Are you taking Lexapro (Escitalopram)? Then you need to know these things about alcohol!

You may be taking a medication prescribed by your doctor to treat depression or anxiety. Especially if you are taking Lexapro, aka Escitalopram, you may be wondering, "Is it okay to have a drink every now and then?" This is a question that many people have. But is it really okay to drink alcohol with this medication? Let's talk about this in detail and simply today.

First of all, what is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name for the drug Escitalopram. It is a medication that doctors often prescribe to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. Medically speaking, it belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) .

Simply put, this medication helps the brain's chemical called serotonin, which helps control our mood. That is, this medication keeps serotonin levels in the brain longer, helping to maintain your mood at a good level.

However, if you are taking this medication, the main recommendation from doctors is to stay away from alcohol completely. There are several reasons for this. Alcohol can make your medication not work as well. Also, the side effects of the medication can be worse. Sometimes, the combination of these two can have dangerous consequences.

What are the common side effects of Lexapro, other than alcohol?

Even without alcohol, Lexapro, like any medication, can cause minor side effects. But these don't happen to everyone, only to some people. And many of these go away over time.

Serotonin Syndrome, which can be dangerous

This is a very rare but very dangerous condition that can be caused by SSRI medications. It occurs when the body's serotonin levels increase unnecessarily. This risk can usually arise when the medication is first started or when the dosage is increased.

Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome:

• Severe headache
• Diarrhea
• Feeling uneasy
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Dilated pupils
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Muscle stiffness, tremors, or loss of control

If the condition becomes severe, it can cause high fever, seizures, and loss of consciousness. This can even be life-threatening.

What happens when you take alcohol with Lexapro?

Alcohol is also a chemical change in the brain. Lexapro is also a chemical change. When these two are combined, they can have unexpected effects.

Taking Lexapro with alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication.

• Excessive sleepiness: You may feel more sleepy than usual.
• Decreased attention: Your ability to focus and stay alert decreases significantly.
• Loss of body control: You may feel unable to control your body properly while walking or doing work.

Imagine, even if you don't feel drunk, your reaction time is greatly reduced. Driving a vehicle or working with machinery at this time is very dangerous. Also, your judgment is impaired, and you may be tempted to make rash, risky decisions.

The relationship between alcohol and depression

Many people think that alcohol is the best way to relieve stress and anxiety, but the truth is the opposite.

Also, someone with depression is at a higher risk of developing alcohol addiction. The two are intertwined and create a vicious cycle. When you drink alcohol, your Lexapro medication doesn't work as well. When the medication doesn't work, your depression gets worse. When your depression gets worse, you turn to alcohol again. This only makes your condition worse.

The most important thing: Alcohol can make your depression worse, and when medication doesn't work, it can make you more likely to have suicidal thoughts. If you're feeling this way, please don't suffer alone. Tell your doctor or someone you trust right away.

So, can't you just have a little drink every now and then?

This is a bit of a complicated issue. Some doctors believe that if the patient's condition is stable and there is no risk of alcohol addiction, drinking "in moderation" may not be a big problem.

What is "moderate drinking"?

• For women: one standard drink per day.
• For men: no more than two standard drinks per day.

A "standard drink" is 350 milliliters of beer (about 1 can), 150 milliliters of wine (about 1 glass of wine), or 45 milliliters of hard liquor (about 1 shot).

However, before you even think about such a thing, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this. He or she will be able to give you the best advice on whether it is right for you, since they know your condition, other illnesses, and other medications you are taking.

Side effects that specifically affect women

The common side effects of Lexapro (nausea, drowsiness) are common to both sexes. However, there are some conditions that may affect women specifically. Some women may experience irregular vaginal bleeding or an inability to reach orgasm. You should definitely discuss the use of this medication with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.