Does Lexapro-induced Yawning Go Away? (3+ Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Lexapro-induced yawning goes away or not. Furthermore, we will also explore the relationship between Lexapro and yawning, the factors that may contribute to yawning as it’s side effect and the tips for managing this side effect if it persists.

Does Lexapro-induced yawning go away?

Yes, Lexapro-induced yawning can go away. Yawning is a commonly reported side effect of Lexapro (escitalopram) and some other antidepressants like paroxetine (Paxil). Not everyone experiences this side effect as people are unique and respond differently to medications. (1,2)

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which works by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This chemical helps in the improvement of mood and regulates emotions which in turn reduces depression and anxiety. (1)

If you’re experiencing yawning or any other bothersome side effect while taking Lexapro, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider right away for instant adjustments to the treatment.

What is the connection between Lexapro and yawning?

The exact mechanism why individuals experience yawning after taking Lexapro is not fully understood. However, yawning is a natural physiological response that can be influenced by many neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. (2,4)

Lexapro being an SSRI, works by affecting the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin not only plays a role in mood regulation but its altered levels also affect certain areas of the brain that are responsible for regulating yawning. This chemical imbalance leads to the increased likelihood of yawning as a side effect of Lexapro. (1,3)

In addition to this, side effects like yawning are more common when the person has just started taking medication like Lexapro and the body is not yet adjusted to the dose. These side effects tend to reduce or disappear over time as your body is used to the medication.

What does research suggest?

According to a research study, a 37-year-old woman was admitted to the mental health department as she was having lots of unwanted thoughts and behavioural issues related to obsessions. (3)

She was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by the doctors and was kept on escitalopram with a gradual increase in her dose to 20mg/day over three weeks. The treatment helped her feel better but she started noticing that she’s been yawning a lot ever since escitalopram was started. (3)

The doctors lowered her escitalopram dose to 15mg per day and the yawning began to diminish and eventually stopped after 10 days. (3)

What factors influence Lexapro-induced yawning?

Some of the factors that may influence Lexapro-induced yawning include: (5)

Dosage: The likelihood of side effects including yawning can be influenced by the amount of Lexapro you’re taking. Higher doses mean more chances of side effects.

Individual sensitivity: Everybody’s body reacts differently to medications. Some people might be more sensitive to the effects of Lexapro, including yawning.

Treatment duration: Yawning might happen more when you first start taking Lexapro or when your doctor changes the dose. It usually starts getting better once your body gets used to the medication.

Interaction with other substances: The use of other substances like alcohol or illicit drugs might interact with Lexapro and increase the chances of side effects.

Personal health history: Your personal health history, like any pre-existing medical condition or how you’ve reacted to medications in the past, can play a role in the likelihood of experiencing side effects like yawning.

What are the managing tips if Lexapro-induced yawning persists?

If yawning persists as a side effect of escitalopram and is bothering you in performing your daily tasks, here are some general managing tips you can consider: (4,5)

Communicate with your doctor: Inform your doctor about the persistent yawning, they can identify whether it’s just a common side effect that needs dose adjustment or if other factors are exacerbating it.
Review medication dosage: Your doctor can consider reducing the dose of Lexapro, as sometimes reducing the dose can help reduce side effects while maintaining the medication’s effectiveness.
Consider other medication options: If persistent yawning is problematic for you, your healthcare provider may explore alternative medications in the same class like Cipralex or suggest a different class of antidepressants with less likelihood of yawning.
Address underlying factors: Sometimes yawning could be triggered by factors other than medication, such as stress, fatigue and sleep disturbances.

As a pharmacist, I would advise you to be patient and not make changes to your regimen without consulting the doctor who has prescribed the medicine.

In my opinion, Lexapro-induced yawning is not life-threatening and it can go away on its own as your body gets adjusted to the medication or if your doctor lowers the dose to lighten the severity of the effects.

However, in rare cases where yawning persists for an extended period and is getting troublesome, your doctor might gradually taper off Lexapro and give you some other well-tolerated antidepressant.