Finding out you are pregnant can raise new questions about every medication you take. For someone managing depression or anxiety, one of those questions may be, “Can you take Lexapro while pregnant?” Lexapro may be prescribed or continued during pregnancy in some situations, but the decision should be individualized with an obstetrician and the healthcare professional managing your mental health. Available evidence has not established that Lexapro increases the overall risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. However, there are possible concerns later in pregnancy, and stopping treatment can also carry risks.

What Is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a prescription antidepressant in a medication class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It is approved to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs affect serotonin, a chemical involved in mood regulation. The Canada Drugs Direct Lexapro page lists brand-name Lexapro and generic escitalopram as prescription options. Patients who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding should speak with their prescriber before ordering a new supply or requesting a refill.

What Does the Research Say About Lexapro and Pregnancy?

Information from more than 15,000 pregnancies exposed to citalopram or escitalopram has been published. Most studies have not found an increased chance of birth defects. Some studies have reported possible associations with certain complications, but researchers cannot always separate the effects of the medication from those of depression, anxiety, other medications, or underlying health factors. Using an SSRI later in pregnancy may be associated with a small increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, a serious condition affecting circulation through the baby’s lungs. Temporary newborn adaptation symptoms may also occur. These can include jitteriness, irritability, feeding difficulties, temperature instability, or breathing problems. Most reported symptoms are mild and improve within a few weeks, although some babies may need additional monitoring after delivery. Your healthcare team may consider several factors, including:

• The severity of your depression or anxiety

• Whether symptoms returned during previous treatment changes

• Other medications and health conditions

• Your stage of pregnancy

• Plans for delivery, breastfeeding, and postpartum care

Do Not Stop Lexapro Suddenly

Learning about potential pregnancy risks may make you consider stopping Lexapro immediately. Do not stop or change a prescribed antidepressant without speaking with your healthcare provider.

Stopping Lexapro suddenly can cause discontinuation symptoms, including dizziness, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, headache, and unusual sensations. Depression or anxiety may also return. Untreated or poorly controlled depression during pregnancy has been associated with pregnancy complications and can make it harder to care for yourself. Your provider may recommend continuing treatment, adjusting the dose, changing medications, or gradually reducing the dose, depending on your circumstances.

Can You Drink on Lexapro?

Alcohol use is not recommended while taking Lexapro. Alcohol may worsen sleepiness, impaired judgment, and other medication effects. The current Lexapro Medication Guide instructs patients not to drink alcohol during treatment.

Alcohol should also be avoided during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there is no known safe amount or safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy.

Lexapro can be part of a pregnancy treatment plan for some patients, but there is no single recommendation that is right for everyone. Discuss the medication’s potential benefits, pregnancy considerations, and risks of untreated symptoms with your obstetrician, psychiatrist, or prescribing clinician. This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.

Can you take Lexapro while pregnant?

Some patients continue or begin Lexapro during pregnancy after discussing the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare team. Available evidence has not established an increased overall risk of major birth defects or miscarriage, but later-pregnancy considerations require medical review.

What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Lexapro?

Contact your prescriber and prenatal care provider promptly. Keep taking the medication as directed until they advise you otherwise. Do not stop Lexapro suddenly.

Can Lexapro cause symptoms in a newborn?

Exposure later in pregnancy may be associated with temporary symptoms such as jitteriness, feeding problems, irritability, or breathing difficulties. Tell the delivery team that you take Lexapro so the baby can be monitored appropriately.

Can you drink on Lexapro?

Alcohol is not recommended during Lexapro treatment because it may worsen side effects and impair judgment. Pregnant patients should avoid alcohol because no amount has been established as safe during pregnancy.