Imagine you’ve just started taking Lexapro to get your mental health back on track, and life feels a little more manageable. Then a friend invites you out for drinks and some fun, but you have a nagging doubt about whether or not you can drink while on Lexapro. It might seem harmless to mix the two, but the combination of Lexapro and alcohol can lead to a cocktail of side effects that aren’t exactly worth raising a glass to.
Discover what happens when Lexapro and alcohol collide in your body. From short-term discomforts like dizziness and nausea to long-term risks that could mess with your mental and physical health, we’ll cover it all.
What Is Lexapro And How Does It Work?
Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (serotonin boosters for your brain). Serotonin is a chemical that plays a huge role in mood, and when levels are out of balance, it can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Lexapro works by helping your brain hold onto more serotonin by stopping it from being reabsorbed too quickly. This creates a kind of “serotonin surplus,” which can improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more balanced. It’s like giving your brain some extra emotional cushioning when things feel too heavy.
Doctors often prescribe Lexapro to treat conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It’s not a magic fix, but over time (usually a few weeks), it can help you feel more like yourself again.
Why Do People Use Lexapro?
People turn to Lexapro for a little extra support when their mental health feels out of sync. It’s mainly used for treating depression and anxiety. When your brain decides to hit you with feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness on repeat, Lexapro steps in to help.
People also use Lexapro because it’s been shown to improve sleep, energy, and focus, things that often take a hit when anxiety or depression is in the driver’s seat.
What Are The Short-Term Side Effects Of Mixing Lexapro And Alcohol?
Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can lead to some uncomfortable and risky short-term side effects. Here’s a quick look at what could happen:
Increased drowsiness
Both alcohol and Lexapro can make you sleepy, and together, they might hit you with major exhaustion or make you feel like you’re dragging.
Dizziness and lightheadedness
You could feel extra woozy, making it harder to stay steady or focused.
Impaired judgment and coordination
Alcohol already messes with your ability to think clearly, and Lexapro can amplify this effect, making accidents more likely.
Worsened anxiety or depression
Instead of feeling relaxed, you might end up feeling more anxious, sad, or emotionally off-balance.
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Your body might rebel with queasiness or other digestive issues.
Intensified side effects of Lexapro
If you already deal with side effects like headaches or blurred vision, alcohol can make them worse.
What Are The Long-Term Risks Of Combining Lexapro And Alcohol?
Mixing Lexapro and alcohol over the long haul can lead to some serious complications for both your mental and physical health. Here’s what you’re risking if you make this combo a habit:
- Messing with your mental health: Alcohol can cancel out the positive effects of Lexapro, making it harder for the medication to do its job. Increased tolerance to alcohol: Drinking regularly while on Lexapro could mean you start needing more booze to feel the same effects. \
- Liver damage: Both Lexapro and alcohol are processed by your liver. Combining them for an extended period can overwork this vital organ, increasing your risk of liver problems.
- Weakened emotional growth: Using alcohol to cope while taking Lexapro might prevent you from fully developing healthier ways to handle stress, anxiety, or tough emotions.
- Memory and concentration issues: Alcohol can mess with your cognitive abilities over time, and when paired with Lexapro, the impact might be even worse.
- Increased risk of accidents: Long-term use of both substances can lead to chronic dizziness, poor coordination, and slower reflexes, making injuries more likely.
What Are The Physical Health Risks?
Mixing Lexapro and alcohol isn’t just tough on your mental health—it can throw your body into chaos too. Here’s a breakdown of the physical risks you’re signing up for when these two collide:
- Liver overload: Both Lexapro and alcohol are processed by your liver, so combining them is like putting your liver on double duty.
- Gut troubles: Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining, and Lexapro might already cause nausea or digestive issues.
- Increased drowsiness: Feeling tired is one thing, but this combo can leave you so drained that even simple tasks feel impossible.
- Slower reaction times: Alcohol and Lexapro both affect your coordination and reflexes. Together, they can leave you more prone to accidents or injuries.
- Heart strain: Alcohol can mess with your blood pressure and heart rate, which might not mix well with Lexapro’s effects, especially if you already have heart issues.
- Dehydration central: Alcohol dehydrates your body, and when combined with Lexapro, you might feel the effects even more intensely.
- Weakened immune system: Chronic alcohol use while on Lexapro can mess with your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to getting sick.
What Are Signs You May Have A Problem With Alcohol While On Lexapro?
If you’re on Lexapro and starting to wonder if alcohol is becoming a problem, some signs might indicate you’re crossing a line. Here’s what to look out for:
Increased drinking
If you find yourself reaching for alcohol more often or in larger amounts than usual, especially when you’re trying to manage stress or anxiety, it could be a red flag.
Worsened mental health
Even though Lexapro is supposed to help with anxiety or depression, alcohol can make those feelings worse instead of better. If your mood seems off despite being on medication, it might be a sign.
Feeling out of control
If you notice that you’re drinking to cope or you can’t seem to stop once you’ve started, it could indicate you’re relying on alcohol too much.
Neglecting responsibilities
When alcohol starts interfering with your daily life (like skipping work, missing social plans, or neglecting your self-care) it’s a sign things might be getting out of hand.
Drinking more to feel the same effect
If you need more alcohol than before to get the same buzz or relaxation, that could be a sign of developing tolerance and dependence.
Physical discomfort
If you’re dealing with physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues, (particularly after drinking) that might point to alcohol interfering with your body’s healing process.
Isolation
Relying on alcohol more than usual can lead to feeling disconnected from friends, family, or colleagues.
What Is The Role Of Medical Detox For Alcohol And Medication Misuse?
Medical detox, including alcohol detox in Florida is like hitting the reset button for your body when alcohol or medication misuse has gotten out of hand. It’s a structured process designed to help your body safely void any harmful substances while managing withdrawal symptoms. Here’s what it’s all about:
- Safety first: Detox can be tough on your body, especially when dealing with alcohol or medication misuse. Medical detox provides around-the-clock care to help ease uncomfortable or potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, like nausea, anxiety, or even seizures.
- Getting rid of toxins: Your body naturally needs to clear out all those harmful substances, but when it’s struggling to do so, medical detox helps speed things up.
- Support and monitoring: Doctors, nurses, and specialists are there to guide you through the process, making sure you’re safe and offering medication if needed to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Mental health care: Detox goes beyond the physical symptoms and helps address the emotional and psychological side effects, which can be just as tough. Therapies and counseling might be part of the detox process to support your mental well-being.
- Transition to recovery: Once the detox is done, you’ll have a clearer mind and body to focus on ongoing treatment (like therapy, medication, or support groups) helping you build healthier habits for the long term.
How Agape Detox Can Help With Alcohol And Medication Recovery
Agape Detox is here to lend a helping hand if you’re looking to recover from alcohol or medication misuse. We provide you with 24/7 medical care to make sure you’re comfortable and safe while your body goes through detox. No one likes withdrawal symptoms, but we will help ease the discomfort. We also offer customized treatment plans to fit your needs and requirements, ensuring that you recover at your full potential.
Detox is the first step to clearing out the old junk and making space for the new and improved you, both physically and mentally. Agape Detox helps set you up for success and satisfaction, so you can embrace a healthier, brighter future. Choose Agape Detox: contact us today and realize your full potential.
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.