Escitalopram (Lexapro)

While it isn't known exactly how Escitalopram reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression, we do know that it increases the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that impacts your mood, sleep, and other bodily functions. Researchers have found that Escitalopram helps to balance the serotonin levels in the brain to reduce patients' anxiety and enhance their moods. Be prepared for the fact that it may take one or two weeks to start to feel more like yourself again and up to four weeks to feel the full benefit of the medication. It's important to let your doctor know if your symptoms don't start to improve or if they get worse.

Yes! Because Escitalopram is a safe and popular option for treating anxiety and depression, it's easily available at most pharmacies. It's also covered by most Medicare and insurance plans. Don't have insurance? No problem! We at Nurx can help get access to Escitalopram without breaking the bank. It does require a doctor's prescription, though. We know it isn't always easy to find time in your schedule for seeing a doctor. That's why we have real doctors in every state we work in, making it simple for you to have a consultation with a doctor and get your prescription directly over the internet. The Nurx Headache and Migraine Treatment costs $60 per year, a fee that's charged upfront when you submit your assessment and videos for your medical evaluation. Insurance doesn't cover the fee for treatment. However, we will bill your insurance company for the cost of your medication and the co-pay you're responsible for is dependent on your insurance plan. If you don't have insurance, you can expect the medication to cost $25-$70 per month depending on your treatment.

Like any medication, you should always consult with a physician before taking Escitalopram. It's important to let your doctor know about any medication you're taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, supplements, and vitamins. They can confirm that it's safe to take Escitalopram with your other medications.

You shouldn't use Escitalopram if you're allergic to Citalopram (Celexa). Let your doctor know if you have any other allergies, as there may be inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions.

It's important to let your doctor know if you ever have had:

Stroke.

Liver or kidney disease.

Heart disease or high blood pressure.

A bleeding or blood clotting disorder.

Seizures.

Low levels of sodium in your blood.

Bipolar disorder.

Suicidal thoughts or a drug addiction.

Our favorite part about Escitalopram is that it tends to have fewer side effects than other antidepressants and can be taken with other medications as part of a combination therapy. Like every antidepressant, Escitalopram does carry a chance of side effects, although they are most common during the first two weeks of treatment and usually go away over time. The side effects that are most commonly reported are insomnia, abnormal dreams, restlessness, anxiety, headaches, dizziness, tremors, lethargy, and paresthesia.

Serious side effects are uncommon but can include changes in sexual ability, bruising or bleeding easily, and a decrease in sex drive. While extremely rare, some of the most serious side effects that have been documented are fainting, bloody or black stools, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, enlarged pupils, and changes in vision.

Like any drug, Escitalopram can interact with other drugs and supplements, which is why it's important to always communicate to your doctor any medication, supplements, or herbs you're taking. Avoid taking Escitalopram if you also take Citalopram or Pimozide. In addition, avoid using Escitalopram within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAOI.

Escitalopram can thin your blood a little bit, so if you take a blood thinner, you do run the risk of increased bleeding. There are certain migraine drugs, called triptans, that work similarly to Escitalopram. If you take Escitalopram alone with a migraine drug, you could increase the likelihood of side effects. The same is true of certain antidepressant drugs, those that affect the central nervous system, and drugs that reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine. Also, talk to your doctor if you're taking water pills to decrease sodium levels in your body, as taking Escitalopram with them can increase your risk for low sodium levels.

While we usually prescribe the generic version of a drug for our patients, every patient starts their journey with us by filling out an assessment and answering questions. If a patient communicates that they have used the name-brand version of a drug and had success with that medication in the past, our provider will often prescribe it.

Yes! All you need to do is fill out the assessment, provide your insurance information if you have it, and "meet" with your provider for a consultation. After the provider has spoken with you, they will provide the best treatment plan for your condition. Once you've done these things, one of our approved doctors in your state will review the request and get your prescription written right away. Even better? We will ship the medication directly to your door, which means you don't have to waste time driving to the pharmacy to pick it up!

We use USPS one to three-day priority shipping to provide free delivery, so prescription deliveries will typically arrive in as little as three to five business days after receiving your completed request.

Escitalopram is manufactured by Pharmaceutical Industries/IVAX Pharmaceuticals, a U.S.-based manufacturer that produces many generic medications.

Escitalopram is the generic version for the branded drug Lexapro, which means it is essentially the same thing in terms of dosage, safety, strength, effectiveness, stability, and quality.

It really doesn't matter unless your doctor tells you to take it at a specific time. You can take it at any time of day as long as you stick to the same time each day.

Escitalopram belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It's not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

For most people, it's safe to take Escitalopram for long periods of time. Though uncommon, some people do experience a decreased sex drive over time or difficulty getting an erection. Otherwise, there have not been documented lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months or even years.

It's best to avoid alcohol when you're taking Escitalopram, since drinking can potentially lead to serious side effects like an increase in anxiety or depression, liver problems, or drowsiness. If you are taking Escitalopram, you should speak with your doctor before consuming any alcohol.

Escitalopram can make you feel less hungry, which can result in some weight loss when you first begin taking it. You may gain the weight back as your appetite returns. If you do experience problems with weight loss or weight gain while taking the drug, you should talk to your doctor or one of our Nurx-approved physicians.