While there are some side effects associated with escitalopram, it is important to remember that your doctor prescribed this drug because its ability to improve your mental health outweighs any adverse conditions it may cause.
The most common side effects of using Escitalopram include insomnia, ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay), nausea, increased sweating, fatigue, and drowsiness, decreased libido, and anorgasmia (difficulty achieving orgasm).
Some side effects can be serious. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, agitation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Rash, hives, itching, or blisters
Problems with thinking, concentrating, or memory
Seizures
Unsteadiness
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
WARNING: In short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders, antidepressants showed an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults compared to placebo. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or 911 immediately.
This is not a complete list of escitalopram side effects. To learn more about adverse reactions associated with this drug, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed page for escitalopram.