Can You Mix Alcohol & Lexapro?

Lexapro is a common anti-depressant medication with the potential for serious side effects. Consuming alcohol while taking Lexapro is not recommended, but if you decide to drink, consider the potential effects.

Side Effects of Lexapro

• Lexapro can produce a number of side effects including minor ones such as drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and sleep problems. It can also produce more serious side effects including headache, nausea or fever.

Know Your Reactions

• As with any psychiatric medication, side effects will vary with different people. It is important to take the drug long enough to know your body's reactions before considering consuming alcohol.

Moderate Use of Alcohol

• If you decide to drink alcohol while on Lexapro, use caution and moderation. Moderate use of alcohol means one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men with a drink being equivalent to a glass of wine, a 12-oz. beer or 1 oz. of hard alcohol.

Complications of Alcohol and Lexapro

• The potential complications of mixing alcohol and Lexapro can involve both an intensification of the effects of alcohol as well as the worsening of any existing side effects being experienced.

Consulting Your Physician

• If you decide to consume alcohol while taking Lexapro or if you experience worsening side effects after doing so, consult your physician immediately.