Escitalopram (Generic for Lexapro®) Tablets

What Escitalopram Is and How It Works

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It increases serotonin levels in the brain. This helps relieve symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram oxalate is the active ingredient. It is supplied as oral tablets in strengths such as escitalopram 5mg tablets, escitalopram 10mg tablets, and escitalopram 20mg tablets.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

Escitalopram is used for depression and anxiety management in adults, as directed by a prescriber. The usual dosing is once daily. Many people start with escitalopram 10mg. A higher dose, such as escitalopram 20mg, may be considered if more effect is needed after a period of use. The brand name for escitalopram is Lexapro, called Cipralex in Canada. If you are searching for the lexapro generic name or another name for escitalopram, you are in the right place.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies internationally to supply authentic brand medicines alongside generics, offering broad choice at affordable pricing.

Dosage and Usage

• Take escitalopram once daily, at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food.
• Typical adult start is 10 mg daily. A prescriber may increase to 20 mg after at least one week if needed.
• Older adults or those with liver issues often remain at 10 mg daily.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush unless your prescriber agrees.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Do not stop suddenly. Tapering the dose may be needed to reduce discontinuation symptoms.
• Avoid use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of MAOI therapy.
• Limit alcohol. Alcohol may worsen drowsiness and impair judgment.

• Store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and humidity.
• Store out of reach of children and pets.
• For travel, keep tablets in carry-on baggage with the pharmacy label.
• Avoid leaving medicine in a parked car or direct heat.

Benefits and Savings

Escitalopram generic offers proven symptom relief for depression and anxiety. Many people notice better mood, improved interest in daily activities, and reduced worry. Once-daily dosing is convenient. Tablets are small and easy to take.

Ordering escitalopram generic from our Canadian pharmacy can lower your monthly spend. You may see 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. Multi-month supplies often reduce the per-month escitalopram cost. You can set gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. Compare the escitalopram price by strength to see what fits your prescription and budget.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping or sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Sexual side effects, such as decreased libido or delayed orgasm

More serious effects can occur. These include serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs), abnormal bleeding (higher risk with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants), low sodium (hyponatremia), angle-closure glaucoma, and seizures. Escitalopram can prolong the QT interval in a dose-dependent manner; use caution in those with known QT prolongation or on QT-prolonging drugs. Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in young people, especially when starting or changing dose. Seek urgent care for thoughts of self-harm, chest palpitations, or signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, fever, or muscle stiffness.

Onset Time

Some symptoms, like anxiety and sleep changes, may start to improve in 1–2 weeks. Mood, energy, and full antidepressant effect can take 4–6 weeks or longer. Your prescriber may adjust the dose after the first week if needed. Continue taking the medicine as directed to see steady benefits.

Compare With Alternatives

Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and is often well tolerated. People who do not respond to one SSRI may respond to another. The brand versions are sold as Cipralex in Canada and Lexapro in the US; you can review both via our combined listing for Cipralex® Lexapro.

Fluoxetine is another SSRI with a long half-life. It may suit those who prefer morning dosing and a lower risk of discontinuation symptoms. See our listing for Fluoxetine to compare options with your prescriber.

Paroxetine (brand Paxil) is an SSRI that can be effective but may cause more weight gain or sedation for some people. It also has more withdrawal symptoms on abrupt stopping. Discuss risks and benefits if considering a switch.

Combination Therapy

• Psychotherapy such as CBT alongside escitalopram may improve outcomes.
• Buspirone may be used with an SSRI for persistent anxiety, as directed by a prescriber.
• Bupropion or mirtazapine may be considered for augmentation in partial response.
• Avoid MAOIs, linezolid, methylene blue, and other strong serotonergic combinations due to serotonin syndrome risk.
• When adding interacting medicines, prescribers may adjust doses to reduce side effects.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Escitalopram is used for adults with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. It may not be suitable for people with a history of serotonin syndrome, uncontrolled seizures, bipolar disorder unless mood-stabilized, significant hyponatremia, or known QT prolongation. Avoid with pimozide. Use caution in older adults or those on diuretics due to sodium changes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized discussion. There are risks from untreated depression and from medication exposure. Your clinician can help weigh options. People with narrow-angle glaucoma risk should seek evaluation before starting an SSRI. Report new agitation, irritability, or mood changes soon after starting or changing the dose.

To manage the escitalopram cost, choose the generic escitalopram oxalate your prescriber specifies, compare strengths, and consider a multi-month fill to lower the per-month price. You can use our gentle reorder reminders to help time your next shipment. Buying the exact strength your prescriber recommends helps avoid tablet splitting waste.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate)

Health Canada Drug Product: Cipralex (escitalopram) listing

Manufacturer information for Lexapro

Order Escitalopram from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the pharmacy label.