Escitalopram is a generic prescription drug used for depression and anxiety. It’s also available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. Escitalopram can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include sexual dysfunction and trouble sleeping.

Escitalopram is used to treat:

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that escitalopram oral tablet can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Escitalopram has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Escitalopram’s side effects explained” section.

Note: Escitalopram is also available as an oral solution. This article will focus on the oral tablet form of the drug. If you have questions about escitalopram oral solution, talk with your doctor.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their escitalopram treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

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Mild side effects have been reported with escitalopram. These include:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • indigestion
  • nausea
  • extreme drowsiness
  • tiredness
  • trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • increased sweating

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking escitalopram unless your doctor recommends it.

Escitalopram may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects have been reported with escitalopram. These include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking escitalopram, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Escitalopram’s side effects explained” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with escitalopram, visit MedWatch.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Escitalopram can cause an allergic reaction.

This side effect didn’t occur in the drug’s studies. However, it was reported after medication approval.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking escitalopram.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to escitalopram, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about escitalopram’s side effects.

What side effects should I expect during the first week of escitalopram treatment?

Side effects experienced during the first week of escitalopram treatment can vary from person to person. Some of the more common and mild side effects that may occur include nausea, tiredness, and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually ease with time.

Serious side effects can also occur, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Typically, suicidal thoughts and behaviors are more likely to occur early on in treatment and during dosage changes. Talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing ongoing and bothersome side effects that aren’t easing or are worsening.

Can escitalopram cause heart rhythm changes?

It’s possible. Based on studies of escitalopram, the drug can cause long QT syndrome. This occurs when your heart muscles take longer to tighten and relax, leading to irregular heart rhythms. If left untreated, long QT syndrome may cause serious and life threatening conditions, such as torsades de pointes.

Typically, people with long QT syndrome do not experience any symptoms. Your doctor may check your heart rhythm with an electrocardiogram (EKG) before and during your escitalopram treatment.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about what to expect with your escitalopram treatment.

Learn more about some of the side effects escitalopram may cause.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Similar to other antidepressants, escitalopram has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Studies suggest this side effect is more likely to occur in people ages 24 years and younger. Note that escitalopram is not approved for use in children ages 12 years and younger. This side effect typically occurs during the first few months of treatment and during dosage changes.

People taking escitalopram to treat depression were more likely to report developing these suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors may cause symptoms such as:

  • attempts at harming oneself
  • thoughts of harming oneself or death
  • aggressive or dangerous behaviors
  • new or worsening depression or anxiety
  • feelings of agitation, restlessness, anger, or irritability
  • trouble sleeping
  • other unusual changes in mood or behavior

What might help

Your doctor will monitor you for symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors during your escitalopram treatment. Ask your close family and friends to also watch for these symptoms before you start taking escitalopram.

Talk with your doctor right away if your family, friends, or you notice the development of these symptoms. If these symptoms are life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction was a common side effect reported in studies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including escitalopram. With sexual dysfunction, you may no longer desire or enjoy sexual activities. This side effect can happen in both males* and females.*

Symptoms reported in males include:

Symptoms reported in females include:

  • low sex drive (libido)
  • delayed or absent orgasm

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

What might help

Talk with your doctor if you develop or experience symptoms of sexual dysfunction. They may be able to recommend ways to reduce this side effect. If needed, they can also prescribe an alternative medication in place of escitalopram.

Keeping track of side effects

During your escitalopram treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how escitalopram affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below is important information you should consider before starting treatment with escitalopram.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Escitalopram has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Escitalopram’s side effects explained” section.

Other warnings

Escitalopram can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether escitalopram is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take escitalopram. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.