FDA approved

Escitalopram Generic for Lexapro®

Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been simpler. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether a medication like escitalopram could be right for you.

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Prescribed by a healthcare provider experienced in treating anxiety & depression, if appropriate

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Unlimited dosage adjustments

What is escitalopram?

Escitalopram is a prescription drug and an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that helps balance a chemical naturally found in the brain called serotonin. The Food and Drug Administration first approved escitalopram in 2002 and it is the generic name for the brand name Lexapro®.

Escitalopram uses

Escitalopram is FDA approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

How escitalopram works

Escitalopram increases levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in the brain. Like other SSRIs, citalopram lowers the level of serotonin that neurons reabsorb, which results in more free serotonin in the brain. For some, this can ease their symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Escitalopram drug interactions

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, such as linezolid, phenelzine, etc), increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a mild to life-threatening build up of serotonin in the system. Similarly, escitalopram can interact with other agents that affect serotonin in the brain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, certain pain medications, supplements that contain St. John's Wort or tryptophan. Be prepared to share all prescription and over the counter medications, as well as any other products you take, with your provider.

* Only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider.

* Controlled substances such as Xanax and Adderall are not available through our platform.

* This page has been medically reviewed by Sylvia Valadez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.

Important Safety Information

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Escitalopram Generic for Lexapro®

How to get escitalopram online with Hims

1. Simple consultation

Complete an online mental health assessment and intake form, then connect with a healthcare provider through our platform.

2. Free delivery

Get escitalopram shipped to you for free, if prescribed.

3. Ongoing support

Enjoy secure, ongoing support 100% online—including refills and unlimited dosage adjustments.

Escitalopram 101

What’s an SSRI?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of a mood-affecting chemical called serotonin in the brain which helps to improve your symptoms. Nice, right?

The science of escitalopram

Your brain naturally produces chemicals that make you feel good, like serotonin. Escitalopram keeps neurons from reabsorbing this chemical so that you have more of it available in your brain. Long story short? This can help to relieve symptoms of depression.

Featured reviews

Real results from guys like you

Andrew

“Without Hims, I do not think that I would have been able to manage such a stressful period of my life without having access to my needed medication.”
 

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Harry

“Signing up for the session was easy, it was free, private and totally online. I couldn’t have gotten a better set up.”

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Charlie

“It’s tough during these times and I definitely felt like I had a team helping me out. I needed this and I know others will too.”

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Jonathan

“During the pandemic, gaining access to a doctor was made more difficult and Hims was the solution I found to address my need for mental health care.”
 

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Francis

“So far, I have loved the experience with HIMS and I am noticing a positive effect from the medication I have been taking.”

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These customers’ results have not been independently verified. Individual results will vary. Customers were given free product.

Take charge and
feel better

Over 75% of Hims customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.*

Take charge and
feel better

Over 75% of Hims customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.*

* Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hims customers who 1) signed up between 11/04/2021 and 05/04/2022; 2) were prescribed antidepressant medication by a provider after their first consultation on the Hims platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such antidepressant medication through the Hims platform within 90 days after signing up.


You’re in good hands

Before they're accepted to the pool of professionals we work with, all healthcare providers undergo a rigorous vetting process. They have years of experience and they’re ready to help with whatever you’re going through.

Frequently asked questions about escitalopram

How long does it take for escitalopram (generic for Lexapro) to work?

Escitalopram was shown to be effective as a treatment for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in clinical trials lasting 8 weeks. If you are not feeling any improvement in your condition, you should consult your healthcare provider. You should not discontinue your medication until you speak with your healthcare provider.

What are the dosage options?

Escitalopram is prescribed in strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets.

How do I take escitalopram?

Escitalopram should be taken exactly as directed by the healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as directed. Escitalopram should not be stopped without first consulting with a healthcare provider, as stopping too quickly could cause adverse events or symptoms.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for this drug?

You will need to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate you and determine if escitalopram is appropriate.

Who cannot or should not take this drug?

Examples include but are not limited to:
  • people with a known allergy to escitalopram, citalopram or any of its active ingredients
  • people with severe renal impairment
  • people on MAOIs
  • people who are breastfeeding/producing breast milk
  • people with heart problems

How do you buy escitalopram online?

Consultation with a psychiatrist or other qualified psychiatry provider through our platform. If prescribed escitalopram, genuine escitalopram will be shipped to you discreetly. You’ll have ongoing check-ins with a psychiatry provider to evaluate whether your treatment plan is working.

What are the side effects of escitalopram?

The most common side effects of escitalopram include:
  • nausea
  • somnolence (excessive sleepiness)
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • feeling anxious
  • trouble sleeping
  • sexual dysfunction
  • sweating
  • shaking
  • loss of appetite
  • dry mouth
  • constipation
  • infection
  • yawning
More serious side effects include:
  • increased risk of QT prolongation (lengthened recovery time between heartbeats)
  • increased risk of developing glaucoma
  • suicidal thoughts
Discuss any adverse effects you experience with your healthcare professional and ensure discontinuation of escitalopram or adjustment of dosing as recommended.

What are potential drug interactions with escitalopram?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, such as linezolid, phenelzine, etc), increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a mild to a life-threatening build-up of serotonin in the system. A combination of MAOIs with escitalopram could lead to a spike in blood pressure, sudden rise in body temperature or severe seizures. Similarly, escitalopram can interact with other agents that affect serotonin in the brain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, certain pain medications, supplements that contain St. John's Wort or tryptophan. Be prepared to share all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any other products you take, with your provider. Seek medical advice before combining any drugs with escitalopram treatment.
Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.

Can you take escitalopram (generic for Lexapro) for bipolar disorder?

Under close advisory, some healthcare professionals will prescribe low doses of escitalopram for mood stabilizing, such as in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, the hims platform does not treat bipolar disorder and will only prescribe escitalopram to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Learn more about escitalopram

Important safety information

Learn more about escitalopram

Important safety information

Important Safety Information

Do not take Escitalopram if you:
  • are allergic to Escitalopram, or any of the ingredients in Escitalopram
  • take any medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days
  • also take pimozide (Orap) or citalopram (Celexa)
  • are drinking alcohol
  • are using or abusing recreation drugs or prescription medications
Escitalopram can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:
  • increased bleeding (gums)
  • low sodium blood levels (symptoms may include headache, weakness and difficulty remembering or concentrating)
  • teeth grinding
  • seizure
  • angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye)
  • serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death)
Before you take Escitalopram, tell your healthcare provider if you:
  • have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
  • have a history of psychiatric or medical problems, including bipolar disorder
  • have taken any medication in the past for your condition, whether effective or not
  • have suffered adverse or side effects from previous medication therapies
  • are receiving any non-medication treatment, such as talk therapy
  • drink alcohol or use/abuse recreational or prescription drugs
  • are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and recreational drugs.
Escitalopram may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way Escitalopram works, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:
  • aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • warfarin, and other anticoagulants
  • any other serotonergic medications, migraine medications (triptans), pain medications, antibiotic linezolid, amphetamines
During treatment with this medication, the side effects of this medication may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. The most common side effects of Escitalopram: headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating, feeling nervous, restless, fatigued, sleepy or having trouble sleeping (insomnia). Sexual side effects, such as problems with orgasm or ejaculatory delay often do not diminish over time.
Escitalopram is a prescription medicine used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). (May also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.)
If you miss a dose of Escitalopram, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.
Do not abruptly stop taking Escitalopram even when you feel better. Abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms including: vomiting, irritability, dizziness, headaches, sensation of tingling skin, or nightmares.
Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.
Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. If these symptoms emerge, they should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or healthcare professional. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their healthcare provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.
If you no longer need your medication, the best way to dispose of most types of old, unused, unwanted, or expired medicines (both prescription and over the counter) is to drop off the medicine at a drug take back site, location, or program immediately. You can use the DEA DIVERSION CONTROL DIVISION LOOKUP to find your nearest drug disposal site.
If no drug take back sites, locations, or programs are available in your area, and there are no specific disposal instructions (such as flushing) in the medication guide or package insert, you can follow these simple steps to dispose of most medicines in your trash at home:
  • Mix medicines (liquid or pills; do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
  • Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
  • Throw away the container in your trash at home; and
  • Delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or medicine packaging, then trash or recycle the empty bottle or packaging.
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If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.

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* Controlled substances, including amphetamines (such as Adderall) or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) are not available through our platform.