Escitalopram (generic for Lexapro®)
FDA Approved
Escitalopram (generic for Lexapro®)
- Escitalopram Oxalate ()
Generic For Lexapro®
How does Cabinet care for you?
Seamless transfer process. Our pharmacist will coordinate with your current pharmacy or provider to transfer your prescription.
Better for the planet. Our pharmacy will send your prescription refills in plastic-free, compostable pouches.
Stress-free refills. Our care team will help manage your refills and prescription renewals, so you don't have to worry about running out of pills.
Satisfaction guarantee. If your care needs aren't being met, our care team is here and eager to help! If you're not satisfied, we can transfer your prescription back to your old pharmacy at any time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Escitalopram is the generic equivalent of Lexapro®.
By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).
Escitalopram is FDA approved for the treatment of:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder (PD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It works by blocking the brain’s quick absorption of serotonin, a “feed good” chemical in your brain. The end result? An increased level of serotonin in your brain, which is thought to improve mood.
The most common side effects of escitalopram include:
Nausea
Sleepiness or trouble sleeping
Weakness, dizziness
Feeling anxious or shaking
Sexual problems
Sweating
Lack of appetite
Dry mouth, constipation
Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine. This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects of escitalopram. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.
If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA also has a helpful medication guide for escitalopram here.
Escitalopram (Lexapro®) can does come with serious warnings. These include:
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions*
Serotonin syndrome—a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain
Severe allergic reactions
Abnormal bleeding
Seizures or convulsions
Manic episodes
Changes in appetite or weight
Low sodium levels in the blood
Glaucoma
If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.
*A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.
Escitalopram may be taken with or without food.
If you accidentally miss your dose of escitalopram, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Don’t take two doses of escitalopram at the same time.
During pregnancy: While SSRIs, including escitalopram, are generally considered to be the safest options during pregnancy, risks may still exist.
While breastfeeding: Studies have found that small amounts of escitalopram can enter breast milk, but it remains uncertain whether the drug will affect your baby.
It’s important to treat mental health-related conditions when pregnant or nursing, as untreated depression, anxiety, or other mental illness can harm both you and baby. Always let your provider know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so you can discuss the risks and benefits of starting or continuing escitalopram.
It’s recommended to avoid or limit the use of alcohol when taking escitalopram. Alcohol can intensify the side effects of escitalopram, including dizziness and sleepiness.
Escitalopram can interact with some medicines and supplements. It’s always recommended to give both your doctor and pharmacy an updated list of everything you’re taking, so drug interactions can be identified.
Some medicines and supplements escitalopram can interact with include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid
Other SSRIs: citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine
SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran
Sumatriptan
Alcohol
Digoxin
Lithium
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Carbamazepine
Ritonavir
Metoprolol
This list doesn’t represent all the drugs that may not be safe to take with escitalopram. If you’re unsure whether a certain drug or supplement can be taken with escitalopram, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA also has a helpful medication guide for escitalopram here.
by Joanna Tam, Healthcare and Content Manager
Disclaimer: The information on this page is a summary and is not intended to cover all available information about this medication. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare provider before starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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