Does Lexapro cause night sweats?
Lexapro can cause night sweats and increased sweating overall (night and day) was one of the most common side effects reported with Lexapro, reported by 3% to 8% (depending on the dose).
Although night sweats can be worrisome, they usually diminish with time as your body and brain adjust to the medication. If your night sweats do not get better with time, or if they are accompanied by any of the following symptoms below, call your doctor:
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Joint pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Nose bleeds
- Problems with thinking or remembering
- Seizures
- Swollen tongue, throat, or lips.
How can I stop night sweats with Lexapro?
If Lexapro is the underlying cause of your night sweats, and they are becoming intolerable, you may want to talk with your doctor about changing medications.
But if Lexapro has made a significant difference to your life, then there are other ways you may be able to manage your night sweats, for example:
- Exercising every day
- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Eating healthy meals and avoiding processed foods
- Practicing mindfulness
- Talk to your doctor about other medications that may reduce night sweats, such as benztropine, terazosin, or clonidine to reduce night sweats.
References
- Rinkunas S. The Cut. Why Do I Wake Up Drenched in Sweat? https://www.thecut.com/2016/12/what-causes-night-sweats.html#:~:text=Commonly%20used%20medications%20which%20can,daytime%20sweating%20from%20these%20drugs.)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro) National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Escitalopram-(Lexapro)
- Does Lexapro Cause Night Sweats? Updated 26 July 2022. Hers https://www.forhers.com/blog/lexapro-night-sweats
- Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate). Updated 09/2021. Allergan, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/lexapro.html
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