Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP
Summary:
- Lexapro® is an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety, but combining it with alcohol can lead to potential risks.
- Alcohol consumption while taking Lexapro® may contribute to increased alcohol cravings if you have an alcohol dependency, as well as worsened depression and rare cases of pathological intoxication.
- Both alcohol and Lexapro® affect the liver, and taking them together could increase the risk of liver-related issues.
- The safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely while on Lexapro®. If you do choose to drink, your alcohol consumption should be minimized and discussed with a healthcare provider beforehand.
- A healthcare provider can help determine whether Lexapro® is the right medication for you and suggest alternative treatments if needed.
Understanding how alcohol interacts with Lexapro & the potential risks involved
Lexapro®, a branded form of the medication escitalopram, is a widely prescribed antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate your mood.
Many people who take Lexapro® wonder whether they can safely drink alcohol while on this medication. In this article, Lemonaid Health helps you learn more about the potential for interactions between Lexapro® and alcohol so that you can have informed conversations with a healthcare provider about whether this medication is right for you and your lifestyle.
The potential risks of combining alcohol & Lexapro
The patient information for Lexapro® recommends that you do not consume alcohol while taking this medication. Although clinical trials have not shown that taking Lexapro® increases the intoxicating effects alcohol has on your brain or body, there may be other risks to consider.
Cravings for alcohol
Some patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who have been prescribed escitalopram for depression have reported stronger cravings to consume alcohol after starting treatment. This does not necessarily mean that everyone with AUD will experience alcohol cravings after taking SSRIs, but it is a risk worth considering and discussing with your healthcare provider if alcohol consumption is a problem in your life.
Increased depression risk
Research shows that major depression is common among people who are alcohol-dependent, and that treating alcohol dependence may also reduce depressive symptoms in people experiencing both conditions. This suggests that if you’re drinking heavily while you take an antidepressant like Lexapro®, your depression could be more severe than usual—making it harder for the medication to work as intended.
Pathological intoxication
Although current medical literature does not show strong interactions between alcohol and SSRIs like Lexapro® in lab tests, a number of people have reportedly experienced a syndrome known as pathological intoxication when combining these substances. This condition can lead to an increased risk of violent behavior, along with impaired memory in just over half of the cases documented.
Although further data is needed to learn more about pathological intoxication, some medical professionals have recommended that warnings be issued to patients and providers alike about the potential for this syndrome to occur when combining alcohol with medications like Lexapro®.
Liver function concerns
It is generally well-known that alcohol consumption can lead to liver disease over time. However, escitalopram is also metabolized by the liver and may cause liver damage in some cases, although the risk appears to be relatively low. Since alcohol and Lexapro® can both impact the way your liver functions, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether taking both can increase your likelihood of experiencing liver problems.
Increased drowsiness
Taking alcohol and Lexapro® at the same time may cause you to feel more sleepy than usual. This may be because alcohol can make you feel tired and less alert, and fatigue is also a possible side effect of escitalopram.
Safe practices
The patient information for Lexapro® warns against consuming alcohol while using this medication—so if Lexapro® has been prescribed to you, the safest choice you can make about alcohol is to avoid drinking it completely. You should always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and the instructions contained in the patient information for any medication you are taking.
If you do choose to drink while taking Lexapro® and assume responsibility for the risks that come with it, it is strongly recommended to cut down on the amount of alcohol you consume. It may also be especially important to avoid alcohol during the first few days of your treatment while your body adjusts to the medication. This will give you time to see how your medication is making you feel and reconsider your decision.
Finally, if you are stopping Lexapro and considering drinking again, remember that it takes time for the medication to fully leave your system. The half-life of Lexapro is about 27–33 hours, meaning it can take several days for the drug to be eliminated completely. Your healthcare provider can help you understand when the levels of Lexapro® in your system have gone down enough to start drinking responsibly again, based on individual factors like your dosage and medical history.
Consulting a healthcare provider
You’ll need to speak with a healthcare provider before you can get a prescription for antidepressants like Lexapro®, but it’s also important to be clear with them about your relationship with alcohol. This can help your provider determine whether Lexapro® is right for you, and what changes may be recommended for your lifestyle if you plan to start taking this medication.
A healthcare provider can also check in with you regularly if you do start taking Lexapro® and adjust your dosage if necessary to help manage any side effects you experience.
Learn more: What to expect when starting Lexapro®
Potential alternatives to Lexapro®
Remember, everyone responds differently to medication—and what works for one person may not work the same way for another. That’s why creating an individualized treatment plan with a medical professional is often the best way to treat depression safely and effectively.
Other medications can also help you treat depression if Lexapro® isn’t the answer. Some alternatives include:
Learn more about Lexapro® & your lifestyle with Lemonaid Health
Drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro has the potential to change your relationship with alcohol, reduce the medication’s effectiveness, and negatively impact your mental health. While occasional light drinking may be safe for some people, it’s important to understand these risks and follow safe practices if you are taking this medication.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance if you are taking Lexapro®, and consult with them before consuming alcohol to understand how it can affect your treatment plan. Lemonaid Health can connect you with a network of US-based medical professionals who can answer your questions about Lexapro® in detail and may be able to prescribe it in clinically indicated cases. Get started with us today and find effective treatment for depression so that you can enjoy healthier tomorrows.
Lexapro® is a registered trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S. Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC, a Viatris Company. Prozac® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Wellbutrin® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC.
