Lexapro: Effective SSRI Treatment for Depression and Anxiety
| Product dosage: 10mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 10 | $3.87 | $38.70 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 20 | $2.15 | $77.40 $43.00 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $1.58 | $116.10 $47.30 (59%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $0.86 | $232.20 $51.60 (78%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.76 | $348.30 $68.80 (80%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.72 | $464.40 $86.00 (81%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.62 | $696.60 $111.80 (84%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.57 | $1044.90 $154.80 (85%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.51
Best per pill | $1393.20 $184.90 (87%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 20mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 10 | $4.30 | $43.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 20 | $2.36 | $86.00 $47.30 (45%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $1.72 | $129.00 $51.60 (60%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.15 | $258.00 $68.80 (73%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.96 | $387.00 $86.00 (78%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.86 | $516.00 $103.20 (80%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.76 | $774.00 $137.60 (82%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.70 | $1161.00 $189.20 (84%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.63
Best per pill | $1548.00 $227.90 (85%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 5mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 10 | $3.44 | $34.40 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 20 | $1.94 | $68.80 $38.70 (44%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $1.43 | $103.20 $43.00 (58%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $0.79 | $206.40 $47.30 (77%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.57 | $309.60 $51.60 (83%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.47 | $412.80 $55.90 (86%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.33 | $619.20 $60.20 (90%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.27 | $928.80 $73.10 (92%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.23
Best per pill | $1238.40 $81.70 (93%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and adolescents. As one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants globally, it offers a favorable balance of efficacy and tolerability. Its mechanism of action involves enhancing serotonin activity in the brain, which helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being. Clinical studies and real-world use support its role as a first-line pharmacological option for these conditions.
Features
- Active ingredient: Escitalopram oxalate
- Available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg film-coated tablets
- Also available as an oral solution (1 mg/mL)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class
- FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder
- Bioavailability approximately 80%
- Half-life of 27–32 hours
- Metabolized primarily by the liver (CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6 enzymes)
Benefits
- Effectively reduces symptoms of depression, including low mood, loss of interest, and fatigue
- Alleviates excessive worry, tension, and physical symptoms associated with anxiety
- Generally well-tolerated with a lower incidence of side effects compared to some older antidepressants
- Once-daily dosing supports treatment adherence
- Non-sedating for most patients, allowing daytime functionality
- Improves overall quality of life and social functioning
Common use
Lexapro is commonly prescribed for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12–17 years, as well as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. It may also be used off-label for other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, though such use should be guided by a healthcare professional based on individual assessment.
Dosage and direction
The recommended starting dose for most adults is 10 mg once daily, which may be increased to 20 mg daily after a minimum of one week, based on therapeutic response and tolerability. For adolescents aged 12–17 with MDD, the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. Dose adjustments are necessary in patients with hepatic impairment—a maximum of 10 mg daily is advised. Lexapro may be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole; the oral solution should be measured with the provided dosing device.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of therapy or after dose changes. Lexapro may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when used with NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation. Use with caution in patients with a history of mania/hypomania or seizures. Discontinuation should be gradual to avoid withdrawal symptoms. May cause hyponatremia, especially in elderly patients or those taking diuretics.
Contraindications
Lexapro is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI therapy due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. It should not be used concomitantly with pimozide or in patients with known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram.
Possible side effects
Common side effects (≥5% and greater than placebo) include nausea, insomnia, ejaculation disorder, fatigue, drowsiness, increased sweating, and decreased libido. Less common but serious side effects may include serotonin syndrome, abnormal bleeding, angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia, manic episodes, and seizures. Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia, may occur.
Drug interaction
Lexapro has the potential to interact with several medications. Concomitant use with MAOIs is contraindicated. Strong inhibitors of CYP2C19 (e.g., fluconazole) or CYP2D6 may increase escitalopram levels. Use with serotonergic drugs (e.g., tramadol, triptans) increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Concurrent use with NSAIDs, aspirin, or other antiplatelet drugs may increase bleeding risk.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Doubling up on doses is not recommended.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, and sinus tachycardia. In severe cases, seizures or ECG changes (e.g., QT prolongation) may occur. There is no specific antidote; management involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion was recent.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F), with excursions permitted between 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep the container tightly closed and protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Reviews
Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance indicate that Lexapro is effective and generally well-tolerated. Many patients report significant improvement in mood and anxiety symptoms within 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Common positive feedback highlights its minimal weight gain and sedative effects compared to some alternatives. Criticisms occasionally note initial side effects such as nausea or sexual dysfunction, though these often diminish over time. Individual responses vary, and a healthcare provider should tailor treatment to each patient’s needs.