Escitalopram (Generic Lexapro®) Tablets for Depression and Anxiety

What Escitalopram Is and How It Works

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It is taken by mouth once daily. Strengths include 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. Many people compare escitalopram 10mg tablets with 20 mg when discussing dose changes. Some patients look for escitalopram without insurance to lower out-of-pocket costs. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing, and you can order online at Canadian prices.

Escitalopram increases serotonin levels by blocking its reuptake in the brain. Steadier serotonin can ease low mood, anxiety, and related symptoms. It is the s‑enantiomer of citalopram and tends to be more selective for the serotonin transporter. Benefits usually build over several weeks. We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies internationally to keep authentic brands and a broad selection available at fair prices.

YouDrugstore offers both brand and generic medicines, plus OTC health products, and our customer-service chat is available during posted office hours. Pharmacists can address medication questions by request through our team.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions. Typical adult dosing:

• Major depressive disorder: start 10 mg once daily. If needed, increase to 20 mg after at least 1 week.
• Generalized anxiety disorder: start 10 mg once daily. Some patients start at 5 mg, then move to 10 mg after a week.
• Maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily for most adults.
• Hepatic impairment or older adults may use 10 mg as a usual maximum; follow prescriber guidance.

Administration tips:

• Take at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole. If splitting is needed, confirm the tablet is scored and ask your pharmacist.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation. Tapering helps reduce withdrawal effects.

Missed dose and travel/storage:

• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place, away from moisture and light.
• Keep in the original labeled container and out of children’s reach.
• When you travel, carry medicine in hand luggage, keep the label visible, and avoid extreme heat or freezing.

Benefits and Savings

Escitalopram can reduce persistent low mood, worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms of anxiety. Many patients notice better sleep, concentration, and daily function. Once-daily dosing is convenient, and the medication is available in multiple strengths to support gradual titration.

Buying from YouDrugstore can offer 60–80% savings compared with typical U.S. prices. Patients who pay without insurance often find generics more affordable, and multi-month supplies can further reduce per-month cost. Our team can set gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out between visits.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.

• Common: nausea, headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, sweating, diarrhea or constipation, and fatigue.
• Sexual effects: decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, or anorgasmia can occur.
• Weight: small changes may happen over time; keep a steady diet and activity plan.
• Activation: some feel jittery at the start; taking it in the morning can help if insomnia occurs.
• Serious: serotonin syndrome (agitation, fever, stiff muscles, fast heart rate), low sodium (confusion, seizures), angle-closure glaucoma, or increased bleeding risk with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
• Heart rhythm: QT prolongation can occur, especially at higher doses, with certain interactions, or in those with risk factors.
• Mood changes: watch for new or worsening anxiety, agitation, or suicidal thoughts, especially at initiation or dose changes.

Drug interactions include MAOIs, linezolid, methylene blue, other serotonergic drugs (triptans, tramadol, St. John’s wort), and medicines that raise escitalopram levels. Alcohol can worsen drowsiness. Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements. Do not stop suddenly; ask your prescriber about tapering if a change is needed.

Onset Time

Some improvement may be felt in 1–2 weeks, such as reduced anxiety or better sleep. Mood and interest often improve over 4–6 weeks. Full benefit for both depression and anxiety can continue to build beyond six weeks. If benefits are limited, prescribers may adjust the dose or consider adjuncts.

Compare With Alternatives

SSRIs share many features but differ in side-effect profiles and interactions. Paroxetine, sold as Paxil®, may be helpful for anxiety but can cause more weight gain and anticholinergic effects than escitalopram. The controlled-release version, Paxil® CR, can improve tolerability for some patients.

For treatment-resistant cases, clinicians sometimes consider MAOIs such as Nardil® (phenelzine). These require dietary restrictions and careful monitoring due to interaction risks. Other SSRI options include sertraline and fluoxetine, and SNRIs such as venlafaxine or duloxetine may help when pain and anxiety coexist. The best choice depends on symptoms, medical history, tolerability, and interaction risks.

Combination Therapy

Escitalopram pairs well with psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and related approaches can improve outcomes and may reduce relapse risk. Clinicians sometimes add adjuncts such as buspirone, bupropion, or mirtazapine if response is partial. Short-term benzodiazepines may be used for acute anxiety but are not a long-term solution. Do not combine with MAOIs; a washout period is required when switching.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Escitalopram suits many adults with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. It may also be used for panic or obsessive symptoms under clinician guidance. Those with certain heart rhythm conditions, severe liver disease, low sodium, seizure disorders, or recent MAOI use need special caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss risks and benefits with their clinician.

To manage costs, choose generics when appropriate, consider a 90-day supply to lower the monthly price, and use our reorder reminders. Many patients compare prices when paying out of pocket and find consistent value here. You can learn more about these conditions on our Anxiety and Depression pages. For background on treatment choices and interaction checks, see our articles What Are The Best Medications For Depression and Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar.

Authoritative Sources

See the Health Canada Drug Product Database entry for escitalopram under Cipralex for Canadian monograph details: Health Canada DPD: Escitalopram (Cipralex). Review the U.S. FDA prescribing information for Lexapro for full warnings and dosing: FDA Prescribing Information: Lexapro. You may also consult the manufacturer’s U.S. product site for patient materials: Lexapro Official Site.

You can order escitalopram from YouDrugstore with confidence. We are a licensed Canadian pharmacy, and pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. Our team ships to the U.S. with prompt, express service, and we pack products securely to protect quality in transit.

This information is educational and does not replace your clinician’s advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine. If you have urgent questions about safety, contact your healthcare provider or local emergency services.