The more alcohol you consume, the higher the likelihood it’ll affect these neurotransmitters in the brain and worsen mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Both escitalopram (Lexapro) and sertraline (Zoloft) are used to treat certain kinds of anxiety and depression. And both medications belong to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Talk to your healthcare provider first before making any decisions. Lexapro belongs to a large class of medications known as antidepressants. https://accountingcoaching.online/alcoholism-anger-management-mental-health/ Based on how it works, Lexapro can be further classified as a selective serotonin receptor reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Is any amount of alcohol safe while taking Lexapro?
He adds that because alcohol decreases Lexapro’s therapeutic effects, the depressant effects of alcohol could also lead someone to have suicidal thoughts or take action on those thoughts. Certain genetic disorders may affect the body’s ability to produce serotonin. Some research suggests that stress early in life may affect the body’s ability to transport serotonin. Mixing alcohol and Lexapro is not recommended, and doing so could lead to dangerous side effects.
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Even drinking a small amount of alcohol while taking an SSRI could have serious consequences. Some side effects of Lexapro may go away after the first Intermittent explosive disorder Symptoms and causes few weeks. If you experience long-term or extremely negative side effects while taking Lexapro, talk to your doctor about taking a different SSRI.
The Final Word on Lexapro and Alcohol
It’s in your best interest to abstain from or minimize alcohol intake when you take Lexapro, says Figueroa. If you think you may be having difficulty with this, talk with your doctor. Lexapro can also cause sexual side effects, including a decreased sex drive and reduced ability to reach orgasm. In men, Lexapro can cause issues such as delayed or absent ejaculation and erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Whereas the side effects of Xanax may cause fatigue, memory problems, or speech problems.
- As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Lexapro has a lower risk of side effects and interactions than older antidepressants.
- Lexapro is a safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety.
- While the struggle of depression and anxiety can be difficult to manage, the clear answer to this question is, no.
It disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that control emotions, which results in psychological changes. While alcohol might make a person feel better for a short while, it can make them feel worse in the long run. Both escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) belong to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Both Lexapro and Xanax are commonly known for the treatment of anxiety. First, the two medications are in different drug classes–Xanax being a benzodiazepine and Lexapro is an SSRI.