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When patients begin Lexapro<\/strong> (escitalopram), one of the most common concerns I hear in the clinic is: Fatigue is among the most reported side effects of this antidepressant<\/a>, but does Lexapro make you tired\u2014or is something else going on? As a prescribing physician, I\u2019ve seen how Lexapro can help turn the tide in managing anxiety and depression, but the journey isn\u2019t always linear. In this article, I\u2019ll walk you through the relationship between Lexapro and tiredness\u2014what\u2019s normal, when it fades, and what you can do about it.<\/p>\n Lexapro is part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/strong> family\u2014medications commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/strong> and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)<\/strong>. It works by increasing the availability of serotonin<\/strong>, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, sleep, energy levels, and focus.<\/p>\n But here\u2019s the tricky part: serotonin doesn\u2019t just influence mood\u2014it also affects your sleep-wake cycle<\/strong>, which is why some people feel sleepy or fatigued when starting Lexapro.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen serotonin is stabilized, sleep can become more restful\u2014but in the adjustment period, the opposite can happen.\u201d \u2014 Dr. Michael Thase, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In short, Lexapro can cause tiredness<\/strong>, especially in the first few weeks after starting or changing your dose.<\/p>\n Initial neurotransmitter shift<\/strong> \u2013 Your brain needs time to adjust to changes in serotonin availability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mild sedation effect<\/strong> \u2013 Though Lexapro isn\u2019t a sedative, it can have a calming effect on your central nervous system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sleep disruption<\/strong> \u2013 Some patients report vivid dreams or waking up more frequently.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Underlying depression<\/strong> \u2013 Fatigue can also be a lingering symptom of the condition being treated.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
“Why do I feel so tired?”<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat Is Lexapro and How Does It Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Can Lexapro Make You Feel Tired?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why Lexapro Might Cause Fatigue:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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