What Are the Consequences of Drinking on Lexapro?

Drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro can lead to a variety of serious consequences. Lexapro is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, and it works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. However, alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness, exacerbate side effects, and even increase the risk of harmful interactions when drinking on Lexapro.

Despite the common misconception that moderate alcohol consumption is safe with Lexapro, the combination can lead to cognitive impairment, heightened mood swings, and in some cases, dangerous physical and mental health complications. For individuals struggling with alcohol use while managing mental health conditions, seeking professional help is crucial.

Resurgence Behavioral Health offers a supportive environment where individuals can receive the care they need to address both alcohol use and underlying mental health concerns. Understanding the potential risks of drinking on Lexapro and seeking treatment when necessary is essential for maintaining overall well-being.

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). It is primarily used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and sometimes other mood disorders such as panic disorder or social anxiety disorder.

Lexapro works by increasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in mood regulation. By preventing the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons, Lexapro helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and stabilize emotional well-being.

Lexapro is typically prescribed for adults, though it can be used in adolescents for specific conditions. The medication is usually taken as a tablet once daily and is known for being relatively well-tolerated, with fewer side effects compared to other SSRIs. However, as with any medication, it is essential to take Lexapro under the guidance of a healthcare professional to monitor for potential side effects, interactions, or the need for dosage adjustments.

Is Lexapro Hard on Your Liver?

Lexapro is generally considered to have a low risk of liver toxicity for most people. It is metabolized in the liver, but serious liver damage is uncommon when the drug is taken as prescribed. However, like with many medications, there are potential risks, especially in individuals who have pre-existing liver conditions or who take other medications that affect liver function.

For people with liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, doctors typically adjust the dosage of Lexapro to ensure it is safe to use. In these cases, the liver may not process the medication as effectively, leading to higher levels of the drug in the body, which can increase the risk of side effects.

Additionally, heavy drinking or regular alcohol consumption can place extra stress on the liver and increase the likelihood of liver damage. Since the liver metabolizes Lexapro, alcohol use can potentially interfere with its processing, leading to higher concentrations of both substances in the bloodstream, which may intensify side effects or cause harm to the liver over time.

What Happens When You Combine Alcohol with Lexapro?

Combining alcohol with Lexapro can lead to a variety of negative effects, both physical and mental, due to the interactions between alcohol and the medication. While Lexapro is an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety, alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down brain function.

Here’s what can happen when alcohol is combined with Lexapro:

• Increased Risk of Side Effects – Both alcohol and Lexapro can cause drowsiness or sedation. These effects may be amplified when taken together, leading to excessive tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired coordination. Alcohol can also impair cognitive function, and when combined with Lexapro, it can further decrease mental clarity, memory, and decision-making abilities.
• Worsening of Depression and Anxiety – Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it can exacerbate feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, which are already symptoms of depression. Mixing alcohol with Lexapro can counteract the benefits of the medication, making it less effective in managing mood disorders.
• Risk of Serotonin Syndrome – Although rare, drinking on Lexapro increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. This occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the brain, and it can cause symptoms such as high fever, agitation, rapid heart rate, muscle twitching, tremors, and confusion.
• Increased Risk of Liver Damage – Both alcohol and Lexapro are processed in the liver. Drinking alcohol while on Lexapro can place added stress on the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or impaired metabolism of the drug.
• Reduced Effectiveness of Lexapro – Alcohol may decrease the effectiveness of Lexapro in treating depression and anxiety. Since alcohol can worsen the symptoms of these conditions, it can undermine the medication’s ability to provide relief and make it harder for individuals to manage their mental health effectively.

For most people, it is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro to prevent adverse interactions. If you’re considering drinking while on this medication or if you’re struggling with alcohol use, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider or seek help from an addiction support center like Resurgence Behavioral Health. We can offer guidance tailored to your situation and help you explore safer treatment options if necessary.

Can You Drink Moderately on Antidepressants?

Drinking alcohol moderately while on antidepressants can be risky and is generally not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. Alcohol can interact with antidepressants in various ways, potentially reducing their effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of side effects. Some antidepressants, especially SSRIs, can heighten the sedative effects of alcohol, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.

Additionally, alcohol itself is a depressant, which can counteract the benefits of antidepressants, worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety. For some individuals, alcohol may even contribute to mood swings, increased impulsivity, or suicidal thoughts, especially in those with depression.

Moderation doesn’t eliminate these risks. It’s important to understand that everyone’s body responds differently to medications, and factors like the type of antidepressant you’re taking and your overall health play a significant role. Always consult a medical professional before consuming alcohol while on antidepressants to ensure it’s safe for you and that it won’t interfere with your treatment plan.

Contact Resurgence for More Info on the Dangers of Drinking on Lexapro and Addiction Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with the risks of drinking on Lexapro or dealing with alcohol use disorder, it’s vital to seek professional support. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers comprehensive treatment programs that can help individuals address both substance use and underlying mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

The team at Resurgence Behavioral Health is experienced in providing the care and guidance needed to safely manage medication and mental health challenges while also offering addiction support and personalized treatment plans.

If you’re concerned about the dangers of combining alcohol with Lexapro or need help navigating the complexities of addiction, reaching out to Resurgence Behavioral California can be the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life. For more information on our services and how we can assist in your journey to recovery, contact us today at 855-458-0050.

External Sources

• WebMD – Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• National Library of Medicine – Escitalopram-induced liver injury
• Healthline – The Effects of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

Research | Editorial