Does Lexapro Make You Tired? Causes and Tips

Starting an antidepressant can bring questions about how you are supposed to feel, especially if you notice that your energy drops instead of improving. If you have recently started Lexapro and find yourself wanting a nap or struggling with daytime fatigue, you may wonder whether the medication is responsible.

So, does Lexapro make you tired? Yes, it can. Fatigue and sleepiness are recognized side effects of Lexapro (escitalopram), although not everyone experiences them. In clinical trials involving adults with major depressive disorder, fatigue was reported by 5% of people taking Lexapro and sleepiness, also called somnolence, by 6%. Both occurred less often among people receiving a placebo.

Why Does Lexapro Make You Tired?

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, prescribed for conditions including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Fatigue and drowsiness are listed among its common adverse effects.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether low energy comes from Lexapro or from the condition being treated. Depression itself may cause increased fatigue and changes in sleep, while generalized anxiety disorder can also be associated with fatigue and sleep problems.

Lexapro may affect people differently. Some experience sleepiness, while others have trouble sleeping. The prescribing information also suggests that certain adverse effects may become more frequent at higher doses. In fixed-dose depression trials, for example, somnolence occurred in 4% of patients taking 10 mg daily and 9% taking 20 mg daily.

How Long Does Lexapro Fatigue Last?

For many people, medication side effects become less noticeable as the body adjusts. The NHS advises that most escitalopram side effects should ease after a couple of weeks, although some can continue longer.

If tiredness is persistent, severe, or interferes with daily activities, speak with your healthcare provider. Other medications, sleep problems, depression, or a separate health condition may also contribute to fatigue.

Do not stop Lexapro suddenly because of tiredness. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms, and the prescribing information recommends reducing the dose gradually when treatment is discontinued.

What Can You Do About Lexapro Tiredness?

A few practical steps may make daytime fatigue easier to manage:

• Ask about dose timing. Lexapro can be taken once daily in the morning or evening. If it makes you sleepy, ask your healthcare provider whether changing the time you take it may be appropriate.

• Avoid driving when drowsy. Lexapro can cause sleepiness and affect thinking or reaction time. Wait until you know how the medication affects you before driving or using machinery.

• Discuss alcohol use. Alcohol can make escitalopram side effects worse.

• Keep track of your symptoms. Note when fatigue occurs, how long you sleep, and whether symptoms changed after starting Lexapro or after a dose adjustment. This information can help your healthcare provider evaluate the problem.

Do not change your dose or medication schedule without discussing it with your prescriber.

Does Lexapro Cause Weight Gain?

If you are also wondering does Lexapro cause weight gain, changes in weight or appetite can occur with escitalopram.

A large 2024 observational study comparing commonly prescribed antidepressants found that people taking escitalopram gained about 1.4 pounds on average after six months. Individual experiences varied considerably, and because the study was observational, it could show an association but could not prove that escitalopram directly caused the weight changes.

Speak with your healthcare provider if you notice significant or concerning changes in your weight or appetite.

When Should You Speak With Your Healthcare Provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if fatigue is severe, does not improve, or makes normal activities difficult. Seek prompt medical advice for concerning symptoms such as significant confusion, weakness, or unsteadiness. Lexapro can rarely cause low blood sodium, and older adults may have a greater risk.

New or worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, or thoughts of suicide also require prompt attention, particularly after starting treatment or changing the dose.

For patients filling a Lexapro prescription, Canada Pharmacy lists brand-name Lexapro and generic escitalopram in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths and notes that a prescription is required.

Fatigue from Lexapro may improve as your body adjusts, but persistent tiredness deserves a conversation with your healthcare provider. Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking with them first.

Yes. Sleepiness is a recognized side effect of Lexapro. Until you know how the medication affects you, avoid driving or other activities that require full alertness.

It may. Most escitalopram side effects tend to ease after a couple of weeks as the body adjusts, although some people experience them for longer.

Lexapro can be taken in the morning or evening. If daytime sleepiness is a problem, ask your healthcare provider whether changing your dosing time makes sense for you.

Yes. Clinical trials and prescribing information list both fatigue or somnolence and insomnia among possible adverse reactions.

Do not stop Lexapro suddenly without medical guidance. Contact your healthcare provider if fatigue is severe, persistent, or interfering with normal activities.