What Does This Elevated ALT Level After Having Lexapro Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 9 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 1 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Im 37 320lbs 5'4 physical/labs done last month. All lab normal expt ALT 76&insulin 46 Meds Metformin 500(pcos) Lexapro 20(anxiety) clartin vitamins
ALT 76?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your ALT is slightly elevated but not worrisome. Various factors might be contributing including medications you take: Lexapro.

You can discuss with your doctor to adjust the dose and repeat testing after 6 months.

Following a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen would help bring ALT back to normal range.

Once again, nothing worrisome.
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 hours later)

re tested labs alt 106 ast 76

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lexapro to be taken off...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If after re-test, the levels of ALT remained as high as 106, then, should talk to psychiatrist who prescribed Lexapro to change dosage or change drug. Such high ALT levels are indicating that your liver is suffering, and the cause is Lexapro.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (34 minutes later)

Does lexapro cause the alt levels? do you have a link that confirm? my dr said it doesn't. ive been taking for 2 years or so. and just now show alt rise?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following reference....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

It is true that hepatic injuries can occur in less than 1% of patients taking Lexapro (escitalopram). However, various studies (especially case reports) have reported liver enzymes changes (including High ALT) in patients using Lexapro.

You can find a review at the following link and can find the references and case studies on effects of escitalopram on liver:

http://livertox.nih.gov/CitalopramEscitalopram.htm

If I was your caring doctor will try to reduce the dose of Lexapro first and see if any changes in ALT.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 minutes later)

so I shouldn't be freaking out over this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not at all....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

No, your ALT levels are slightly elevated but not at the point to be freaking out. I am trying to help you understand what might cause high ALT in you.

As there is a possible external factor (lexapro), then, we should eliminate it to see if any change in ALT level and proceed further.

All the best!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar