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Lexapro and Alcohol: How Drinking Affects Your Medication

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: January 28, 2026

People taking Lexapro often wonder where alcohol fits into the picture. Some are told to avoid it. Others assume a drink now and then is fine. The truth sits somewhere in between and depends on how your body and brain respond. Lexapro is prescribed to help stabilize mood and ease anxiety. Alcohol affects the same systems, but not in a supportive way. Even small amounts can change how the medication feels or how well it works.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol may increase the side effects of antidepressants on the central nervous system, such as drowsiness and dizziness. This guide explains how Lexapro and alcohol interact, why mixing them can be risky, and what to consider if alcohol is still part of your life while taking this medication.

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What is Lexapro?

Lexapro, known clinically as escitalopram, is an antidepressant in the SSRI category. It is commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by helping serotonin stay active in the brain longer. Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, emotional stability, and sleep. When levels balance out, many people notice fewer mood swings and less anxiety over time. Learn more about Lexapro addiction risks and treatment and common side effects.

Lexapro works best when taken consistently. Adding alcohol can interfere with that balance, even if the effects are not obvious right away.

Lexapro and alcohol

What is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant that slows activity in the brain and nervous system. It is found in beer, wine, and spirits and is often tied to social routines. At first, alcohol may feel calming. Over time, it can worsen anxiety, disrupt sleep, and lower mood.

Alcohol also affects judgment and reaction time, which becomes more important when combined with medications that act on the brain. For individuals struggling with alcohol dependence, understanding alcohol withdrawal symptoms and detox options is critical.

Can You Mix Lexapro and Alcohol?

Mixing Lexapro (escitalopram) with alcohol consumption is generally not recommended due to several reasons. Firstly, combining these substances can increase sedation and lead to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Secondly, alcohol’s depressant effects may interfere with Lexapro’s effectiveness in managing depression and anxiety, potentially worsening your symptoms.

Dangers of Mixing Lexapro With Alcohol

Mixing Lexapro and alcohol is usually discouraged. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, make concentration harder, and reduce coordination. More importantly, alcohol may reduce how well Lexapro manages anxiety or depression. Some people notice their symptoms return or intensify after drinking, even when they drink less than before. Research shows that alcohol may reduce antidepressant effectiveness and increase the risk of depressive symptoms returning.

Why Do People Mix Lexapro and Alcohol?

  • Lack of awareness: Some people may be unaware of the specific risks associated with mixing alcohol and Lexapro. They may not realize that combining these substances can lead to increased sedation, worsened symptoms, and intensified side effects.
  • Coping with side effects: Certain individuals may experience side effects from Lexapro, such as nausea, anxiety, or restlessness. They may mistakenly believe that alcohol can help alleviate these symptoms or provide temporary relief.
  • Self-medication: Some individuals may misuse or self-medicate with alcohol while taking Lexapro to manage their emotional well-being. They may believe that alcohol can enhance the effects of the medication or provide temporary emotional relief, despite the potential risks.
  • Substance abuse issues: Individuals with underlying substance abuse issues may have a propensity for mixing substances, including Lexapro and alcohol. The combination can further complicate their addiction and mental health struggles.

Side Effects of Lexapro and Alcohol

Combining Lexapro (escitalopram) and alcohol can have various side effects on the body. Here are some common effects that may occur when these substances are mixed:

  • Increased sedation: Mixing Lexapro and alcohol can enhance sedation, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can affect your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
  • Worsened depression and anxiety symptoms: Alcohol is a depressant, and consuming it while taking Lexapro can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. It may counteract the positive effects of Lexapro in managing and treating depression and anxiety, potentially exacerbating your symptoms.
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances: Both Lexapro and alcohol can individually cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Mixing these substances can intensify these effects, leading to increased discomfort and digestive issues.
  • Changes in mood and behavior: Combining Lexapro and alcohol can alter your mood and behavior. It may increase feelings of sadness, irritability, or agitation. Additionally, it can impair judgment, and decision-making abilities, and increase the risk of engaging in risky behaviors.
  • Intensified side effects: Lexapro and alcohol can independently cause side effects, and combining them may intensify these effects. These can include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and changes in appetite or weight.
  • Liver complications: Both Lexapro and alcohol can have an impact on liver function. Mixing these substances may further strain the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or worsening pre-existing liver conditions.

Lexapro and Alcohol Rehab Near Me

If alcohol use is interfering with Lexapro or your mental health, professional support can make a real difference. At The Hope House in Scottsdale, Arizona, we help individuals safely navigate medication interactions, alcohol concerns, and co-occurring mental health conditions with compassion and expertise.

Our dual diagnosis programs offer 24/7 supervision, evidence-based therapies, and medication-assisted treatment options including naltrexone and acamprosate. Learn more about Lexapro treatment and alcohol addiction programs to find the right level of care for lasting stability.

Lexapro and alcohol

Other Drugs Commonly Mixed with Alcohol

Opioids and alcohol, are two substances that, when misused, can pose serious risks to one’s health and well-being. The dangerous combination of alcohol and opioids has become a significant concern in public health due to the potential for harmful interactions.

The mixture of Adderall and alcohol has gained attention due to the increasing prevalence of prescription stimulant use and alcohol consumption among various age groups. Unfortunately, some individuals may be unaware of the harmful consequences that can arise from this risky combination.

Zoloft and alcohol both slow down the brain as they’re both considered depressants for the central nervous system. Using them together increases the chances of feeling more sleepy, dizzy, and having trouble coordinating, which raises the risk of accidents or injuries.

Looking into how Xanax and alcohol work together shows a potentially risky mix between a strong anti-anxiety drug and a commonly used depressant. This talk delves into the physical and behavioral effects when these substances are used together, pointing out the dangers of their interaction.

Discovering the risks of using Prozac and alcohol together is essential for your well-being. Let’s explore the potential dangers and interactions you should know about when combining Prozac and alcohol.

Get support for Lexapro and Alcohol. To start a healthier life.