Exercise While on Lexapro: Safe Tips and What to Watch For
Starting or keeping an exercise habit when you’re taking Lexapro (escitalopram) can really help your mood and anxiety, but a few practical precautions make workouts safer and more comfortable.
First, know common side effects that affect exercise: feeling tired, dizzy, shaky, or unusually sweaty. If a run or bike ride makes dizziness or heavy fatigue worse, slow down or switch to walking. Don’t push through faintness or blurred vision.
Before you exercise
Check timing. If Lexapro makes you sleepy, consider exercising a few hours after your dose or choose morning workouts if the pill helps you sleep. Start slowly for two weeks after a dose change or when you begin medication. Tell your trainer or workout partner you’re on an antidepressant so they can help if you feel unwell.
Review other drugs you take. Combining Lexapro with some painkillers (like tramadol) or with MAO inhibitors can raise risk for dangerous reactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about interactions before trying intense training or supplements that speed heart rate.
During and after workouts
Warm up longer than usual and cool down with gentle stretches. If you notice fast heart rate, severe sweating, high fever, extreme restlessness, or confusion, stop exercise and seek urgent care—these can be signs of serotonin syndrome. Mild side effects like extra sweating, slight tremor, or restless legs can often be managed by slowing intensity and staying hydrated.
Pick low-impact options if balance or dizziness is an issue: brisk walking, swimming, cycling on a stationary bike, or yoga are great choices. Strength training is fine, but lower weights and higher reps until you know how the drug affects your coordination and energy.
If you do high-intensity workouts, check your heart rate. Aim for moderate intensity (50–70% of max heart rate) until you know how Lexapro affects you. A quick way to estimate max heart rate is 220 minus your age; use a heart-rate monitor if you can.
Pregnant people should talk with their doctor before exercising intensely on Lexapro. Pregnancy and antidepressants require extra planning. Your doctor may adjust dose or suggest timing changes. Also ask whether certain supplements or performance enhancers are safe with your medication.
Hydration and electrolytes matter. Some people on antidepressants sweat more or feel dehydrated. Drink water before, during, and after workouts. If you train hard and sweat heavily, consider a sports drink or salty snack to replace electrolytes.
Track patterns. Keep a simple log with workout type, duration, Lexapro dose time, and any side effects. This helps you and your clinician spot links between medication timing, dose changes, and workout problems.
If sexual side effects or weight changes bother you, mention them. Often small exercise and diet shifts help, and doctors can discuss switching drugs if needed. Check progress weekly. Consistently.
Communicate with your prescriber. If exercise causes new or worsening symptoms—heart palpitations, fainting, severe dizziness, or suicidal thoughts—contact your doctor right away. Don’t stop Lexapro abruptly; stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms that also affect exercise tolerance.
Bottom line: exercise is usually safe and helpful while on Lexapro. Start slow, listen to your body, avoid risky drug combinations, and check in with your healthcare team if anything feels off.
