In people with bipolar disorder, SSRIs and other antidepressants carry a risk of bringing about mania. So it's important to monitor for signs of excess energy, decreased need for sleep, or. Yes, Lexapro used alone can exacerbate bipolar disorder symptoms by triggering manic episodes or rapid cycling. It is essential to receive appropriate treatment for both the depressive and manic aspects of the condition. “Lexapro is not FDA-approved for bipolar disorder,” says Dr. Eli Muhrer, Charlie Health’s Medical Director. “Without a mood stabilizer, it can trigger mania and/or worsen mood instability in those with bipolar disorders.” I recently realized, with the help of my physician, that I have bipolar type 2 and not just depression. I’m making this post because bipolar 2 is often misdiagnosed as depression, as people rarely report their “ups” as a problem. After battling anxiety and depression since childhood (recently diagnosed as bipolar II), and trying countless drugs as therapy, Lexapro is the first to have such a profound effect on me. Lexapro, an SSRI antidepressant, is not generally recommended as a standalone treatment for bipolar disorder and can even be harmful; mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are the cornerstone treatments. Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. Aripiprazole (Abilify) is appropriate for bipolar II disorder, but escitalopram (Lexapro) should be used with extreme caution and only as adjunctive therapy with a mood stabilizer—never as monotherapy. Lexapro (escitalopram) is not approved for bipolar disorder. The FDA has approved it only for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents and for generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Escitalopram (Lexapro) is contraindicated in patients with bipolar 2 disorder due to the significant risk of precipitating a mixed/manic episode. 1 This recommendation is based on strong evidence from FDA labeling and clinical guidelines.