From the Guidelines
Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause sweating as a side effect. According to the evidence from 1, typical side effects of SSRIs, including Lexapro, can include sweating, tremors, nervousness, insomnia or somnolence, dizziness, and various gastrointestinal and sexual disturbances. While the exact prevalence of sweating as a side effect of Lexapro is not specified in the provided evidence, it is mentioned as a common side effect of SSRIs in general.
Key Points to Consider
- Sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a potential side effect of SSRIs like Lexapro, as noted in 1.
- The mechanism behind this side effect is related to how SSRIs affect serotonin levels, which play a role in regulating body temperature and sweat gland activity.
- If troublesome sweating occurs while taking Lexapro, patients should discuss it with their healthcare provider, who might suggest strategies such as adjusting the dosage, changing the time of day the medication is taken, adding another medication to counteract this side effect, or potentially switching to a different antidepressant if the sweating significantly impacts quality of life.
Management and Considerations
- It's crucial for patients experiencing sweating as a side effect of Lexapro to not stop the medication abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for sweating and other side effects when prescribing Lexapro and monitor patients accordingly, as suggested by the information in 1 regarding the management of side effects associated with antidepressant medications.
- The decision to manage or adjust treatment due to side effects like sweating should prioritize the patient's quality of life and overall morbidity and mortality risk, considering the benefits of the medication against the drawbacks of its side effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
The most commonly observed adverse reactions in Escitalopram patients (incidence of approximately 5% or greater and approximately twice the incidence in placebo patients) were insomnia, ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay), nausea, sweating increased, fatigue, and somnolence Common possible side effects in people who take Escitalopram tablets include: ... Sweating
Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause sweating. This is listed as one of the possible side effects of the medication, with sweating increased being reported in patients taking Escitalopram 2, 2, and 2.
From the Research
Lexapro and Sweating
- Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder 3, 4.
- SSRIs, including Lexapro, have been associated with excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis as a potential side effect 5, 6, 7.
- A study published in 2005 reported a case of excessive sweating probably caused by paroxetine, another SSRI, and reviewed the literature on antidepressant-induced sweating, including SSRIs like Lexapro 5.
- Another study published in 1999 listed excessive perspiration as a potential side effect of SSRIs, including fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram, which is closely related to escitalopram 6.
- A meta-analysis published in 2017 found that all antidepressant medications, including SSRIs like Lexapro, were associated with a significantly increased risk of hyperhidrosis, except for a few specific medications 7.
Management of Antidepressant-Induced Sweating
- The management of antidepressant-induced sweating may involve dose reduction, antidepressant substitution, or addition of an agent to control sweating, such as benztropine or cyproheptadine 5.
- A patient-specific approach is recommended for managing antidepressant-induced sweating, taking into account the individual's symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals 5.
- Escitalopram, like other SSRIs, has a predictable tolerability profile with generally mild to moderate and transient adverse events, but sweating can be a persistent issue for some patients 3, 4.