Lexapro and Alcohol: Risks, Side Effects, and More.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder require a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation by a qualified clinician. So, always refer to a licensed mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - it is used to treat major depressive disorder and even generalized anxiety disorder. If you have been prescribed Lexapro, then understanding the dangers of mixing Lexapro with other substances like alcohol is crucial. So, can you mix Lexapro with alcohol? No, this combination can lead to serious side effects like disorientation, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.

Lexapro is the brand name of a medication called escitalopram. Escitalopram is a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in both children and adults. The FDA has also recently approved it to treat generalized anxiety disorder as well.

SSRIs work by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the brain. When medications like escitalopram block SERT, more serotonin stays in the synaptic space, increasing its availability.

Serotonin (5-HT) is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, among other things. By elevating its levels, SSRIs relieve depressive symptoms.

No, drinking while on Lexapro leads to serious effects like disorientation, drowsiness, and dizziness. This is why it is crucial to cut down on alcohol use if you have been prescribed Lexapro.

As an SSRI, Lexapro impacts the central nervous system (CNS). Alcohol is also a CNS depressant that impacts the nervous system to give rise to euphoric and relaxing effects. Taken together, alcohol worsens Lexapro’s effects on the nervous system and leads to the aforementioned effects. Among some, it can even impair cognitive functions like thinking and judgment.

Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can increase the risk of some side effects like disorientation, drowsiness, and dizziness. This can lead to other serious consequences, like:

• Slowed reaction times
• Impaired judgment
• Risk of injury and accidents.

Alcohol is a CNS depressant. It slows down nervous activity and increases feelings of relaxation and sedation. While this may seem pleasing at first, it changes brain chemistry and functioning to increase the risk of misuse and dependence, and even heavy drinking.

Alcohol misuse and dependence, or alcohol use disorder, exacerbates pre-existing mental health conditions like depression. In fact, peer-reviewed studies in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) say that the prevalence of depression among alcohol-dependent persons is high - 63.8%.

Alcohol not only exacerbates depressive symptoms, but it leads to a cycle of dependence in that the person may feel like it numbs their pain and suffering instead.

If you have been prescribed Lexapro and have been dependent on alcohol, then treating alcohol use disorder is highly necessary, as it can even benefit depression treatment as well.

Alcohol use disorder is treated with psychotherapy and medication.

Typically, the matrix model is used to treat alcohol misuse and dependence - this involves a combination of therapeutic modalities like motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-Step facilitation therapy.

The FDA has approved three medications to treat alcohol misuse - acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. These reduce cravings and help in preventing relapse. Medication selection and planning need to be done under the close supervision of board-certified physicians and psychiatric practitioners.

If you are struggling with depression or alcohol misuse or both, reach out to the NuView Treatment Center today. Our licensed and experienced clinicians provide a full continuum of personalized outpatient care to treat substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges for a well-rounded, lasting recovery.

Please do not hesitate to call us at (323) 307-7997 to connect with our experts today.

Can I drink on Lexapro?

It is recommended to avoid alcohol while on Lexapro to avoid serious side effects like disorientation, drowsiness, and dizziness.

How much alcohol is okay with Lexapro?

Ideally, there is no safe amount of alcohol with Lexapro, as both impact the nervous system and can worsen the side effects.

Can I skip a dose of Lexapro to drink?

If you have been prescribed Lexapro to treat depressive or anxiety symptoms, then adhering to the medication plan as prescribed by your doctor is highly crucial. Do not skip a dose or make any adjustments without consulting your doctor.

Is there a risk of death by mixing Lexapro and alcohol?

Typically, mixing lexapro and alcohol does not lead to fatal risks by itself. However, it can increase the risk of injury and accidents, which may lead to life-threatening or fatal consequences.

What is the best antidepressant if you drink alcohol?

Ideally, you must not mix antidepressants with alcohol, as there is an increased risk of side effects.