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Lexapro and Suicide

It is difficult to know if there is a relationship between suicide and the use of Lexapro (or other antidepressants). But regardless of whether you are taking an antidepressant, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any possible signs of suicidal behavior. Some of these signs include aggressive, angry, or violent behavior; depression or anxiety that is new or worse; and thoughts about death or committing suicide.

 

An Overview of Lexapro and Suicide

Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of the following conditions:
 
Lexapro is part of a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As with all antidepressants, there may be an increased risk of suicidal behavior when taking Lexapro.
 

Suicide and Lexapro: FDA Warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a special warning about the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior with antidepressant use in children and teenagers. The warning was issued due to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers in clinical studies. Lexapro is approved to treat depression in adolescents age 12 years and older.
 

Does Lexapro Cause Suicides?

In clinical studies, it did appear that there was a slightly increased risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers who took antidepressants, including Lexapro.
 In one study, about 4 percent of children and teens taking an antidepressant had suicidal thoughts or behavior, compared to 2 percent in children and teens who were not taking an antidepressant.
 
This study looked at all suicidal behavior, including suicides, attempted suicides, and thoughts about committing suicide. It is important to note that no one in the study actually committed suicide.
 
It is difficult to know for sure if there is a link between the use of antidepressants, such as Lexapro, and suicide or suicidal behavior. To make matters more confusing, depression itself can cause suicidal behavior. The bottom line is that you should report any signs of suicidal behavior to your healthcare professional, regardless of whether or not you are taking an antidepressant.
 
Certain people seem to be at a higher risk of suicidal behavior while taking antidepressants. This includes people with bipolar disorder (or a family history of bipolar disorder) and people who have attempted suicide (or have a family history of suicide attempts).
 
(Lexapro and Suicide Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;