Can you exercise on Lexapro? (5 tips)

This article will discuss the safety of exercising while taking Lexapro and the potential benefits of physical activity on mental health.

Additionally, the article will address how Lexapro can potentially affect energy levels, muscle strength, and muscle coordination during exercise. Finally, the article will cover tips for exercising safely while taking Lexapro.

Can you exercise on Lexapro?

Yes, it is generally safe to exercise while taking Lexapro. However, it’s important to be aware of how Lexapro treatment can potentially affect exercise and increase the risk of accidents or injuries. Moreover, despite potential side effects, exercise can still be beneficial for individuals taking Lexapro.

It is widely known that regular exercise has positive effects on mental health. Regularly engaging in physical activity can help enhance mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

To illustrate, because exercise increases endorphins and leads to a dopamine rush, it can contribute to a sense of achievement, increased motivation, happier mood, and reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms.

To ensure safety and minimize Lexapro’s side effects while exercising, you should discuss your exercise routine with your doctor and ask about its suitability while taking Lexapro. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing diseases or concerns about how exercise may be affected by your medication.

What does research suggest?

Research suggests that exercise can have a positive impact on the response to Lexapro. One study found that voluntary wheel running in rats increased the activity of serotonin-secreting neurons, indicating that exercise stimulates serotonin neurons, which are targeted by antidepressant drugs [1]. 

Furthermore, compared to controls, acute escitalopram administration caused a weaker inhibitory effect on serotonin neuronal firing in exercising rats. This suggests that individuals with depression may benefit from regular exercise, as it can enhance and improve their response to antidepressant medications [1].

Another investigation examined the addition of exercise in severely depressed inpatients. Participants in the exercise group had three exercise sessions per week, along with their usual treatment.

The study found a significant improvement in depressive symptoms and in the physical and psychological factors of quality of life for the group that exercised compared to the group that didn’t [2].

In conclusion, both studies support the theory that exercise can complement the effects of antidepressants like Lexapro. Furthermore, the addition of exercise to the usual treatment of severely depressed inpatients resulted in significant improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life.

Can Lexapro affect energy levels and motivation for exercise?

One of the potential side effects of Lexapro is sedation or drowsiness, which can affect energy levels when exercising [3].

When someone is taking Lexapro, the sedating effect may make it harder to push themselves during workouts, leading to reduced exercise performance. Most importantly, Lexapro-induced drowsiness can increase the risk of sports-related accidents and injuries [3].

It’s important to understand how Lexapro may impact energy during exercise. People should modify the intensity of their workouts to suit any potential decrease in energy or motivation.

How does Lexapro influence muscle strength and coordination?

The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro can lead to the development of movement disorders like akathisia, dystonia, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism, and bruxism. These side effects can affect movement and muscle coordination during exercise [3,4].

Furthermore, uncontrolled movement can lead to sports-related accidents and injuries. While these are very rare side effects of SSRIs like Lexapro, it is important to be aware of these potential effects on movement and muscle coordination during exercise.

What are the potential side effects of exercising while on Lexapro?

When exercising while taking Lexapro or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), there are potential side effects to be aware of. These can include [3,4]:

• Muscle coordination issues can lead to challenges in maintaining balance and performing precise movements during exercise.

• Some individuals may experience increased drowsiness or reduced energy levels while exercising on SSRIs, potentially impacting workout intensity or duration.

• Lexapro can cause blurred vision, which may affect visual perception during physical activities and lead to an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

• Lexapro can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which can worsen with exercise, potentially leading to injuries and sports-related accidents. 

• Lexapro may increase sweating, particularly during physical exertion. This can also lead to a risk of dehydration.

• Lexapro may cause changes in heart rate, potentially causing it to be higher or lower than normal during exercise.

Tips for exercising safely and effectively while taking Lexapro

Here are some tips to exercise safely while taking Lexapro, while also addressing drowsiness or sedation, accidents, and injuries:

• Warm up first, start slow, and gradually increase the intensity

• Listen to your body and stop working out If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort

• It is recommended to drink water before, during, and following your exercise to prevent potential dehydration caused by Lexapro-induced sweating

• If you feel dizzy or drowsy, exercise with caution and avoid activities that require a high level of alertness, balance, or coordination to avoid accidents or injuries. 

• Lexapro can cause blurred vision, so exercise caution, choose well-lit areas, and avoid high-intensity sports or activities with a high risk of falls and collisions.

Based on my research, I have concluded that it is generally safe to exercise while taking Lexapro. In my perspective, regular physical activity can have positive effects on mental well-being and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Exercise can complement the anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects of Lexapro. However, it is critical to understand that some Lexapro side effects, such as drowsiness, decreased energy levels, and impaired muscle coordination, can reduce the effectiveness and safety of exercise.

To exercise safely and effectively while on Lexapro, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional, warming up properly, listening to your body, staying hydrated, and being cautious with activities that require alertness and coordination.

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