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Escitalopram

Brand names: Lexapro

Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Brand namesLexapro
Type of medicineSSRI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It raises serotonin activity in the brain. Benefits usually build over 2 to 6 weeks.

What it's used for

  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, morning or evening, with or without food.
  • Don't stop suddenly. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping or sleepiness
  • Sweating
  • Sexual side effects
  • Tiredness
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Agitation, fever, muscle twitching, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call 911Fainting or a fast, pounding, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayUnusual bleeding or bruising

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting. Watch closely.
  • Avoid alcohol.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.
  • Don't take with citalopram (Celexa).

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks. Don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.