Lexapro is an antidepressant drug which is categorized as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI for short). This class of drugs help to restore the proper chemical balance in the brain by affecting the use of the neurotransmitter called serotonin. SSRI drugs produce a feeling of well being and lower anxiety and fear in the user.

Lexapro offers a lot of beneficial effects for users, but like many drugs there can be side effects. The question is whether these side effects of Lexapro are severe enough that they merit avoiding its use. If you are currently taking Lexapro or are considering using the drug, then read the list of possible side effects which follows and discuss them with your physician.

Increased Risk of Suicide: Lexapro users have a small yet significantly higher rate of suicide than do people with depression who are not taking the drug. The drug alone is not necessarily the sole causative factor in this phenomenon, but may be a contributing factor to these higher rates of suicide. It should be noted that while the risk is low, there have been well documented cases of Lexapro users experiencing deep depression and suicidal ideation while on the drug.

Persons younger than 25 are at an even higher risk of suicide when using the drug; but anyone regardless of age who notices mood swings, agitation, difficulty sleeping or unaccountable hostility while using Lexapro should contact their physician immediately. If you fantasize about causing harm to yourself or others or are overcome with depression, then see your doctor right away.

Physical Side Effects. Some of the physical side effects of Lexapro are particularly disturbing. Among them are the following: impotence, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, easy bruising, sweating, easy bleeding, weakness, yawning, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. Patience should not take a diuretic in combination with Lexapro because you run the risk of losing too much salt. You also should not take Lexapro while pregnant. This is especially true during the last three months of pregnancy when it is believed to contribute to the possibility of babies being born with withdrawal symptoms.

Drug Interactions: With any medication, there is a possibility of unwanted interactions with other medications you may be taking. When taking Lexapro, do not take any diuretics and be sure to tell your physician about any medication you are taking when they prescribe you the drug. Don?t take weight loss medication or aspirin when using Lexapro and you must not take MAO inhibitor medications for at least two weeks before and after taking Lexapro.

The side effects of Lexapro are often mild and short in duration. However, these side effects may be severe and last in duration for the entire course of treatment with the drug. When you know which symptoms to watch for as signifying the known side effects of Lexapro and which may be a sign of an unrelated problem, you?ll e better prepared to protect your health. Before taking any new medication, discuss any and all possible side effects with your physician before you decide if this medication is the best one for your condition. You?ll want to talk to your doctor about whether the side effects of a given medication are worthwhile for the benefits it offers.

If you?d rather avoid the possible side effects of Lexapro, then you may want to consider using one of the natural alternatives such as St. John?s Wort, the amino acid 5-HTP or valerian root.