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Can I eat this with Escitalopram?
Escitalopram can be taken with or without food, and you can eat normally, but alcohol can add to side effects, and St John's wort and some foods for side effects need thought.
Also sold as Cipralex, Enalto. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Our SSRIs page also covers Escitalopram and gives one answer for the whole group. This page follows Escitalopram’s own NHS page, so where the two differ, go by this one.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 34 foods and drinks for Escitalopram (0 to avoid, 31 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Escitalopram with food?
- Take it once a day, with or without food.
- Can I drink alcohol with Escitalopram?
- Yes, with care. Best avoided, as it can make you feel more sleepy and add to side effects.
- Can I eat st john's wort with Escitalopram?
- Yes, with care. This herbal supplement may not mix well with escitalopram, so ask a pharmacist or doctor first.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Escitalopram can be taken with or without food, and you can eat normally, but alcohol can add to side effects, and St John's wort and some foods for side effects need thought.
You can eat and drink normally while taking escitalopram, and it can be taken with or without food. It's best not to drink alcohol as it can make you feel more sleepy. St John's wort may not mix well with it, so check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Take it once a day, with or without food.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Take care with Escitalopram· 31
Fine with Escitalopram· 3
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Escitalopram
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 6 October 2026. How we check
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Escitalopram guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Escitalopram
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Escitalopram.