoms of anxiety or depression. Alcohol can also weaken the effectiveness of Lexapro, making the symptoms of anxiety and depression worse and more difficult to treat.

  • Impaired thinking, alertness, or coordination: Combining Lexapro and alcohol may affect your judgment, coordination, motor skills, and reaction time more than alcohol alone. This can affect your ability to drive or perform other tasks that require attention and focus.

  • Drowsiness: Lexapro can cause dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, and weakness. Alcohol has similar effects. Mixing alcohol with Lexapro can amplify these effects. This may increase the risk of accidents occurring.

  • Severe nausea and vomiting: Both Lexapro and alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting. Taking both together can increase the chance of occurrence.

  • Liver damage: Lexapro and alcohol are both processed in the liver. In rare cases, Lexapro alone can cause liver damage. Alcohol is also linked with liver damage. When combined, this risk is more significant.

  • Alcoholism: People with depression may drink alcohol to cope with their negative feelings, but it can worsen their symptoms and make the antidepressant less effective. It can also lead to substance use disorder. This can create a vicious cycle in which they drink more to cope.

  • Overdose: Mixing alcohol with Lexapro can also increase the risk of overdose. Lexapro overdose symptoms include seizures, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, and excessive sleepiness.

  • Increased risk of suicide: Lexapro has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of its potential to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Additionally, mixing alcohol with Lexapro can reduce the medication's effectiveness, lower your ability to take the medication regularly, and increase impulsivity. These factors can leave your depression untreated and contribute to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Alcohol and Mental Health

Alcohol use disorder is more common among people who are diagnosed with depression, and people with alcohol use disorder are at increased risk of depression.

How alcohol affects your depression and anxiety symptoms may depend on how much you drink and your individual response to it.

In the long term, alcohol use can make depression and anxiety worse. This is because alcohol is a depressant.

If you or someone you know is taking Lexapro and having difficulty controlling their alcohol consumption, it is best to speak with their healthcare provider. They can provide advice on treatment options or refer you to appropriate care.

Summary

Lexapro is an SSRI that treats anxiety and depression. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to boost mood and minimize feelings of anxiety.

It is generally not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro, as this can put you at risk for potentially dangerous side effects.

Alcohol can worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, making the medication less effective. Drinking while on Lexapro can also increase the risk of medication-related side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. In addition, mixing Lexapro with alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage, alcohol dependence, overdose, and even suicide.

If you’re unsure about how Lexapro interacts with alcohol, please speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you find it hard to abstain from alcohol, seek help from a healthcare professional immediately to avoid potential interactions and health risks.

Being honest with your healthcare provider can assist them in determining whether changing your drinking habits is necessary or if another medication is a better option for you.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.