This Common Anxiety Medication Might Be Causing Your Heartburn

If you take Lexapro (escitalopram) for anxiety or depression, you're not alone. This selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is widely used by people to help manage their mental health. According to StatPearls, Lexapro is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder as well as generalized anxiety disorder. It may also be used off-label for mental health conditions such as social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Some doctors even prescribe it to help manage the symptoms of menopause, including night sweats and hot flashes.

Due to its generally favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants, Lexapro is often considered to be a go-to option for those starting antidepressant therapy. It's known for being relatively well tolerated, especially at lower doses. But like all medications, it can come with unexpected downsides. One of the lesser-known but surprisingly common complaints among Lexapro users? Heartburn.

According to Drugs.com, heartburn is among the more common side effects associated with Lexapro use. People experiencing heartburn may have symptoms such as a burning pain in their chest after eating, pain that gets worse when they bend over or lie down, and a bitter or acidic taste in their mouth. It can be relieved by using medications that reduce stomach acid, such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers.

Heartburn occurs when the sphincter muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, the tube that transports food down to your stomach, isn't working properly. If it relaxes at the wrong time, it can allow stomach acid to flow up into your esophagus, where it creates a burning sensation. Research suggests that medications like Lexapro may affect lower esophageal sphincter tone, thus contributing to heartburn, according to the authors of a 2025 study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility.

Other Lexapro side effects include diarrhea, dry mouth, sleepiness, and problems sleeping. Less common side effects can include, but are not limited to, bloating, loss of appetite, excess gas, muscle aches, and unusual dreams (here are some other medications that can make you have strange dreams). Rare, but more serious, side effects can include mania, serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, increased risk of bleeding, closed-angle glaucoma, seizures, and increased suicidal thoughts (per Medical News Today).

Drugs.com adds that if you experience side effects, they are usually not a cause for alarm and may subside as you adjust to the medication. They suggest speaking with your doctor for advice if you find any side effects, including heartburn, to be a problem. If you show signs of any of the more serious side effects, however, Medical News Today advises that you should seek medical help immediately by calling either 911 or the appropriate emergency services number in your area.