Image of a white pill bottle labeled
Image of a white pill bottle labeled
Rx
4.8
26,602 Nurx-wide reviews
Rx
Generic Lexapro®

Escitalopram OX

4.8
26,602 Nurx-wide reviews

Escitalopram† is an antidepressant that may be prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.

Depression Icon Depression
Anxiety Icon Anxiety
Pill Icon Pill

$25/month

As low as $0/month with insurance

Find my treatment

Medication shipped and billed every 1 or 3 months.
This treatment requires an online consultation with a Nurx medical provider. Cost may vary based on your insurance coverage, price not guaranteed. Not all insurance plans are accepted. Medication costs vary based on prescribed treatment and applicable insurance coverage and are shipped and billed separately as a 1-month or 3-month supply. Additional costs apply, including a monthly medication management fee.

A person with red hair and earrings smiles softly, with a blurred green background.

How escitalopram treats depression and anxiety*

  • Increases the amount of serotonin in the brain
  • Helps control mood
  • May relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anxious distress
Find my treatment
Blurry image of a field with colorful wildflowers and tall trees in the background.
Did you know?

42 million US adults

have anxiety disorder

21 million US adults

have experienced at least one major depressive episode

Real patient stories

The science behind it‡

Find my treatment
Fact 01

Boosts serotonin levels

Escitalopram increases of levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain.

Fact 02

SSRI antidepressant

This medication is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Two women sit on a couch engaged in conversation, with one smiling. A large plant is in the background.
Find my treatment
A person with red hair and freckles looks thoughtfully to the side, wearing a white shirt and earrings, with sunlight on their face.

How to use escitalopram

It can take 1-4 weeks to experience an improvement of symptoms when taking this medication. Your provider may gradually increase your dosage over time, which can impact how long it takes to see full benefits.

Drug facts

STEP 1

Take as prescribed by your provider.

STEP 2

May be taken with or without food.

STEP 3

Depending on how you respond to treatment, your provider may recommend adjusting your dosage.

How Nurx works◊

Find my treatment
1

Request treatment

Complete our online medical consultation, which asks questions about your health history and mental health symptoms.

2

Connect with a provider

After evaluating your consultation, a provider licensed in your state will prescribe treatment (if clinically appropriate).

3

Get it delivered

We’ll send a 1 or 3-month supply to your doorstep and check in with you to see how it’s working. Pause or cancel anytime.

Find my treatment
A blurred image of a natural landscape with indistinct trees and vegetation.

100%

online care

2+ million

Nurx patients served

A person wearing headphones and a beige sweater holds a smartphone with a floral case, glancing at an article on Tretinoin Cream.
Why Nurx?

Affordable

Quality treatment at an attainable price

Convenient

Easy refills & shipping to your door

Personalized

Providers help you find the right treatment

Supportive

Unlimited messaging for any questions, anytime

Common questions‡

See all FAQs
  • What is escitalopram?

    Escitalopram belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication works by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in your brain, including serotonin, which helps reduce anxiety and improve mood.

  • How does escitalopram work?

    Escitalopram belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. This medication works by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control your mood. Some people use escitalopram to help relieve symptoms of anxiety. For others, it’s used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) or major depressive disorder with anxious distress.

  • What are the side effects of escitalopram?

    The side effects of escitalopram are generally mild and may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, changes in sex drive, and increased sweating. If you experience more serious side effects or any side effects that don’t disappear within 1-2 weeks while taking escitalopram, you should contact your provider immediately. You should seek medical care right away if you experience extreme drowsiness or suicidal thoughts while taking escitalopram.

  • How long does it take for escitalopram to work?

    It may take up to six weeks to see the full benefits of this medication. Most people notice an improvement in depression or anxiety symptoms within 1 to 4 weeks of beginning escitalopram. Your provider may start you on a low dose and gradually increase your dose, which may impact how long it takes to feel the full benefits of escitalopram. Talk to your provider should you decide to stop taking escitalopram. This medication should be tapered slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

  • Who shouldn't take escitalopram?

    Escitalopram should not be taken by anyone who is currently taking another SSRI or who has had an allergic reaction to escitalopram or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the past. Allergic reactions are rare, but could occur with any SSRI medication. Escitalopram may also cause problems in newborns following delivery. Therefore, anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or currently breastfeeding should not take escitalopram.

  • Can I take escitalopram with other medications?

    Escitalopram can be taken with many prescription medications. However, it can interact with several types of drugs, including MAOIs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, some supplements, antidepressants, and other SSRIs. If you are taking any supplements or prescription medications, it’s a good idea to check in with your provider before taking escitalopram.

  • What are the risks of taking escitalopram?

    Tell your provider if you have had any heart issues, high blood pressure, stroke, or liver or kidney disease. Since escitalopram can cause drowsiness, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as it can increase drowsiness. Because escitalopram may cause problems in newborns, tell your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

  • How do I take escitalopram?

    Escitalopram is taken orally and should be taken around the same time daily with or without food. Over time, your provider may recommend a dosage increase, if necessary. You should always follow your provider's instructions when it comes to taking this medication.

See all FAQs

Please note: Nurx does not provide therapy or counseling. Nurx is not available for crisis response. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. IF YOU ARE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE, CONTACT 911 OR CALL/TEXT THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LINE AT 988. These services are available 24/7.

A person with tied-back hair and a light-colored jacket smiles against a plain background.
DR. GABRIELLA FARKAS, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Meet your medical team

Gabriella Farkas, MD PhD is the Medical Director for Nurx’s mental health services. Dr. Farkas is a board-certified psychiatrist who advises the Nurx medical team on how to provide the highest quality of care for mental health conditions through telehealth.

†Escitalopram tablets (5mg, 10mg, & 20mg), Rx only, treats major depressive disorder. Escitalopram may cause side effects including but not limited to nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, sexual problems, sleep problems. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
*Individual results may vary.
‡The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided here for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your provider.
◊Nurx does not provide talk therapy or crisis management. Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of the required consultation.

Talk to our providers

Not sure if this medication is right for you?

Connect with a Nurx provider for a personalized treatment recommendation.◊
Explore treatment options

Exceptional care at every step

At Nurx, we make it easy to get the expert healthcare you deserve. From schedules to health history, everybody is different—so we provide treatment and care that’s personalized to you. Through life’s cycles, changes, and transitions, we’re here to help you make informed choices about your health.

Nurx: Nurx.com's Apple App Nurx: Nurx.com's Apple App
Mockup of the Nurx app actions
Back to top