Yes, Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause your symptom—but I need to know which specific symptom you're experiencing to confirm this definitively.
Without knowing your exact symptom, I can confirm that Lexapro causes numerous well-documented side effects, and your concern is likely valid. The FDA-approved drug label and clinical evidence support that escitalopram produces a wide range of adverse effects 1.
Most Common Side Effects of Lexapro
According to the FDA label, the most common side effects include 1:
- Nausea (most frequently reported)
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Sweating
- Sexual dysfunction (decreased sex drive, delayed ejaculation/orgasm, erectile dysfunction)
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
These occur commonly enough that they're listed as the primary adverse effects in the official prescribing information.
Serious Side Effects That Require Immediate Attention
Lexapro can also cause serious, potentially life-threatening conditions 1:
Serotonin Syndrome
Look for: agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fast heartbeat, blood pressure changes, sweating, tremors, muscle twitching, high fever, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, loss of coordination
Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)
Look for: headache, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, memory problems, or in severe cases—hallucinations, fainting, seizures, coma
Increased Bleeding Risk
Especially when combined with aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Look for: eye pain, vision changes, eye swelling or redness
Seizures
Can occur during treatment
Manic Episodes
Especially in bipolar disorder: increased energy, severe insomnia, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, excessive happiness/irritability
Less Common But Documented Side Effects
Case reports and research studies document additional adverse effects:
- Restless legs syndrome 2—characterized by irresistible urge to move limbs, typically at bedtime
- Akathisia 3—severe inner restlessness and inability to sit still
- Liver injury 4—presenting as cholestatic pattern with elevated liver enzymes
- Jitteriness/anxiety syndrome 5—anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity
Discontinuation Syndrome
If you suddenly stop Lexapro, you may experience withdrawal symptoms 1:
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Irritability and agitation
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems
- Electric shock sensations (paresthesias)
- Anxiety
- Ringing in ears
- Confusion
- Seizures
How to Proceed
Document your specific symptom with timing:
- When did it start relative to starting Lexapro?
- Did it worsen with dose increases?
- Does it improve when you miss a dose?
Contact your prescriber immediately if you're experiencing:
- Any of the serious side effects listed above
- Symptoms that significantly impair your daily function
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
For common side effects:
- Many resolve within 2-4 weeks as your body adjusts
- Some (like sexual dysfunction) may persist and require dose adjustment or medication change
- Your provider can suggest management strategies or alternative medications
Do not stop Lexapro abruptly—this must be done gradually under medical supervision to avoid discontinuation syndrome 1.
The evidence strongly supports that escitalopram causes a broad spectrum of adverse effects, from common nuisance symptoms to rare but serious complications. Your instinct that Lexapro is causing your symptom deserves clinical evaluation and validation.