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What Are the Dangers of Lexapro?

Lexapro is a brand name for the prescription medication escitalopram. Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, Lexapro poses the risk of side effects in some patients.

  1. Types of Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of Lexapro are not normally dangerous. They include constipation, decreased libido, impotence, diarrhea, dry mouth, ejaculation delay, gas, heartburn, sweating, drowsiness, insomnia and stomach pains, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Some patients develop potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to Lexapro that cause severe skin conditions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Both of these conditions result in the death of skin cells and require prompt hospitalization.

    Warning

    • Lexapro has the potential to cause suicidal thoughts or self-harming behavior during the first several months of treatment, particularly in children and people ages 18 to 24. Symptoms like anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, hostility, aggression, impulsiveness, restlessness and mania often serve as warning signs for suicidal ideation related to Lexapro use.

    Risks

    • Lexapro poses a risk for serotonin syndrome, a group of potentially life-threatening symptoms associated with excessive levels of the brain chemical serotonin. In addition, some patients experience withdrawal symptoms upon prompt discontinuation of Lexapro, including depression, irritability, agitation, dizziness, tingling or shock-like sensations in the extremities, anxiety, confusion, headaches, and lethargy.

    Considerations

    • Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors restrict use of Lexapro in pregnant women to instances where there are no safe alternatives to treatment. If you have a history of bipolar disorder, problems with bleeding, low blood sodium, seizures, substance abuse, heart attack or disease that affects your heart, kidneys or liver, it may not be safe for you to take Lexapro because of its potential side effects.

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