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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 thinking and 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, adolescents, and young adults (up to the age of 25). The warning was issued due to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (called "suicidality") in children, adolescents, and young adults in clinical studies.
 
Lexapro is approved to treat depression in adolescents age 12 years and older. It is not approved to treat GAD in children or adolescents (younger than 18), however, it may sometimes be used "off-label" in these age group.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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