Escitalpram or Lexapro is an antidepressant medication. This medication belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) group of drugs. Lexapro affects the unbalanced brain chemicals that lead to depression or anxiety. Therefore, this prescription drug is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents, who are over the age of 12 years. All drugs and medications have side effects, however not all people experience them. Most of the people are tolerant to the drug Lexapro, and in most cases, minor side effects are noticed. Many people report to have problems that may or may not be listed among the commonly observed side effects. It becomes important to speak with your medical consultant in this case, as he may be able to guide you more on the possible causal factors. For instance, some women may feel breast tenderness after consumption of the drug, which may have an indirect link with the hormone prolactin, which affects the tissues of the breasts. Common Side Effects of Lexapro The most common side effects of Lexapro in adults include nausea, insomnia, fatigue, excessive sweating, drowsiness, etc. In case of pediatric patients, the side effects include back pain, vomiting, nasal congestion, and urinary tract infection. Other side effects include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness

There are some serious side effects seen in a few patients. These are mentioned as follows and require immediate medical attention.

• Allergic reactions like skin rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of face, lips, and tongue
• Black or bloody stools
• Confused state of mind
• Hallucinations
• Loss of memory
• Aggressiveness
• Agitated behavior
• Exaggerated feelings of well-being
• Blisters, swelling, and peeling of skin
• Unusual bruising and bleeding
• Severe mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts

These severe side effects are seen in extreme cases. As already mentioned, most of the patients are tolerant to the drug and will not suffer from these side effects. Effects on Men There are certain side effects of the drug, that can affect the sexual life of men. These include decreased sexual drive, performance, and satisfaction. They may suffer from painful erection and delayed ejaculation. Withdrawal Symptoms The withdrawal symptoms after stopping the intake of Lexapro include:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Tingling sensation
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness

Side effects can be minimized when the patient is slowly weaned off the medication. If withdrawal symptoms are observed, the doctor begins an initial dose again, and gradually decreases it. When one suddenly stops taking Lexapro, they may feel as if they are struck by flu. They will have sleeping problems, upset stomach, sensation of shock in hands and arms, nervousness, and dizziness. These symptoms are experienced within 10 days after the last dose of Lexapro was taken. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for an expert medical advice. Kindly contact a trusted healthcare professional for accurate guidance.