What are the most common side effects of escitalopram?
The most common side effects of escitalopram are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Trouble sleeping
- Sexual problems (see below)
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
There may be other side effects of escitalopram that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA atwww.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada atwww.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of escitalopram?
While less common, the most serious side effects of escitalopram are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Escitalopram may causeallergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking escitalopram and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollenlymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin calledhives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Escitalopram or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Serotonin Syndrome.Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Escitalopram can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Discontinuation Syndrome. If you stop taking escitalopram suddenly, it could lead todiscontinuation syndrome, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking escitalopram without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to stop escitalopram to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.
- Anxiety, irritability, or high or low mood
- Feeling restless
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Sweating or shaking
- Changes in sleep habits
- Nausea
- Electric-shock like feelings
Seizures. Some people who have taken escitalopram have reported havingseizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking escitalopram and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
- Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
- Stiffening of your arms and legs
- Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Falling or losing consciousness
Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Escitalopram may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Restlessness or irritability
- Change in your mental condition such ashallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
- Seizures
Sexual Problems. Taking escitalopram or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may cause sexual problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following sexual problems.
- Decreased sex drive
- Delayed ejaculation or unable to have an ejaculation
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm
Heart Rhythm Changes. Escitalopram may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem calledQT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People withbipolar disorder can have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as escitalopram, may have a higher risk of havingmania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Very increased energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Racing, fast-paced thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Unusually grand ideas
- Excessive happiness or irritability
- Talking more or faster than usual
Glaucoma.Escitalopram may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angleglaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Abnormal Bleeding. People taking escitalopram or other antidepressants may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.
