Lexapro (escitalopram), a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is less likely to affect blood pressure than other antidepressants, but it can potentially cause minor changes. Most studies show no clinically meaningful effect on blood pressure in the general patient population.
Common side effects
Duloxetine, reboxetine, and venlafaxine
These should be avoided if possible. Duloxetine and venlafaxine can cause dose related increases in blood pressure, postural hypotension and arrhythmias. Reboxetine can cause tachycardia, palpitations and dose-related postural hypotension.
If you have hypertension, they may recommend another antidepressant. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Lexapro (escitalopram), are less likely than Wellbutin and SNRIs to increase blood pressure.
A sudden rise in blood pressure (hypertension) often signals an underlying issue like severe stress, certain medications (cold meds, birth control, NSAIDs), stimulants (caffeine, cocaine), dehydration, or a new medical condition such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid problems, requiring urgent medical attention if severe, with symptoms like chest pain or vision changes. It's crucial to see a doctor to identify the cause, especially if you have symptoms, as sudden spikes can be dangerous.
the following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with escitalopram: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin® IB), naproxen (Aleve®), St. John's wort, or tryptophan. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking escitalopram.
Cautions with other medicines
any medicines that affect your heartbeat – escitalopram can give you an irregular heartbeat or make your heart beat faster.
have ever had an allergic reaction to escitalopram or any other medicine. have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – escitalopram may increase your risk of having a seizure. have a heart problem – escitalopram can give you an irregular heartbeat or make your heart beat faster.
Lexapro is an antidepressant linked to serious health risks, including increased suicidality, serotonin syndrome, and birth defects. Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against its manufacturers, alleging failure to warn about these dangers.
Although Lexapro is classified as an 'antidepressant', it is also FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Conclusion. Escitalopram does not significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular adverse reactions compared with placebo in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.
WARNING: Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.
If you're wondering how to tell whether Lexapro is beginning to help, here are six common signs to look out for: You feel calmer or less overwhelmed by daily stress. Sleep patterns become more regular or restful. Negative thoughts feel less intense or constant.
Fatigue affects 5-8% of Lexapro users and typically appears within the first week of treatment, often improving after 2-4 weeks. Taking Lexapro in the evening and maintaining good sleep hygiene can help reduce daytime drowsiness and energy dips.
Lexapro often stops working because it adjusts serotonin levels, not the neural connectivity issues that drive depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. When the underlying pathways remain disrupted, symptoms return, even if the medication worked at first.
Why is Lexapro making my anxiety worse? Early in therapy, serotonin adjustments can heighten alertness and worry. This effect is usually temporary.
Take escitalopram once a day. You can take it with or without food. You can take escitalopram at any time of day, as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.
Lexapro's effects vary from person to person, with some experiencing mild activation (wakefulness) while others report sedation. Most people find the medication relatively neutral regarding energy levels once adaptation occurs after the first few weeks of treatment.
Escitalopram is thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) interacts with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other antidepressants, and St. John's wort. It also interacts with blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and alcohol.
11 Signs Your Antidepressants Aren't Right for You
Adverse complications involving mood or mental disturbance are linked to nearly all SSRIs, Lexapro included. These side effects include confusion, aggression, depersonalization, suicide ideation, and suicidal behavior.
Jim Carrey talks about being on Prozac for a long time and he had to get off at a certain point as he didn't want to be on it indefinitely. “There are peaks, there are valleys,” he said. “But they're all kind of carved and smoothed out, and it feels like a low level of despair you live in.
Take your time. You may be tempted to stop taking antidepressants as soon as your symptoms ease, but depression can return if you quit too soon. Clinicians generally recommend staying on the medication for six to nine months before considering going off antidepressants.
People taking certain antidepressants, including Celexa and Lexapro, may have a slightly increased risk of developing an abnormal heart beat.