Can Lexapro Get You High?

Lexapro is not designed to produce a “high,” but questions about its abuse and addiction rise because some people misuse it in an attempt to improve their mood or emotional state. 

While Lexapro is not considered addictive in the traditional sense, misuse can still be harmful and impact both mental and physical health.

Lexapro should be only taken as directed by your prescribing doctor, and if you plan to quit use, speak with them about a tapering schedule to reduce unwanted effects when stopping the medication.   

What Is Lexapro? Understanding The Role of Escipotlagram

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders. It is often used as a first-line antidepressant, as it tends to have fewer side effects or interactions with other drugs.

Lexapro prevents the reuptake of serotonin into neurons by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT), thereby increasing synaptic serotonin levels. This increase in serotonin supports mood, sleep, and can help reduce anxiety over time. 

Long-term use has been linked to changes in presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), both of which support neuroplasticity and stress resilience [1]. 

Lexapro can reduce symptoms of depression such as sadness, loss of motivation, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of worthlessness. It is typically taken once daily and may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect. 

It is generally well tolerated, though some individuals may experience side effects such as nausea, headache, or changes in sleep, especially when first starting the medication.

Is Lexapro Addictive? 

Lexapro is not designed to produce a “high” or be addictive in the traditional sense, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. It does not produce cravings, euphoria, or drug-seeking behavior. 

It works gradually to stabilize serotonin levels rather than creating the immediate euphoria associated with drugs that are commonly abused recreationally. 

However, physical dependence can occur, especially after long-term use, and some people may experience withdrawal-like symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, anxiety, flu-like symptoms, or “brain zaps” [2].

This is sometimes referred to as “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome”. Lexapro should be tapered gradually under medical supervision; continue taking it exactly as prescribed, and only discontinue it under your doctor’s guidance.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Lexapro Abuse? 

Lexapro abuse occurs when individuals take the medication in higher doses than prescribed, more frequently than directed, or without a prescription. This is often an attempt to alter mood or cope with emotional distress rather than get “high” in the recreational sense. 

Common signs of Lexapro abuse include:

• Taking more than prescribed or without a prescription/medical supervision
• Dizziness, nausea, headaches 
• Excessive shaking or sweating 
• Agitation, restlessness, increased anxiety, aggression  
• Emotional blunting, detachment, feeling “numb” 
• Inability to sleep or excessive sleepiness 
• Increased heart rate and palpitations 
• Mixing Lexapro with alcohol or other substances 

Risks of Lexapro Addiction and Abuse 

Although Lexapro is not considered “addictive”, misuse can still lead to unwanted withdrawal effects and impact mental and physical health. Some of the risks of abusing Lexapro include: 

• Emotional Numbing: Some people may misuse Lexapro as an attempt to numb emotional pain, which can cause feelings of detachment rather than addressing underlying mental health challenges. 

• Serotonin Syndrome: Taking more Lexapro than prescribed or combining it with other serotonergic medications or drugs such as stimulants or MDMA can increase the risk of a dangerous condition that causes fever, confusion, rapid heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or other life-threatening complications [3].  

• Electrolyte Imbalance: SSRIs can cause low sodium levels, especially in older adults or those taking higher-than-prescribed doses. This can lead to headaches, weakness, and, in severe cases, seizures [4]. 

• Bleeding Risk: Lexapro and other SSRIs can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or other blood thinners [5]. 

• Bone Density: Long-term SSRI use has been linked to a slight reduction in bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and falls, especially in older adults [6].

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment for Men in Arizona 

If questions about Lexapro use, misuse, or side effects have you concerned, you’re not alone. At AnchorPoint Recovery, we help men understand prescription drug misuse, antidepressant dependence, and dual diagnosis, ensuring medications like Lexapro are taken safely, appropriately dosed, and tapered under medical supervision when needed.

Through evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment, case management, integrated wellness, strength training, and outdoor adventure experiences, we address both substance abuse concerns and underlying depression, anxiety, or trauma within a supportive, Christ-centered environment.

Whether you’re questioning your relationship with prescription medications or seeking comprehensive dual diagnosis care, we offer multiple levels of support to meet you where you are. Contact our admissions team today to verify your insurance benefits and learn how we can help.

Sources 

[1] Mena, S. et al. 2024. Modulation of serotonin transporter expression by escitalopram under inflammation. Communications Biology. 

[2] Perry, T. 2025. Antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. Therapeutics Letter. 

[3] Simon, L. et al. 2024. Serotonin Syndrome. StatsPearl. 

[4] Wu, H. (2025). The risk of hyponatremia induced by SSRIs and SNRIs antidepressants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC pharmacology & toxicology, 26(1), 144.

[5] Kaye, D. et al. (2022). Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Associated Bleeding Risks: A Narrative and Clinical Review. Health psychology research, 10(4), 39580.
[6] Lenze, J. et al. (2014). Depression, antidepressants, and bone health in older adults: a systematic review. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 62(8), 1434–1441.