What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (also referred to as escitalopram) is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a group of drugs calles SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Serotonin reuptake inhibitors block the reuptake of serotonin, which results in an increase of serotonin levels. This helps regulate mood [1].
Lexapro is a prescription medication used to treat depression or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It’s approved for adults and children 12 years of age and older [2, 3].
The drug comes as a tablet and an oral liquid. Most people use 10–20 milligrams every day [1].
Can Lexapro Cause Acne?
Antidepressants are used to treat many mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They can treat these conditions but might have unwanted side effects as well. A known side-effect is the appearance of skin problems such as acne.
Antidepressants and Acne
Some researchers and case reports point to a potential link between the antidepressants use and development of acne.
In one case report, for example, acne-like pimples appeared in a patient on chronic depression medication amineptine, a tricyclic antidepressant [4]. The other case was that of a young bipolar woman with acne who took Ziprasidone, a second-generation antipsychotic [5].
Other case reports highlight evidence that acne can be caused by antidepressants, like amineptine and ziprasidone [5, 7].
Frequency and Severity
Even though cases of acne development do exist, it's important to note that these cases are quite rare. According to a 2014 review of clinical trials, most people do not experience acne or other skin related side effects. [6].
To summarise, while there is evidence that antidepressants, including Lexapro, can cause acne, this side effect is not common.
How Can Acne Triggered by Lexapro Be Treated?
Treating acne in patients who are already suffering from depression or a mental illness can be a challenging task. However, several treatments can be applied for acne that is caused by antidepressants.
Dermatological Treatments
Acne can be treated with dermatological treatments, for one. These might be topical—benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids—to control inflammation and clear up the pores. The latter may include prescription drugs like antibiotics or isotretinoin in the more severe instances [6]. Yet isotretinoin itself has side effects that can affect mental health, and therefore, it should be used with caution in those patients who already have a mental illness [8, 9].
Adjusting Antidepressant Medication
The other is to change the antidepressant drug. That may be a dose reduction, switching to another antidepressant, or leaving the drug out. However, medication changes should always be made under the direction of a physician since sudden changes can cause withdrawal symptoms or return of the mental illness [10, 11].
Holistic Approach
You can also use an integrated model (holistic approach). This can include therapy, self-care training, medication, and skincare. One treatment that can help is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as it assists patients in dealing with stress, one of the causes of acne [6].
Conclusion
Ultimately, acne caused by antidepressants is a combination of dermatological treatment, drug modifications to the antidepressant, and mental health care-type treatments. Patients have to partner with their healthcare team in developing the right treatment plan for them.