... taking it and had to stop because they got so bad. Unfortunately, they are still occurring even though I have been off the drug for almost 3 months. Has anyone else had this experience? I am sure the palpitations are not anxiety related.
Has anyone experienced heart palpitations after taking Lexapro? I developed palpitations soon after?
- Asked
- 6 May 2017 by alpha23
- Updated
- 6 January 2019 (6 weeks ago)
- Topics
- lexapro, arrhythmia, heart, drug
Responses (5)
alpha23; Yes this sure could have started off from the Lexapro but no way should it go on for 3 months from one table. You should really just make sure with you GP doctor anxiety or whatever it can show up in many different ways but please get it check out
Hi, alpha! Palpitations CAN be a rare side effect of Lexapro, but Lexapro's half life would have it cleared from your system within a week at the most.
If you're sure it's not due to anxiety you might consider contacting your doctor for a diagnostic work-up.
Best regards and I hope you feel better soon. Wildcat
I know from my own experience while taking Lexapro that it does in fact cause palpitations even several months after I stopped taking it. I did notice that candy including chocolate and caffeine products also contribute to the palpitations. I don't know if you use these products but if so, try to lessen the intake and see if you notice a difference. If you have anxiety, that too will cause palpitations. It certainly can't hurt to talk to your Dr about this. Good luck.
Hi, I started on 5mg Lexapro yesterday morning for anxiety and I been having palpitations all day and night. I feel restless it made me feel worse. I was very dizzy and my stomach felt sick. I will suspend the use today. I was given Lorazepam 00.05 mg to give me extra kick. I took both medicines yesterday and made symptoms worse. I started having anxiety in May and I been taking Lorazepam as needed every other day. Yesterday I finally decided to give Lexapro a try. I will suspend treatment. Please read this: Logo for WebMD
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I quit taking lexapro about 3 months due to it causing palpitations. I am still having palpitations but they have calmed down quite a bit. I know these palpitations aren't from anxiety but how long will these last? Has anyone stopped having them completely?
It's hard to say how long the palpitations will last, but it's a good sign that they have calmed down quite a bit. How long were you on Lexapro and how long since you quit?
It's been about 3 months since I quit taking it and I still have at least 4 palpitations a day it's starting to get old.

Further Information
- Lexapro Information for Consumers
- Lexapro Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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Hi Robyn, thanks for your answer - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one to experience palpitations several months after stopping Lexapro. Have your palpitations calmed down now? I also noticed that caffeine and chocolate have an adverse effect, so I've cut them out from my diet. Thanks once again for your response!
No problem! Yes, the palpitations have just recently started to calm down and it's been about 7 months since I weaned off Lexapro. If you feel any anxiety and start getting palpitations from it, do the slow breathing exercises (in thru the nose and slowly out our mouth) a few times and they will calm down. Keep in mind too that your brain is now releasing it's own serotonin as opposed to Lexapro doing it so your body is still adjusting. Try not to worry. All will be okay!