Can Lexapro Get You High?

Lexapro is a drug used to treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. But can Lexapro get you high? Read on to learn more.

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What is Lexapro?

Also known as escitalopram, Lexapro is a drug prescribed to help treat anxiety, depression, and even some symptoms of addiction. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and it works by balancing levels of serotonin in the brain to increase feelings of wellness.1

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Is Lexapro Addictive?

Lexapro is not considered an addictive drug. However, some people may take more than the prescribed dose, or they may take it recreationally without a prescription. In these instances, a physical addiction to the Lexapro high can occur. First, however, a dependence will likely develop, which is where the body does not know how to function without the drug in its system. This can then lead to addiction.

A Lexapro addiction is not as common as addiction to other prescribed drugs and narcotics. However, it is possible for an addiction to form, especially if an individual uses it outside of how it was prescribed.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lexapro Addiction and Abuse?

Signs and symptoms for Lexapro addiction can look different for everyone, but there are some similarities.

Common Indications of Lexapro Misuse

Some of the most common warning signs of Lexapro abuse include:
  • Taking larger doses of Lexapro than necessary: 
  • Faking symptoms of depression or anxiety to get Lexapro from a doctor 
  • Seeing multiple doctors to get Lexapro prescriptions 
  • Having severe mood swings
  • Having trouble sleeping at night
  • Appearing high or sedated, especially since Lexapro should produce a calming effect 
  • Pretending to lose prescriptions to get early refills, as many people may tell a doctor they lost their prescription so they can get early refills
  • Needing more Lexapro pills to experience the same effects they used to provide 
  • Isolating oneself from friends and family, since almost any kind of addiction can cause you to isolate from society 
  • Hiding Lexapro use from loved ones 
  • Lack of interest in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy, which is also a symptom of depression 

Side Effects of Lexapro

Lexapro side effects can include:
  • Weight Gain: Lexapro boosts serotonin, which is involved in weight regulation. Your appetite may also increase as your anxiety and depression is reduced.2
  • Insomnia: Although Lexapro is supposed to improve sleep, 10% of patients report experiencing insomnia when taking it.3
  • Emotional Numbness: Lexapro and other antidepressants have been known to cause emotional numbness.4
  • Suicidal Thoughts: These thoughts are most prevalent in children, teens, and young adults and are most likely to occur when you start treatment or have a dosage change. 
  • Nausea: Nausea is a common Lexapro side effect, but it usually goes away as your body gets used to the medication.
  • Diarrhea: This is a rarer side effect, but it also usually goes away on its own relatively shortly. 
  • Dry Mouth: Dry mouth typically subsides as your body gets used to the drug. 
  • Somnolence: Lexapro’s calming effects may lead to somnolence or increased drowsiness. 
  • Headache: Headaches may occur when you first take Lexapro, but they usually go away in the first week. 
  • Backache: Back pain rarely occurs with Lexapro use, but it can happen.
  • Rhinitis: Rhinitis is a swelling of the mucous membrane in the nose that may occur when taking certain antidepressants.

Can You Get High on Lexapro?

Yes, you can get high on Lexapro. If high enough doses of Lexapro are taken, you will generally experience feelings of euphoria.

Lexapro Withdrawal Symptoms and Detox

When you stop taking Lexapro, you may experience certain withdrawal signs. These will be detailed below.

Indications of Lexapro Withdrawal During Detoxification

Symptoms include:
  • Vivid or Disturbing Dreams: Detoxing from Lexapro can cause your blood sugar to drop at night, so you are likely to have nightmares. 
  • Excessive Sweating: Detox can cause our body temperature to either raise or drop. Sweating helps regulate body temperature and is a common side effect of detoxing. 
  • Vomiting: Vomiting is a sign that your body is working to rid itself of toxins. 
  • Tremors: Tremors occur because the body gets hyperactive when the depressant is no longer in its system. 
  • Irritability/Agitation: When Lexapro leaves the system, the body does not know how to self-regulate emotions, so irritability and agitation may occur. 
  • Confusion: It is common for people to get confused during withdrawal. 
  • Dizziness: Lexapro may lead to dehydration, causing you to become dizzy during the detox process. 
  • Irregular Heartbeat: Detoxing can affect heart rate and may lead to heart issues.
  • Depression and Anxiety: Lexapro works to control depression and anxiety. It’s likely these emotions will come back strong as the drug leaves your system. 
  • Electric Shock: This feeling can be present in the legs, arms, and brain. When Lexapro leaves the body, it can cause feelings of physical shock in various parts of the body. 

Get Treatment for Lexapro Addiction at Profound Treatment

Can Lexapro Get You High

Profound Treatment can get you the help you or your loved one may need if you’re struggling with a Lexapro addiction. We offer residential inpatient drug rehab, which is where patients will check into our residential facility and undergo therapy and receive daily medical care. Detoxing from drugs can be dangerous, which is why it’s safest to do so at a medical facility.

We also offer sober living facilities, which have temporary housing, therapy, and job skill training. Community 12-Step program groups are where patients may undergo 12-step group therapy at any point in the recovery process. This is a group therapy that focuses on 12 steps of the recovery process. We also provide aftercare, which is where patients will continue to receive aftercare to ensure they maintain sobriety and help to prevent any potential future relapses. You will also learn certain skills and coping techniques to help if you are ever in a difficult situation in the future.

Reach Out and Begin Healing

Lexapro addiction is not easy to deal with, but Profound Treatment will get you the help you need. Call us to find out how we can assist you in moving on to enjoying the health and happiness you deserve.