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Medication

Lexapro (escitalopram)

Lexapro is the original brand name of escitalopram, a psychiatric medication available by prescription only. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety-related disorders.

Learn About Lexapro Treatment

Connect with a psychiatric clinician—online or in person—for an evaluation. If appropriate, they may discuss whether escitalopram (Lexapro), known as a long-term treatment option for mood and anxiety disorders, could be considered within your care plan.

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What Conditions Does Lexapro Treat?

FDA-Approved Uses:

Common Off-Label Uses:

How Psychiatric Medication Prescription Decisions Are Made

1

Find a psychiatric clinician who meets your needs

Option 1

Search our psychiatrist directory to find a qualified provider

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Option 2

Locate a nearby clinic to schedule your initial appointment

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2

Meet 1:1 for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

During your first session, a psychiatric clinician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. If appropriate, they may discuss whether medication, including SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro), could be considered. Treatment decisions like this should always prioritize safety, clinical best practices, and your individual needs.

3

Begin treatment and ongoing monitoring

Once a personalized treatment plan is established, your provider will monitor your response to any prescribed medication and adjust the plan as needed. If medication is part of your care, then, if appropriate, your provider may handle prescription renewals online during or after regular follow-ups.

240+ Insurances Accepted

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Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

Everyone’s experience with anxiety or depression is different. A psychiatric clinician may help you find the right treatment path—whether that includes Lexapro (escitalopram) or another option that fits your needs.

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FAQs About Lexapro

The generic name for Lexapro is escitalopram.

Lexapro is not known for being addictive or habit-forming. Unlike benzodiazepines, SSRIs such as escitalopram do not have a reputation for causing chemical dependence, but stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal-like symptoms (sometimes called discontinuation syndrome). Always taper under medical supervision. According to a 2024 study, one in six to seven patients (~15%) who abruptly discontinue their medication experience discontinuation symptoms. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

No, not without the approval of your prescribing psychiatric clinician. Among other things, Lexapro may interact negatively with other medications, especially other antidepressants, migraine medications, blood thinners, MAOIs, some pain medicines, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort. Interactions may increase the risk of side effects or more serious problems such as serotonin syndrome or bleeding.

Both Lexapro (escitalopram) and Zoloft (sertraline) are SSRIs used to treat depression and anxiety. Lexapro is often preferred for its tolerability and fewer drug interactions, while Zoloft typically treats certain anxiety-related conditions, such as PTSD and OCD. The choice depends on your medical history, symptoms, and side-effect profile.

Lexapro is known for its relatively low side effect profile for long-term use when monitored by a clinician. Many people are prescribed SSRIs like Lexapro for years to manage chronic depression or anxiety. Regular follow-ups are important to monitor side effects, progress, and stability.

Yes. Regular follow-ups help your clinician track how well the medication is working, watch for side effects, and adjust your dose if needed.

The cost of Lexapro varies depending on several factors, including whether you’re prescribed brand-name Lexapro or its generic version, escitalopram. As of publication date, generic escitalopram prices range from about $9 to $20 for a 30-day supply. Brand-name Lexapro prices average $1,400 to $1,600 for 100 tablets.

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance.

Initial improvements may appear within 2-3 weeks. Full mood and anxiety benefits typically take 4–6 weeks or longer. For OCD, the improvement may occur gradually over 10-14 weeks.

Lexapro is FDA-approved for Major Depressive Disorder in adolescents aged 12 to 17, and for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in children 7 years and older. Use in children and adolescents for other conditions may be considered off-label and should be closely monitored. All anti-depressant medications have an FDA warning about increases in suicidal ideation for teenagers and young adults and should only be taken as and when prescribed by an appropriately licensed medical professional.

Consult your prescribing clinician before starting, stopping, or combining any medications or substances with Lexapro. Do not take Lexapro with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), certain migraine medications (triptans), or other serotonergic drugs without medical supervision. These combinations can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Alcohol may feel more intoxicating and may increase side effects like drowsiness.

Consult your clinician before driving while taking the medication. Lexapro is less sedating than some psychiatric medications, but it may still cause drowsiness or dizziness in some individuals (especially when starting treatment or adjusting the dose as prescribed by a clinician). Avoid driving until you know how your current dose of Lexapro affects you. Lexapro is often recommended to be taken at nighttime, in case drowsiness from Lexapro occurs and persists, so it will not interfere with driving or daytime functioning.

Only stop Lexapro treatment as and when recommended by your psychiatric clinician. Your provider will create a taper plan to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, or flu-like feelings.

Weight gain can occur with long-term SSRI use, though it is not universal. Some people may notice increased appetite or gradual weight changes over time.

Some individuals may lose weight on Lexapro due to reduced appetite or improved activity levels after depression lifts. However, weight change effects vary widely.

Lexapro may cause drowsiness or fatigue in some individuals, while others may feel more alert. If you notice tiredness, speak with your clinician about the timing of your dose or alternative options. Only adjust the timing or dosage amount when recommended by your psychiatric clinician.

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both SSRIs. Prozac is known to have a longer half-life and may be stimulating, while Lexapro is considered more tolerable for some.

Try to avoid alcohol while on Lexapro. Alcohol may worsen side effects like drowsiness or dizziness and may reduce the medication’s effectiveness. SSRIs can make alcohol feel more intoxicating than usual.

Yes. If stopped suddenly, withdrawal effects may include mood changes, irritability, sleep problems, or physical symptoms (sometimes called discontinuation syndrome). According to a 2024 study, one in six to seven patients (~15%) who abruptly discontinue their medication experience discontinuation symptoms. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

photo of LifeStance provider Joshua Nathan, MD

Medically Reviewed By:

Joshua Nathan, MD
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Dr. Joshua Nathan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, sees stigma – from others and from ourselves - as the biggest challenge in mental illness treatment. He encourages people to not judge themselves on whatever problems they are facing, and he helps them feel safe to open up and allow for healing. Dr. Nathan takes joy in helping people with mental health concerns and values the trust patients place in him. Dr. Nathan treats adults struggling with mood and bipolar disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety challenges such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, and more. He listens to each person’s story, observes how they are faring, and shares his understanding of what is happening, so there is a basis for starting or continuing treatment. He considers medications as one tool among many for healing and recovery in mental health. During treatment, Dr. Nathan uses an eclectic framework for understanding mental illness and coping. Trained in psychoanalysis, he finds that existential understanding helps many people reduce suffering, but cognitive-behavioral techniques are more practical in helping people move forward. Thus, he typically employs a combination of theories and techniques, guided by the patient's problems, needs, and experiences. He is also an Official ADHD Evaluator for the National Football League. Dr. Nathan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed postgraduate residency training at Brown University. He works with adults of all ages, but has a special fondness for working with young and middle-age adults.

References

  1. Drugs.com. (2025, September 22). Zoloft prices, coupons, copay cards & patient assistance. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/zoloft

  2. Henssler, Jonathan et al. (2024) Incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 11, Issue 7, 526 – 535.

  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medications

In 2007, the FDA released a black box warning that antidepressants were correlated to the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) during short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions. Gibbons et. al (2007) also published a study that found no evidence of antidepressant treatment increasing the risk of suicide attempts among its patients (ages 18-65+). The main message is that there is an inherent relationship between depression and suicidality so close monitoring of antidepressant-treated patients (especially children, adolescents, and young adults) is always necessary. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label.