Lexapro (Escitalopram)

With Talkspace online psychiatry, the first step is to complete a brief assessment that helps match you with a qualified psychiatric clinician. Once you’re matched with a psychiatric clinician, you’ll have a live video session where you’ll share how you’ve been feeling and your symptoms. 

From there, they’ll prescribe a treatment plan specific to your needs and medical history. Your provider may prescribe you Lexapro or its generic form. Upon receiving a Lexapro prescription online, you can get medications sent to your local pharmacy or directly to your door. Getting the brand-name or the FDA-approved generic Lexapro is simple and convenient, your provider can send the prescription directly to your preferred pharmacy.

No. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription medication, so you cannot purchase it over-the-counter. You will need to have Lexapro (escitalopram) prescribed to you by a licensed provider who is able to prescribe medications, like a doctor or nurse practitioner. You can get a prescription for Lexapro online through Talkspace after a video consultation with a licensed psychiatry provider, if the provider decides that Lexapro (escitalopram) is an appropriate treatment for you.

Common side effects of Lexapro and its generic form, escitalopram, that are usually  mild include dry mouth, sweating, insomnia, sleepiness, fatigue, and more. For many people, these side effects lessen  as you continue taking Lexapro and your body adjusts to it.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide, excessive bleeding, erections that last four hours or longer, a high temperature, constant headaches, confusion, unexplained weight changes, changes to your period, or other side effects as indicated on your prescription label. It’s important to take Lexapro exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Side effects may vary depending on whether you're taking brand-name Lexapro or generic escitalopram. Your psychiatric provider or pharmacist can explain how each version might affect you. If side effects become difficult to manage, your prescriber may adjust or recommend an alternative medication.

Yes, you can get a Lexapro (escitalopram) prescription or refill from Talkspace, after a video consultation with one of our licensed psychiatry providers (assuming the provider determines that it is an appropriate treatment for you). Simply sign up for Talkspace Psychiatry then you’ll be matched with a psychiatry provider licensed in your state. At your video appointment your psychiatry provider will ask questions about your symptoms and health history. If you are already taking Lexapro and simply want to continue with a renewal of your prescription or refill, your Talkspace provider can continue your prescription if they determine it is medically appropriate. You will have follow-up appointments with your provider every three months for ongoing medication management, to make sure Lexapro is working for you and address any mental health needs.

Yes, most major health insurance plans cover mental health treatment, including medications like brand-name and generic Lexapro. However, coverage will change from one insurer to another. To determine if your specific health plan covers Lexapro, you can contact your insurance provider directly and ask about coverage for mental health treatments and medications. When using Talkspace, you’ll be able to check your insurance coverage for online psychiatry during sign-up.

The price you pay for Lexapro (escitalopram) will depend on whether or not you’re paying with insurance and what your insurance copay is. The prices of prescription medications sometimes vary a lot by pharmacy, so to get the best price for Lexapro you might want to look at websites like GoodRx and CostPlusDrugs. You should also contact your insurance company to find out the most affordable way to get your prescription for Lexapro (escitalopram). Some insurance companies charge less when you fill your prescriptions through their mail-order pharmacies.

Lexapro (escitalopram) is taken in different forms, dosages, and frequency, depending on your mental health condition and the treatment plan prescribed by your provider. Lexapro is generally taken orally in pill form, although it can be taken in liquid form if needed. This medication is typically taken once a day, either with or without food. Consistency is key with the brand-name or the FDA-approved generic Lexapro. Your prescriber will likely start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually as needed to treat your symptoms. 

While it can take several weeks for Lexapro to start taking effect, many people find some relief from their mental health symptoms shortly after beginning this prescription medication. Lexapro affects others differently but generally works by improving overall mood, increasing energy levels, and reducing stress.

Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and be mindful of drug interactions, dosage instructions, and potential side effects.

Weight loss or weight gain varies from person to person when taking any antidepressant, including Lexapro. Some people may lose weight when first taking Lexapro but other people might gain weight.  For example, Lexapro can cause weight loss if it increases a person’s energy levels and pushes them to exercise more. However, it can cause weight gain because of an increase in appetite or because people might eat more as a result of feeling less depressed or anxious. It all depends on the individual person and their circumstances.

Lexapro and Xanax are not the same medication or in the same medication class. They are both brand name prescription-only medications for mental health disorders, but Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while Xanax is a benzodiazepine, known to have a relaxing, sedative effect. Both Lexapro and Xanax are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders or panic disorders. Lexapro can also treat depression. Xanax is a controlled substance while Lexapro is not.

You should only take Lexapro or its generic form if prescribed by a licensed psychiatric clinician. Do not take Lexapro if you’re allergic to it or any of its ingredients like escitalopram. Make sure your provider is aware of all other medications you’re taking, whether they’re for your mental or physical health, so they can judge whether lexapro is safe for you to take. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, you may need to avoid Lexapro as it can have serious effects on late term pregnancy.

It’s important to talk to your doctor to get the right medication for your situation. Do not stop taking Lexapro suddenly as it needs to be gradually stopped, and always consult your psychiatrist before stopping medication or trying alternative treatment options.

There are several different medications your psychiatrist may prescribe for anxiety or depression.

Other medications used to treat general anxiety disorder include:

• Propranolol
• Trazodone
• Buspar
• Cymbalta
• Neurontin
• Fluoxetine
• Escitalopram

Other medications for depression include:

• Citalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Paxil
• Prozac
• Wellbutrin
• Abilify
• Lithium
• Seroquel
• Zyprexa
• Remeron

Lexapro (escitalopram) is just one of many SSRIs available, and each antidepressant may affect individuals differently.

Your psychiatric provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms and medical history.

Lexapro, which goes by the generic name escitalopram, is widely prescribed to treat a number of mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. It is also prescribed “off-label” for other conditions like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Off-label” drug uses are when the FDA hasn’t labeled that medication for treatment of certain specific conditions but doctors have found it effective in certain cases. Lexaprop is a type of mental health medication called an SSRI, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. These medications work by increasing the availability of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in your brain, which reduces symptoms of anxiety or depression.