Does Lexapro cause acne? (+7 factors)

In this article, we will explore whether Lexapro causes acne. Furthermore, we will also discuss what the research suggests, what the contributing factors are, and what to do if Lexapro causes acne. 

Does Lexapro cause acne?

Lexapro may cause acne in some patients who use it to treat depression. However, people respond differently, and some may observe acne or pimples on their skin after starting Lexapro treatment.

Lexapro, also known as Escitalopram, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat and manage major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders.

Lexapro may also be prescribed for social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and symptoms of menopause(1).

How does Lexapro cause acne?

Some individuals, however, may be allergic to Lexapro and develop skin rashes or blisters after taking the medication. Generally, this is not a major concern, as acne associated with Lexapro often diminishes as the body adjusts to the medication.

Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples on the skin. Acne can have various causes, including hormonal imbalances, excessive sebum (oil on your skin) production, and inflammation when sebum becomes trapped in the skin. Lexapro may influence these factors, triggering acne in some individuals. Smoking and stress can also make acne worse (2,3).

What does research suggest?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to manage depression. However, a few patients may experience various skin issues if they are allergic to Lexapro, including acne, bruises, itching, hives, swelling, rashes and in rare cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

It’s important to know that if you are allergic to an SSRI, it is advisable to consider a different type of antidepressant, as there might be a risk of experiencing a similar allergic reaction with other SSRIs, even if they contain different ingredients (4).

Some skin problems can also be influenced by a person’s emotional state. such as picking at their skin when stressed, which can trigger acne in such cases (5). People with acne are more susceptible to depression compared to those without acne.

Research studies indicate that most cases of depression and the use of antidepressants were observed in people with acne who were 18 years old or above. The majority of cases were reported in females, linking acne with depression.

Acne can affect people both physically and mentally, causing significant anxiety and impacting self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being (6). The research on how Lexapro might cause acne is limited, and the exact mechanism is not well understood. In general, acne is not considered a common side effect of Lexapro and other antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Pristiq etc.

What other factors can contribute to acne while taking Lexapro?

Factors contributing to acne while taking Lexapro may include:

• Alterations in hormonal levels, such as those seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome, menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
• Concurrent use of medicines such as Lithium, steroids, and anticonvulsants.
• Excess oil production due to the use of oil-based cosmetics and facial massages.
• Genetics can play a role in the type of oils your skin produces.
• Poor skincare routines and excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps.
• High sugar diets and high consumption of dairy products.
• Anxiety, which can increase stress hormones in your body
• Environmental factors such as excessive exposure to sun (3).

What to do if Lexapro causes acne?

Inform your doctor if you suspect that Lexapro is causing severe and uncontrollable acne, particularly if Lexapro is the only treatment you are taking, and you maintain a balanced diet.

You may consider using topical treatments like gels, creams, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help reduce the size and redness of pimples or your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if your acne is severe (7).

Hormonal therapies may also be prescribed to women with acne. It is also important to ensure that you do not consume an oily and high-sugar diet that may trigger your acne or use products that irritate your skin.

Staying hydrated can improve your overall skin health, and washing your face with a mild cleanser is essential. Additionally, do not use concomitant medicine with Lexapro without consulting your doctor first.

Conclusion

In my perspective, Lexapro may cause acne in some individuals, however, it is important to emphasize that not everyone who takes this antidepressant will experience this side effect.

The exact mechanism by which Lexapro might trigger acne is not fully understood and the occurrence of acne can vary from person to person. It is not generally considered a common side effect of Lexapro.

Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and skincare habits to minimize the impact of acne and consider the possibility of alternative antidepressant options if you are allergic to Lexapro.

References