Can The Side Effects of Lexapro Outweigh The Benefits?

The antidepressant Lexapro works as an SSRI, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. SSRIs work by restoring balance to the chemical composition of the brain specifically targeting the neurotransmitter serotonin. When these medications are used, the results are reduced anxiety, lower levels of fear, and overall sense of mental health and well being.

Lexapro offers a lot of beneficial effects for users, but like many drugs there can be side effects. The question is whether these side effects of Lexapro are severe enough that they merit avoiding its use. If you are currently taking Lexapro or are considering using the drug, then read the list of possible side effects which follows and discuss them with your physician.

Increased Risk of Suicide: The increase in suicide rates among Lexapro users is very small but still significant enough to be worthy of consideration. There are other factors which contribute to this risk in combination with the use of Lexapro ? however, this is a side effect which can possibly affect any user of the drug and a deepened state of depression including suicidal ideation has been documented in a small number of users.

Lexapro users under the age of 25 are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or of the act itself. However, users of Lexapro of any age who have side effects including agitation, mood swings, unexplainable hostility or anger and trouble sleeping should take these symptoms as a sign to consult with their physician. If you are taking Lexapro and have thoughts about harming yourself or others, then you need to see your physician immediately.

Physical Side Effects. Some of the physical side effects of Lexapro are particularly disturbing. Among them are the following: impotence, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, easy bruising, sweating, easy bleeding, weakness, yawning, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. Patience should not take a diuretic in combination with Lexapro because you run the risk of losing too much salt. You also should not take Lexapro while pregnant. This is especially true during the last three months of pregnancy when it is believed to contribute to the possibility of babies being born with withdrawal symptoms.

Drug Interactions: There is always a risk of interactions with other prescription medications and this is true of Lexapro as well. You should avoid taking diuretics while taking Lexapro and always tell your physician about every medication you are taking when you are prescribed the drug by your physician. You should not take aspirin or weight loss medications when taking Lexapro and you must also avoid all MAO inhibitor drugs for two weeks before or after taking Lexapro.

The side effects of Lexapro may last only a short time and be mild; however, they can also be severe and long lasting, ceasing only when you stop taking the drug. Knowing the possible side effects of Lexapro lets you know if what you?re experiencing is a common side effect or is the symptom of another problem entirely. Always discuss any new medication with your doctor thoroughly before deciding if it is for you and speak to your doctor about the benefits versus the side effects of such medications as they may suggest.

If you?d rather avoid the possible side effects of Lexapro, then you may want to consider using one of the natural alternatives such as St. John?s Wort, the amino acid 5-HTP or valerian root.