Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription oral tablet used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Lexapro is also available as a generic drug. With GAD, you have uncontrollable worry about common occurrences.
The active ingredient in Lexapro is escitalopram. Lexapro belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). To learn more about Lexapro, see this in-depth article.
Lexapro has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “What should I know before taking Lexapro?” section.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), also called anxiety, is a condition that causes you to experience intense, excessive, uncontrollable worry. These worries are about common situations and occurrences, such as your health, family, or finances.
GAD is different from typical feelings of anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety at some time. But in people with GAD, these feelings are excessive, overwhelming, and don’t go away. The feelings can be intense enough to interfere with your ability to carry out daily activities and maintain relationships.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
GAD can have physical and mental symptoms.
Mental symptoms of anxiety include:
- difficulty concentrating or relaxing
- feeling irritable, nervous, or as if you’re overthinking
- fatigue
- difficulty sleeping
- an inability to let go of worries
Physical symptoms of anxiety include:
- tension in your muscles
- trembling or twitching in your muscles
- sweating
- dry mouth
- repeated gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or stomach aches
People with GAD experience symptoms over long periods of time (at least 6 months) and have worries about many different topics. They’re often unable to identify a source of their worries.
What is Lexapro prescribed for?
Lexapro is prescribed to treat GAD in adults and children ages 7 years and older.
Ask your doctor if you have additional questions about how GAD is diagnosed.
Lexapro is prescribed to treat GAD in adults and children ages 7 years and older. Here are more details on how Lexapro works to treat anxiety.
How does Lexapro work?
Doctors are still trying to understand the exact cause of GAD. While there is some understanding, it’s not fully known what causes the condition or why it affects certain people but not others. It’s thought that people with GAD may have increased or changed activity in certain parts of the brain related to introspective thinking and managing worrying situations.
Lexapro increases the amount of serotonin in your central nervous system (CNS). Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a certain type of chemical messenger) made naturally by your body. It’s thought that serotonin plays a key role in regulating your mood and emotions, including managing feelings of anxiety.
Serotonin can be absorbed from the brain back into your blood. Lexapro blocks the reabsorption of serotonin, which increases the level of serotonin in the brain.
Is Lexapro used in children?
Yes, Lexapro is used in children. For treating GAD, Lexapro is approved for use in children ages 7 years and older.
Studies have shown Lexapro to be effective at improving anxiety symptoms related to GAD in adults and children ages 7 years and older.
SSRIs, including Lexapro, are typically considered first-choice treatments for GAD. For example, guidelines for treating GAD from the American Association of Family Physicians recommend SSRIs such as Lexapro as first-line treatments.
Lexapro may be used alone to treat GAD. It may also be combined with psychotherapy (talk therapy), such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about Lexapro’s effectiveness.
Lexapro comes as an oral tablet. Here’s more information on typical Lexapro dosages for treating anxiety and how to take the medication.
What is the usual dosage for Lexapro?
For treating anxiety, the usual Lexapro dosage is 10 milligrams (mg) taken once per day. The maximum dosage is 20 mg taken once daily.
Note: Lexapro has other uses in addition to treating anxiety. The dosage may be different for these other uses. To learn more, talk with your doctor.
How do you take Lexapro?
Lexapro comes as a tablet that you swallow. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. If you have trouble swallowing Lexapro tablets, let your doctor know. The generic for Lexapro is available in an oral liquid solution, and your doctor may choose to prescribe the liquid form instead.
You can take Lexapro doses with or without food.
How often should I take Lexapro?
Lexapro is usually taken once per day. There’s no one “best time” to take Lexapro for anxiety. You may take your dose at any time of day.
Lexapro is typically used as a long-term treatment if you and your doctor agree that it’s safe and working for you. Ask your doctor if you have additional questions regarding how long you should take Lexapro for anxiety.
Using Lexapro for anxiety* may cause side effects in some people. These side effects can be mild or serious.
The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported in people using Lexapro. For information about other possible side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
You can also learn more from the side effect article on Lexapro or from Lexapro’s prescribing information.
* Side effects of Lexapro when used to treat other indications were the same as when it was used for anxiety.
What are Lexapro’s mild side effects?
Lexapro may cause mild side effects in some people. These include:
In many cases, mild side effects from the drug can be temporary. Some side effects may be easy to manage, too. But if side effects last for a longer time, or if they bother you or become severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What are Lexapro’s serious side effects?
Taking Lexapro may lead to rare but serious side effects. Examples include:
- discontinuation syndrome (symptoms that begin when you stop taking certain antidepressants, including Lexapro)
- increased risk of bleeding
- low blood sodium (hyponatremia)
- priapism
- serotonin syndrome
- seizures
- boxed warning: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults*
Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Lexapro. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
* To learn more about this warning, see the “What should I know before using Lexapro?” section in this article.
Allergic reactionFor some people, Lexapro can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Lexapro treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lexapro, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Before you use Lexapro, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned below.
Boxed warning: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults
This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Antidepressants, including Lexapro, can cause a short-term increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. It’s not known whether this risk continues with long-term Lexapro treatment. It’s important to note that depression and other mental health conditions also increase this risk.
During treatment with Lexapro, your doctor will closely monitor your mental health. Immediately let them know if you develop symptoms of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you’re comfortable doing so, consider letting a close family member or friend know you’re taking Lexapro. They can help monitor for any changes in your mood and behavior.
What other warnings should I know about?
In addition to boxed warnings, Lexapro has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before using Lexapro.
- epilepsy or a history of seizures
- bipolar disorder or mania or hypomania
- a liver condition, such as cirrhosis
- glaucoma
- heart disease or another heart condition
- a severe kidney condition, such as kidney failure, or you’re receiving kidney dialysis
- low blood sodium (hyponatremia)
- a condition that increases your risk of bleeding, such as hemophilia
- if you take or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drug, such as phenelzine (Nardil)
- if you take the drug pimozide
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
- an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
The price of Lexapro depends on several factors. These can include:
- your treatment plan
- your insurance plan
- the pharmacy you use
- your location
Lexapro is a brand-name drug that’s also available as a generic. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generics. To learn about the generic form, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To save money on your Lexapro prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.)
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.