If you are taking Lexapro for major depressive disorder or anxiety, you may be wondering if it’s possible to have a couple of drinks of alcohol.
A loved one may ask you, “Is it safe to drink with Lexapro?” Not really. The mix of these two may lead to uncomfortable side effects and even severe sickness. Let’s walk through what happens if you mix the two.
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What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro or escitalopram is a prescription medicine that falls under the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Lexapro is usually prescribed by doctors to treat:
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
It does so by regulating the level of serotonin in the brain, improving mood and reducing anxiety. SSRIs such as Lexapro treat depression and anxiety by enhancing the levels of the chemical serotonin, which is associated with happiness.
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Alcohol and Lexapro: Why the Combination Is Risky
Some people might think that combining alcohol with Lexapro is harmless at first, as you might not realize its side effects quickly. However, the mixture can greatly escalate side effects. When someone takes Lexapro and drinks alcohol, they may experience:
- Increased drowsiness
- Impaired coordination and dizziness
- Enhanced anxiety or depression symptoms
- Longer response time
- Risk of accidents
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- Excessive drowsiness
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Confusion or memory problems
- More sadness or hopelessness
- Difficulty focusing
- Physical side effects like headaches
- Blood pressure changes
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Lexapro and Alcohol
When Lexapro and alcohol are used together, both of them interact with the central nervous system. Alcohol is a depressant that decelerates brain function.
Lexapro works to balance brain chemicals to stabilize mood. Both of them can interfere with each other and worsen mental illness symptoms.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Lexapro?
Where some can manage minimal amounts of alcohol without a problem, it is best to steer clear of it altogether. The interaction is not exactly the same for everyone. What is okay for one can be potentially very bad for another.
Long-Term Concerns: Alcohol and Lexapro
When you continually mix Lexapro with alcohol consumption, you may experience side effects including:
- Instant decline in depression or anxiety, but long-term worsening of both
- Reduced efficacy of Lexapro
- Increased risk of alcohol use disorder
- Impaired judgment leading to dangerous behavior
- Increased risk of suicidal ideation
- Mental health challenges are becoming harder to manage
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Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineHow Alcohol Affects Depression and Anxiety
Alcohol also tends to worsen depression and anxiety in the long term for even non-medication users. To those already managing their mental state with Lexapro, alcohol tends to make things worse by:
- Lowering serotonin levels
- Disrupting sleep patterns
- Leading to more mood swings
- Increasing symptoms of anxiety
- Making depression worse
Safer Alternatives to Drinking While on Lexapro
Instead of even a small amount of alcohol, try the following options.
- Non-alcoholic beverages like herbal tea or flavored water
- Mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails)
- Relaxing supplements
- Stress-relief activities such as yoga or meditation
- Talking with your doctor or mental health professional
These choices not only avoid side effects but can also lead to enhanced mental health.
What Should You Do If You’ve Mixed Lexapro and Alcohol?
If you accidentally combine Lexapro with alcohol and start to become ill, do the following.
- Call 911 if it is an emergency
- Stick with someone long enough until you’re stable
- Seek advice from your doctor
- Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery
Treatment Options for Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol
For some, mixing Lexapro and alcohol is a habit that cannot be broken. This is highly common among those who have alcohol use disorder and depression or anxiety.
Treatment Programs Available
Treatment facilities can assist with the following.
- Medical detox for alcohol
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Support groups and counseling
- Substance use disorder treatment for dual diagnosis (mental health + addiction)
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- Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
- Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
- Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
- Coaching, Recovery & Development Events
- Comfortable Onsite Medical Detox Center
Where in Spokane Valley, Washington Can You Find Treatment for Lexapro and Alcohol?
If you are in the Spokane Valley region and you need help with Lexapro and alcohol, We Level Up Washington provides comprehensive treatment. Our treatment includes:
- Alcohol detox programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment for depression, anxiety, and alcohol use
- Specific behavioral treatments for each individual
- Help managing prescription medications safely
Treatment Options Near Spokane Valley, WA
We Level Up Washington also makes available services in nearby towns, including:
- Liberty Lake, WA
- Spokane, WA
- Coeur d’Alene, ID
Our team specializes in creating personalized care plans to help individuals safely manage both Lexapro use and alcohol issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Where can I find Lexapro and alcohol counseling in Spokane Valley, Washington?
We Level Up Washington offers treatment programs to the targeted population for Lexapro and alcohol addiction in Spokane Valley.
-
Where in Liberty Lake, WA is Lexapro and alcohol treatment located?
Residents of Liberty Lake can access professional treatment for alcohol addiction from We Level Up Washington.
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Where can Lexapro and alcohol treatment be found in Spokane, WA?
We Level Up Washington’s dual diagnosis and disorder addiction treatment services can help Spokane citizens.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Health Over Risk
Mixing Lexapro and alcohol is more than a small risk but can lead to severe side effects and long-term damage. If you or someone you know is considering drinking and is taking Lexapro or is already in trouble, be sure you know that help is out there.
At We Level Up Washington, we offer empathetic care to guide you to healthier options and better mental health. Call us today to learn about our treatment programs and begin the journey towards a happier tomorrow.
World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Programs. Complete Integrated Inpatient Rehab with Free Post Discharge Therapy Planning.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.
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Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.
