Lexapro Side Effects

Lido Wellness Center Blog

Lexapro Side Effects

November 28, 2023

In the rollercoaster ride that is mental health, finding the right treatment can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – at night, without a flashlight. Enter Lexapro, a prominent medication in the world of antidepressants. But, as with any medication, it’s a bit of a dance—one step forward, two steps back, and occasionally stepping on your own feet.

What Is Lexapro For?

Lexapro is sometimes referred to as the sunshine pill.

Lexapro, known by its scientific name, escitalopram, is primarily used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Wit does this by helping restore the balance of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. This is why some say it’s like a ray of sunshine in pill form.

The Good: Effectiveness

For many, Lexapro does a fantastic job of turning down the volume on life’s worries and woes. It can be the difference between lying in bed, staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., and actually getting a good night’s sleep. When it works, it can feel like the clouds parting after a relentless storm.

The Other Side: Potential Lexapro Side Effects

When you start a mental health medication like Lexapro, it can sometimes feel like a yo-yo with your mood and personality. One important approach when dealing with Lexapro side effects is to remember: take it slow.

So, why are there physical Lexapro side effects? It’s like throwing a new ingredient into a complex system—the body needs time to adjust. Lexapro works by tweaking the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that influences our mood, sleep, and appetite. When you adjust it, our body needs time to catch up. Here are a few Lexapro side effects you might encounter (of course each person is unique and you should never take Lexapro without the guidance of a medical doctor).

1. Nausea

First up, nausea. This happens because serotonin has a further reach than just the brain; it’s also in the gut. When you mess with serotonin levels, the gut feels it and sometimes responds with nausea.

2. Headaches and Dizziness

Then there are the headaches and dizziness. Your brain is used to a certain serotonin rhythm, and Lexapro changes that tune. Your brain needs a moment to adjust to the new levels.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances come next. Serotonin is like the conductor of your sleep-wake cycle. These disturbances are most likely the brain trying to synchronize with the new rhythm.

4. Sexual Side Effects

And then, the delicate topic of sexual side effects. Serotonin plays a role in sexual function, so when you adjust its levels, it can lead side effects in the bedroom. They might include decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and erectile dysfunction.

It Takes Time

But here’s the good news: it gets smoother time. Most of these side effects are the body’s initial reaction to a new influence. Over time, as the body gets used to the new rhythm, these effects often move to the background.

Remember, starting Lexapro is a step in your mental health journey. Always stay in close touch with your healthcare provider, be patient with your body’s response, and don’t forget the power of therapy.

Counseling and Programs

Medication like Lexapro can be a fantastic support, but it’s rarely the most important part of your mental health treatment. It’s best paired with some form of therapy or counseling – because let’s face it, a pill can’t teach you how work through life’s challenges or guide you through your trauma.

Therapy is where you learn how to navigate your mind, to understand your patterns, and to change your behaviors. It’s where you get to talk, cry, and even laugh about the things that weigh you down. Medication can help lift the fog, but therapy is where you learn to navigate through it.

Call Lido Wellness

If you are taking Lexapro or if you’re contemplating starting, you may want to talk to us about supporting your medication with IOP or outpatient therapy. Call us today for a free consultation: 949-541-8466.