Does Lexapro make you tired?

Lexapro, the brand name for escitalopram, is an antidepressant medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in your brain, which increases how much is present. This neurotransmitter plays an important role in regulating your mood and emotions.

However, like any medication, Lexapro has various possible side effects such as fatigue or drowsiness. Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of Lexapro, especially when first starting this medication or if your dose is increased. In clinical trials, sleepiness (drowsiness) was reported in 6% to 13% of people taking Lexapro while fatigue was seen in 5% to 8% of participants. Typically, side effects such as fatigue and drowsiness, are most severe in the first week or two and then they start to improve. This is because your body adjusts to the medication during this time. And not everyone will experience drowsiness or fatigue while taking Lexapro.

However, if you are still experiencing excessive fatigue or drowsiness a couple of weeks after starting Lexapro, contact your healthcare provider. They may want to change you to a different type of antidepressant or give you a low dose of an additional medication to help increase your energy during the day or sleep at night.

How can you manage fatigue from Lexapro?

If you feel tired after starting Lexapro, there are ways to help manage this so it does not affect your daily life. This includes:

  • Change when you take Lexapro: Lexapro should be taken at the same time each day. If it makes you feel tired or drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If it makes you feel more alert, you should take it in the morning. This can help it not disrupt your sleep schedule.
  • Change your Lexapro dose: If you are always tired when taking Lexapro, it may be a sign that your dose is too low and is not relieving your symptoms of depression. It could also be that your dose is too high which can lead to side effects such as fatigue. If your tiredness lasts longer than 2 weeks, talk to your healthcare provider to see if changing your dose can help. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping Lexapro may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
  • Set a sleep schedule: Healthy sleep habits are important even if you are not taking an antidepressant such as Lexapro. Some benefits of consistently getting a good night’s rest include improving your heart health, supporting weight management, keeping your immune system strong, reducing your risk of injury, increasing your attention span, and boosting your memory and learning.
  • Get regular exercise: Exercising and getting regular physical activity during the day can help you feel tired and get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about an exercise plan that is right for you.
  • Use stress-reduction techniques: You can practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to help improve your energy levels and fight fatigue when taking Lexapro. These techniques can also help you fall asleep at night or get back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night.

Does tiredness from Lexapro go away over time?

If you are experiencing fatigue while taking Lexapro, it should only be temporary. It will typically resolve itself within 2 weeks as your body adjusts to your prescribed dose. If it persists for longer than this, contact your healthcare provider.

How does Lexapro work?

Lexapro contains the active ingredient escitalopram. It is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in your brain that is involved with regulating your mood and anxiety.

What is Lexapro used for?

Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat adults with mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (depression) and general anxiety disorder (GAD). It is also approved to treat depression in children 12 to 17 years of age. Your healthcare provider may also use it to treat panic disorder or panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What are the side effects of Lexapro?

The most common side effects of Lexapro seen in clinical trials include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Sexual side effects such as ejaculation problems or erectile dysfunction
  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue or tiredness

Some other less serious side effects that may occur include:

  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Low appetite or weight loss (most commonly in children)
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Lower sexual drive
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Weight gain

Rarely, Lexapro may cause some more serious side effects such as:

  • Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hives, swelling of your tongue, face, or throat, or trouble breathing.
  • Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts: Taking Lexapro can worsen your depression and cause you to have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Seek medical attention right away if you or someone notices concerning behavioral changes.
  • Serotonin syndrome: Seek medical attention if you experience increased heart rate, sweating, muscle spasms or stiffness, fever, and confusion.
  • Increased risk of bleeding: Contact a healthcare provider if you have bruising that won’t go away, dark stools, red or pink urine, or unusual bleeding.
  • Glaucoma: Let your healthcare provider know if you develop sudden eye pain or vision changes.
  • Heart rhythm problems: Seek emergency care for chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.
  • Low sodium levels: Contact your doctor if you have confusion, memory issues, or weakness.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lexapro. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about any adverse effects. Report adverse effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What drug interactions are there with Lexapro?

When you take Lexapro with other medications, it can change how they work or increase side effect risks. Ask your healthcare provider about possible interactions, especially with:

  • Other SSRIs (e.g., Celexa, Zoloft)
  • SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta, Effexor)
  • MAOIs
  • TCAs (e.g., Pamelor)
  • Triptans
  • Opioids (e.g., fentanyl, tramadol)
  • Tryptophan
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Amphetamines
  • NSAIDs and blood thinners
  • Drugs that cause drowsiness or affect heart rhythm

What does your healthcare provider need to know before you start Lexapro?

Tell your provider if you:

  • Are allergic to escitalopram, citalopram, or ingredients in Lexapro
  • Took an MAOI recently
  • Have liver, kidney, heart, or seizure conditions
  • Have bipolar disorder, stroke, or bleeding issues
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Related Medications

  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
  • Effexor XR (venlafaxine ER)
  • Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Sources

  • Escitalopram oxalate – drug summary. Physician’s Digital Reference.
  • Escitalopram. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
  • Landy, K., Rosani, A., & Estevez, R. (2024). Escitalopram. In StatPearls.
  • FDA: Escitalopram (marketed as Lexapro).
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: Escitalopram (Lexapro).
  • Degeorge K. C., et al. (2022). GAD and panic disorder in adults.