The FDA-approved drug label for Lexapro says, “DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING LEXAPRO,” but does not explain why a person should not take Lexapro and alcohol together.4
Of course, each person is unique, with individual sensitivities, dietary habits, and history. And modern lifestyles hold their own sets of challenges. On the surface, these things may seem unrelated to one’s overall mental health, and finding solutions to unwanted symptoms can be perplexing. Let’s look a little deeper, to see if a better understanding can be achieved.
Alternative to Meds Center has provided expert help with antidepressant withdrawal for nearly 2 decades. We invite you to review our published evidence that shows an 87.5% treatment success. Holistic approaches can include orthomolecular nutrition, neurochemistry stabilization, and much more. By finding and eliminating the causes of unwanted symptoms, instead of attempting to suppress them, our clients can achieve greater and long-term success.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Doctors typically prescribe Lexapro long-term, rather than on an occasional or “as-needed” basis. Problems can arise when Lexapro and alcohol interact. While more understanding is needed, we do know that both Lexapro and alcohol cause changes in certain neurotransmitters. The domino effects between drugs and alcohol create a complex set of interactions, which are not yet fully understood. But, there are case reports and clinical studies that can help us to better predict what these interactions can do to a person. We will discuss some of these below.
Interactions between Lexapro and alcohol can include:
A single episode of alcohol use can elevate serotonin levels. Case reports have demonstrated that the combined serotonergic effects of Lexapro and alcohol can cause serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening reaction to abnormally elevated serotonin levels.12
Symptoms may emerge such as tremors, racing heart rate, agitation, confusion, disorientation, agitation, disorientation, spasms & jerky muscle movements, uncontrolled stretching movements of muscles, and excessive sweating.13
In chronic alcohol use, drug interactions are not 100% understood but clinical research suggests alcohol erases any benefits of antidepressant medication. Their combined use is associated with worsened depression.3
Pathological intoxication and gross disinhibition have been observed in case reports involving combined alcohol and antidepressants, including memory impairment, poor risk assessment, impulsive, violent, aggressive, homicidal, or other erratic and unusual behaviors.1
Both Lexapro and alcohol can cause cognitive impairments, which may be increased when combining these two substances.4
In young persons, both alcohol use and antidepressants are linked to an increased risk of suicide.5,6
Lexapro and Alcohol — Effects on Depression?
Statistics don’t always paint a complete picture, but we can use them to better understand the pieces of a larger puzzle. For example, on average, depressed people drink more alcohol than non-depressed persons. Studies show alcohol impairs brain function and causes neurological impairments resulting in psychiatric, emotional, and physical impairments.8
Other research suggests that overconsumption of alcohol can take on the guise of self-medicating to suppress unwanted symptoms like depression and anxiety. And, as we also see from clinical research, there are many adverse effects of alcohol overuse by itself, as well as concurrent alcohol and Lexapro use, including depression, that self-medicating may actually further complicate, and worsen.10
A similar characteristic of worsening depression with the long-term use of antidepressants has also been observed, as in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. A person taking antidepressants may find paradoxical worsening depression instead of the relief they were hoping to get.7
The research indicates that a great many people have not achieved the relief they were looking for by medicating their symptoms, drinking alcohol, or combining Lexapro and alcohol too. It may be time to consider another approach altogether for combating depression or other unwanted symptoms.
Holistic Mental Health Treatment — A Better Option?
Holistic treatment provides the means to achieve improvements in mental health and wellness without the penalty of the harmful effects of drugs or alcohol. In contrast, combining both alcohol and antidepressant medication can act like a double-barrelled shotgun, creating disastrous outcomes in some cases.
Additionally, nutrition is often neglected and could be actually making symptoms worse for people taking Lexapro and drinking alcohol.11
At Alternative to Meds, we use lab testing to assess nutrient deficits and to inform the design of the person’s program that will reverse these problems, often eliminating unwanted symptoms that have plagued a person for years. Restoring the gut microbiome is another strategy for mental wellness and physical improvements as well including mood, energy, and better quality sleep.9
Clearing neurotoxins from the body is another holistic strategy that holds much potential for better overall mental and physical health. You can read more about the holistic treatments offered at the center on our service overview pages that can address the unwanted effects of Lexapro and alcohol Many of these may be accessible to you in your own area, and you may find many of them benefit your own situation.
But in the interim, please remember that persons who are taking a drug such as Lexapro should NOT drink alcohol while taking Lexapro.
Find Out More about Holistic Treatment for Lexapro and Alcohol
Alternative to Meds Center has helped many persons find better solutions for reducing and eliminating symptoms that prescription drugs or alcohol use did not help. If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We can help answer any questions you might have about the effects of Lexapro and alcohol, and what drug-free treatment options may be available to you, to get the type of help you have been looking for.
3. Graham, K., & Massak, A. (2007). Alcohol consumption and the use of antidepressants.CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 176(5), 633–637. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.060446 [cited 2023 May 15]
11. Muscaritoli M. The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being: Insights From the Literature. Front Nutr. 2021 Mar 8;8:656290. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.656290. PMID: 33763446; PMCID: PMC7982519. [cited 2023 May 15]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Michael Loes, M.D.
Dr. Michael Loes is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978. Dr. Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally, he is a well-published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response, and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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A single episode of alcohol use can elevate serotonin levels. Case reports have demonstrated that the combined serotonergic effects of Lexapro and alcohol can cause serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening reaction to abnormally elevated serotonin levels.12
Additionally, nutrition is often neglected and could be actually making symptoms worse for people taking Lexapro and drinking alcohol.11
