Other factors may also affect whether Lexapro is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting this drug. Lexapro is a kind of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Aftercare programs are also designed to support people in recovery, but they are specifically tailored to rehab alumni. After Lexapro detox and rehab are complete, there are a few different continued care options a person can choose from to receive continued support in sobriety. Someone who has a history of substance abuse or who abuses other prescription drugs or illegal substances may also be more likely to abuse Lexapro.
Lexapro and Alcohol
Being a part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors drug class, Lexapro is effective at reducing alcohol cravings, generalized anxiety, and primarily depressive disorders. With that being said, in some cases, patients reported developing alcohol addictions without any prior addiction history. Stopping medication also subdued and curved any cravings in those reported patients. Lexapro is a safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety.
Other antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and Wellbutrin carry serious side effects when combined with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking these types of antidepressants is not recommended. If you or a loved one is having a hard time cutting down on alcohol, it could be a sign of an alcohol use disorder.
Is Lexapro the same as Xanax?
Your doctor will let you know whether Lexapro is the right treatment for you. If you’re dehydrated or take a diuretic (water pill), your risk of low sodium may be increased. Your doctor can recommend whether Lexapro is a safe treatment option for you. Before taking Lexapro, https://g-markets.net/sober-living/alcohol-shakes-symptoms-causes-treatments-and/ be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Lexapro. If you have anxiety, your doctor may prescribe Lexapro for you.
There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time. Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today. Just how much impact you’ll see depends on your size, your Lexapro dose, the reason Lexapro was prescribed, and the amount of alcohol consumed, Krinsky explains. Lexapro is a medication approved Essential Tremor Alcohol Treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term and long-term treatment of MDD and short-term treatment of GAD. However, a person should always talk to their doctor before having any alcohol if they are also taking Lexapro or any other medicines. This can lead to difficulty completing certain tasks, and can be extremely risky.
What Is Lexapro (Escitalopram)?
First I googled alcohol cravings induced by paroxetine and then by citalopram. The first web pages I came across were from the depression forums and similar websites where people where sharing their stories about the same alcohol cravings and looking for answers. I came across the International Coalition for Drug Awareness, the Seroxat Users Support Group and the Seroxat Secrets website where many people were reporting the same thing. By now I had given up on trying to tell my medical team that I thought it was my medication that was causing the problems. I was accused of being in denial over the alcoholism but I was certain that these intense cravings for alcohol were being induced by the SSRI.
It’s commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder and depression. If you have been prescribed an antidepressant-like Lexapro due to depression or anxiety, it’s best not to drink alcohol. It can also make your medication less effective, which could actually make your depression worse. This, in turn, can lead to more drinking to numb the symptoms of depression.
The Final Word on Lexapro and Alcohol
If you have bipolar disorder or mania, Lexapro may increase your risk of a manic or mixed episode. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor about any mental health conditions https://g-markets.net/sober-living/art-therapy-for-addiction/ you have. If you are addicted to Lexapro or abuse it and other prescription drugs, it is possible for you to get sober and live a fulfilling life in recovery.
Sorting Out the Antidepressant “Withdrawal” Controversy – Psychiatric Times
Sorting Out the Antidepressant “Withdrawal” Controversy.
Posted: Mon, 11 Mar 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Any time you drink while taking Lexapro, you put yourself at risk for potentially serious side effects. If you drink alcohol at all, it’s best to drink in moderation during treatment with the drug. If you take Lexapro, talk to your doctor before drinking any alcohol. Several factors can contribute to depression, including brain chemistry imbalance, genetics, life events, and negative thought patterns. However, drinking alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of depression.