If you’re taking Lexapro for depression or anxiety, you might wonder: “Can I drink alcohol on Lexapro?” The short answer is it’s not recommended. Even a small amount of alcohol can interfere with how Lexapro works and increase your risk of serious side effects.
At The Raleigh House, we’ve helped many clients recover from the effects of mixing substances, including alcohol and antidepressants. If you’re curious about this combination, or struggling to cut back, here’s what you should know.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
It’s primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and emotional stability.
It’s typically taken once a day and is available in doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg. Like many SSRIs, Lexapro may take a few weeks to show full effects, and it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions closely during treatment.
Can You Drink on Lexapro?
While some doctors may say an occasional drink is okay, most medical professionals advise against mixing Lexapro and alcohol.
The medication is meant to stabilize your mood, while alcohol is a depressant that can make symptoms worse.
Drinking while on Lexapro may also increase your risk of dependency or unwanted side effects.
What Happens if You Mix Lexapro and Alcohol?
Combining alcohol with Lexapro can:
- Heighten depression or anxiety symptoms.
- Increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Reduce the effectiveness of the antidepressant.
- Lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation in severe cases.
These reactions may intensify if you’re on a higher dose of Lexapro or drink regularly.
Lexapro and Alcohol Side Effects and Interactions
The most common issues include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep.
- Dry mouth and headaches.
- Diarrhea or digestive issues.
- Heightened emotional instability.
Because both alcohol and Lexapro affect the central nervous system, they can interact in unpredictable and dangerous ways.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Lexapro with Alcohol
Even if you feel “fine” after a drink or two, mixing Lexapro and alcohol can cause long-term damage.
Emotional regulation, mental clarity, and physical health may all suffer, especially with repeated use.
It can also interfere with your treatment progress, especially if you’re recovering from co-occurring conditions like depression and alcohol use disorder.
Can Lexapro Make Alcohol’s Effects Worse?
Yes, Lexapro may intensify the effects of alcohol, making you feel more intoxicated with fewer drinks. That can lead to risky behavior, blackouts, or overdose.
Lexapro and Alcohol Use Disorder Risk
People with depression are already more vulnerable to substance use. Combining Lexapro with alcohol may worsen cravings or increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, particularly if you’re self-medicating emotional pain.
Physical Risks of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol
Combining Lexapro with alcohol doesn’t just increase emotional instability; it can also put strain on your physical health, especially your heart.
Even small amounts of alcohol may interfere with how your body metabolizes the medication, raising the risk of complications.
Alcohol and Heart Health: A Dangerous Combo?
Alcohol in excess is well-known for its negative impact on cardiovascular health, but when mixed with antidepressants like Lexapro, it may further elevate heart-related risks.
This combination can affect blood pressure regulation, increase heart rate, and worsen underlying conditions such as arrhythmias or high blood pressure.
Can Alcohol Cause Irregular Heartbeat or Affect Heart Rate?
Yes. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can disrupt your heart’s natural rhythm, potentially leading to palpitations or irregular heartbeat.
For people taking Lexapro, especially those with existing cardiovascular concerns, this can become dangerous.
Even light or social drinking may pose risks when your heart is already vulnerable due to depression or medication.
Lexapro and Heart Rate Impacts
Lexapro itself can sometimes affect heart rate, typically increasing or decreasing it slightly, depending on the individual.
When alcohol is added to the mix, the body’s ability to regulate vital signs can become even more unpredictable.
If you experience chest discomfort, dizziness, or an unusually fast or slow heartbeat while on Lexapro, seek medical attention.
Antidepressants and Alcohol: What You Need to Know
Alcohol and antidepressants don’t mix well. This is true not only for Lexapro, but for many SSRIs and SNRIs commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Mixing Alcohol with Other SSRIs
Whether it’s Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, or Lexapro, combining SSRIs with alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, mood swings, and impaired judgment.
These risks may multiply with higher doses or prolonged use of either substance.
Why Alcohol Can Undermine Antidepressant Treatment
Antidepressants like Lexapro work to stabilize mood by increasing serotonin in the brain—a process that can take weeks to build effectiveness.
Alcohol interferes with this balance, potentially making your medication less effective or delaying your emotional progress. It may also make depression or anxiety worse, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without professional help.
The Link Between Alcoholism and Depression
People with depression are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder, and the reverse is also true.
Alcohol may offer temporary relief from emotional pain, but it ultimately deepens depressive symptoms, increases anxiety, and reduces your ability to cope with stress in healthy ways.
Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can mask warning signs that you’re becoming dependent on either substance.
If you notice increasing alcohol use or feel unable to stop, it may be time to consider dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses both depression and substance use together.
Lexapro and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone decides to stop drinking while on Lexapro, withdrawal symptoms may be more intense than expected. These can include:
- Anxiety or irritability.
- Headaches or nausea.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Shaking or sweating.
- Mood swings or depressive crashes.
If you’ve been drinking regularly while taking Lexapro, it’s essential to talk to a medical provider before stopping suddenly. Structured medical detox can provide the physical and emotional support you need.
Alcohol Rehab Center in Denver, CO
If you’re struggling with alcohol use while on Lexapro, or if you’re concerned about the emotional impact of quitting, The Raleigh House is here to help.
We offer personalized care through two Colorado-based programs:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: A peaceful, residential facility just outside Denver for those needing full-time support and stabilization.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Our outpatient program, located in the Denver Tech Center, offers flexible, high-quality treatment for those managing everyday responsibilities.
Whether you’re seeking support for depression, alcohol use, or both, we provide evidence-based and trauma-informed treatment programs that meet you where you are.
Recovery is possible, with expert care and a team that truly understands. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing.
Call Now: 720.799.0128
Frequently Asked Questions About Lexapro and Alcohol
It’s normal to have questions about how Lexapro interacts with alcohol, especially when mental health and recovery are involved.
Below are answers to some of the most common concerns people have when navigating antidepressant treatment and substance use.
How long should I wait to drink after stopping Lexapro?
It’s best to wait at least one to two weeks after stopping Lexapro before drinking, but timelines vary based on your dosage and how long you were on the medication. Always consult your provider before reintroducing alcohol.
Can Lexapro help reduce alcohol cravings?
In some cases, Lexapro may help reduce alcohol cravings if depression or anxiety is driving your urge to drink. However, it’s not a direct treatment for alcohol use disorder and should be used as part of a broader recovery plan.
What if I already drank before realizing it was a risk?
Accidental use happens. Track how you’re feeling, avoid further alcohol, and reach out to your provider, especially if you experience dizziness, nausea, or mood swings after mixing the two.
Does alcohol affect everyone on Lexapro the same way?
No. Reactions can vary based on your weight, metabolism, liver health, mental health condition, and whether you’re on other medications. What feels safe for one person can be dangerous for another.
Is it safe to stop taking Lexapro so I can drink?
No. Stopping Lexapro abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, mood crashes, or relapse in depression. It’s never advised to pause medication for social drinking. Talk to your doctor first.
How can I manage social events without drinking?
Opt for non-alcoholic alternatives, bring a supportive friend, or rehearse a simple “no thanks” response. Staying alcohol-free is a sign of strength, not something to feel embarrassed about.
Where can I find help if I’m struggling with alcohol and mental health?
The Raleigh House offers personalized, trauma-informed support for clients dealing with both alcohol use and mood disorders. Our dual-diagnosis programs in Colorado are designed to treat the whole person.
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