Lexapro

Lexapro^®, the brand name for generic escitalopram, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and adolescents, and it’s also sometimes used off-label for conditions including social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and certain menopause-related symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Lexapro works by increasing available levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional stability over time. 

Lexapro is taken once daily in tablet or liquid form and is known for its relatively mild side effects. In rare cases, more serious reactions can occur, such as serotonin syndrome or suicidal thoughts, particularly when starting treatment or adjusting the dose. Always take Lexapro as prescribed.

Lexapro (escitalopram) is indicated for the:

• Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older

• Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and pediatric patients 7 years and older

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Most commonly observed adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the incidence of placebo patients) are:

• Insomnia

• Ejaculation disorder (primarily ejaculatory delay),

• Nausea

• Sweating increased

• Fatigue and sleepiness

• Decreased libido

• Inability to orgasm

The cost of Lexapro varies depending on your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, Lexapro costs about $580 for a month’s supply of 20-milligram (mg) tablets, while generic escitalopram costs about $64 for a month’s supply of 10-mg tablets. Coupons and discount cards may be available to bring down the price of both, and insurance may cover all or some of the cost of these medications.

On the Hers platform, escitalopram starts at $49 per month. That price includes the benefits of using the Hers telehealth platform, like free shipping and unlimited messaging with a provider.

• Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Lexapro or within 14 days of stopping treatment with Lexapro. Do not use Lexapro within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start Lexapro in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue

• Concomitant use of pimozide

• Known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients

• Drug interactions: SSRIs, SNRIs, tryptophan, drugs that affect hemostasis (NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin)

• Serotonin syndrome

• Discontinuation syndrome

• Seizures

• Activation of mania/hypomania

• Low blood sodium: Can occur in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Interference with cognitive and motor performance

• Angle closure glaucoma

• Use in patients with concomitant illness

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pregnancy: SSRI use, particularly later in pregnancy, may increase the risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension and symptoms of poor adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulties, hypotonia, tremor, irritability) in the neonate

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Lexapro is not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 7 years of age.

*This information is from the label for brand name Lexapro^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient escitalopram.