Does Lexapro Make You Tired? What You Need to Know About its Effects

Feeling down or not enjoying the things you once loved? A healthcare professional might recommend Lexapro^® to treat mood disorders like depression.

But if you’re already battling fatigue, you might be asking yourself: Does Lexapro make you tired?

Studies show SSRIs like Lexapro might have fewer side effects than other antidepressant medications. And while fatigue is a common side effect, everyone is different. 

Read on for more about common side effects and likelihood of drowsiness with Lexapro. 

Lexapro is a brand-name prescription drug with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It’s also sold under the generic name escitalopram oxalate.

Doctors may also prescribe Lexapro off-label to treat:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Panic disorder,

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Some eating disorders.

Lexapro is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Other SSRIs include:

• Citalopram (Celexa)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

• Sertraline (Zoloft)

• Paroxetine (Paxil)

SSRIs work by blocking serotonin reabsorption by serotonin-producing cells in your brain, increasing the amount of accessible serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, sleep, and emotion — which can be influenced by the symptoms of depression.

Our guide to SSRI drugs goes more in-depth about how these medications treat mood disorders like depression.

Side Effects of Lexapro

SSRIs like Lexapro come with fewer side effects than older antidepressant medications. 

Some studies even show that people are less likely to stop taking them than options like MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants because they cause fewer adverse effects. 

That said, SSRIs like Lexapro aren’t side effect-free. Common side effects of Lexapro can include:

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Fatigue

• Sexual side effects 

• Weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Dry mouth

• Yawning

• Weight gain or loss

• Digestive distress

Generally, you’re at an increased risk of side effects on a higher dosage. If side effects become more serious, it’s important to get medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Risks of Lexapro

Taking Lexapro with other drugs that affect serotonin can increase your risk for serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition, and other serious side effects. 

Potential drug interactions include: 

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Triptans

• Fentanyl

• Lithium

• Tramadol

• Buspirone

• Amphetamines

• St. John's wort

Some of these medications, such as lithium, triptans, buspirone, and amphetamines, may be used with Lexapro, but they require closer monitoring. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re on before starting any new prescription. 

Don’t abruptly stop taking Lexapro. This can cause withdrawal symptoms such as: 

• Mood problems

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Confusion 

Our guide to Lexapro side effects goes into more detail about what you may encounter while taking Lexapro. 

So, can Lexapro make you tired? Let’s get into it.

Drowsiness and fatigue are two of the more common side effects of Lexapro. 

Studies suggest that ten to 38 percent of people experience fatigue after starting Lexapro or similar antidepressants. 

Why does Lexapro make you tired?

SSRIs like Lexapro work by acting on the neurotransmitter serotonin. 

Serotonin plays a role in wakefulness and sleep onset. Your body also needs it to produce melatonin, the main hormone that regulates your sleep cycle.

Because of the connection between serotonin and sleep, an SSRI like Lexapro can affect your sleep or energy levels, potentially making you more alert or drowsier during the day.

Does Lexapro fatigue go away? 

Eventually, yes. 

How long does Lexapro fatigue last? Common side effects like Lexapro fatigue usually go away within a week or two as your body adjusts. 

In the meantime, here are some tips to help reduce fatigue and prevent Lexapro insomnia:

• Change your dose schedule. If you’re experiencing fatigue or drowsiness from Lexapro, try taking it at bedtime so it doesn’t interfere with your day.

• Try  a catnap. A quick daytime nap — you only need 20 minutes to feel refreshed and re-energized — can help reset your energy levels. 

• Focus on sleep hygiene. Keep a consistent sleep-wake routine, avoid caffeine and screens close to bedtime, and create a sleep-promoting environment in your bedroom to help support a healthy sleep pattern.

• Ditch alcohol. Avoid alcohol or any sedative medications if you’re feeling particularly drowsy from Lexapro, since they have depressant and sleep-promoting effects.

• Stay active. While exercising may be the last thing you want to do when dealing with Lexapro fatigue, some light movement can help. A 2008 study found that low-intensity exercise could reduce fatigue by as much as 65 percent.

• Wait it out. Your best bet for fighting fatigue is to wait a couple of weeks for the side effects to subside while your body adjusts.

Remember, everyone reacts differently to medication. If fatigue sticks around or becomes unmanageable, let your healthcare provider know. They might adjust your dose or recommend a different antidepressant. 

If you’ve been experiencing depression symptoms, a healthcare professional might prescribe an antidepressant Lexapro.

Lexapro typically has fewer side effects than other antidepressant medications, but many people report sleepiness, especially early on during treatment. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering Lexapro:

• Lexapro fatigue is real. A common side effect of Lexapro is drowsiness or fatigue, though individual experiences with side effects vary.

• It often resolves. Lexapro fatigue often goes away within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. 

• An adjustment may be warranted. How does Lexapro make you feel? If fatigue or other serious side effects persist beyond a few weeks or worsen, consult your healthcare professional to adjust your treatment plan. 

For more mental health resources as you navigate Lexapro or other antidepressant use, check out our online services.