Woman, 44, Develops Bizarre Side Effect After Starting Antidepressant, Yawning Every 15 Minutes

A 44-year-old woman developed an unusual side effect after starting an antidepressant, yawning as many as six times every 15 minutes throughout the day, according to a case study reported by the New York Post. Her experience highlights a lesser-reported reaction to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a widely prescribed class of antidepressants.

The woman, a single mother of five living in rural Rwanda, was prescribed escitalopram, also known by its brand name Lexapro, to treat severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Woman Develops Excessive Yawning After Starting Lexapro

The woman was referred for a psychiatric evaluation in May 2026 after experiencing an emotional crisis around the anniversary of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. According to the case study, she had experienced five months of worsening depression, including persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, reduced appetite, fatigue and insomnia. Her symptoms had also begun affecting her ability to work.

Doctors diagnosed her with a severe depressive episode and PTSD before prescribing 10 milligrams of escitalopram alongside supportive psychotherapy. Within days of starting the medication, she began experiencing repeated yawning episodes, with as many as six every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Doctors Suspect Antidepressant Side Effect

Despite the frequent yawning, the woman did not report feeling sleepy or dizzy. She also experienced no confusion, weakness or other neurological symptoms. Doctors suspected the medication was responsible and systematically ruled out other possible causes.

However, her sleep and mood had begun improving while taking the antidepressant. Given its benefits, doctors decided against immediately lowering her dose or discontinuing treatment. After two weeks, the yawning had decreased substantially, while her depressive symptoms continued to improve.