Can Lexapro (escitalopram) cause oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea?

From the FDA Drug Label

Menstrual Disorder 2% 1% The FDA drug label for escitalopram mentions menstrual disorder as a possible side effect, but it does not specifically mention oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.

• The label reports an incidence of menstrual disorder of 2% in patients taking escitalopram, compared to 1% in patients taking placebo 1. However, this information is not sufficient to conclude that escitalopram can cause oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. Therefore, based on the available information, no conclusion can be drawn about the relationship between escitalopram and oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.

From the Research

Side Effects of Lexapro (Escitalopram)

• The provided studies do not directly address the question of whether Lexapro (escitalopram) can cause oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• These studies focus on the pharmacoeconomics, efficacy, and formulation of escitalopram, but do not mention its effects on menstrual cycles.
• There is no information available in the provided studies to suggest a link between escitalopram and oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.

Available Information

• The studies discuss the use of escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and its cost-effectiveness compared to other SSRIs 3, 4.
• They also describe the pharmacological properties of escitalopram, including its selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake and its allosteric modulation of the serotonin transporter 5.
• Additionally, the studies touch on the development of fast-dissolving tablets for improved bioavailability of escitalopram 6.

Limitations

• The lack of relevant information in the provided studies limits the ability to answer the question about the potential effects of escitalopram on menstrual cycles.
• Further research would be necessary to determine whether escitalopram is associated with oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.