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Lexapro Side Effects

There are a number of potential side effects that may occur with the use of Lexapro. Some common side effects of the medication include headache, extreme tiredness, ejaculation problems, and nausea. While some Lexapro side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine, others are less likely to subside. Some more serious but less common side effects include suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, chest palpitations, and difficulty sleeping.

 

Lexapro Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate). Yet, not everyone who takes Lexapro will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Lexapro well. When Lexapro side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Lexapro. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Lexapro side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Lexapro

Lexapro has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to those that occur in another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Lexapro include:
 
  • Headache -- up to 24 percent of people

  • Nausea -- up to 18 percent of people

  • Ejaculation problems -- up to 14 percent of people (see Lexapro Sexual Side Effects)

  • Extreme tiredness -- up to 13 percent of people

  • Insomnia -- up to 12 percent of people (see Lexapro and Insomnia)

  • Dry mouth -- up to 9 percent of people (see Lexapro and Dry Mouth)

  • Fatigue -- up to 8 percent of people

  • Increased sweating -- up to 8 percent of people

  • Diarrhea -- up to 8 percent of people

  • A decreased sex drive -- up to 7 percent of people

  • Orgasm Problems -- up to 6 percent of people

  • Constipation -- up to 6 percent of people

  • Dizziness -- up to 5 percent of people.

       
Some of these side effects, such as dizziness and nausea, might go away as your body adjusts to Lexapro. Others, such as sexual problems and dry mouth, are less likely to go away.
 
(Lexapro Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;