Lexapro generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Lexapro generic
• Brand-name vs. generic Lexapro
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• How to switch
• Getting the most out of Lexapro generic
• FAQs

In this article

• Lexapro generic
• Brand-name vs. generic Lexapro
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• How to switch
• Getting the most out of Lexapro generic
• FAQs

Lexapro is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. It contains the active ingredient escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These inhibitors increase serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood.

Related: Lexapro vs. Xanax

Is there a generic for Lexapro?

Yes, the generic for Lexapro is called escitalopram. It has been available since 2012 and is made by several drug manufacturers, including Aurobindo, Lupin, and Cipla. Escitalopram is more commonly dispensed than Lexapro because it is significantly less expensive while providing the same benefits.

Unless you or your healthcare provider specifically request the brand-name version, your pharmacy will most likely dispense the generic.

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Lexapro?

Brand-name medicines must undergo extensive testing to demonstrate safety and effectiveness before the FDA approves them. But the approval process for generic medications is abbreviated. Essentially, the generic manufacturer has to prove that the generic medication works in the same way and provides the same benefits and risks as its brand-name counterpart before it gets approved. Because generic manufacturers do not have to perform as much testing, generic medications tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Appearance

Generic Lexapro will look different than the brand-name version. It might differ in color, flavor, or shape, but it will work in the same way and provide the same effect as its brand-name equivalent.

Dosage forms

Brand-name Lexapro is only available as tablets. Generic Lexapro is available as tablets and as an oral solution. The brand and generic medications are available in the following strengths:

• Lexapro and escitalopram tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
• Escitalopram oral solution: 5 mg/5 mL

The standard dosage is 10 mg once daily for adults and children. Depending on a patient’s response to the medication, the dosage can be raised to a maximum of 20 mg once daily. 

Clinical studies

The FDA requires that generic medicines be the same as their brand-name counterparts in terms of dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, quality, and how it is taken. This ensures that generic drugs work the same as brand-name medications and have the same risks and benefits. In fact, the FDA conducts a rigorous review to make sure these requirements are met. 

Nevertheless, some studies have found that there are differences between brand and generic medications. For example, in this 2020 study, people who took generic antidepressant medications were at higher risk of being hospitalized compared to those who took their brand-name counterparts.

However, these types of studies are few and far between. Generic medications still offer significant cost savings, and in the United States, 9 out of 10 prescriptions are filled for generics. 

The following table summarizes important information about Lexapro and its generic, escitalopram.

Lexapro vs. escitalopram comparison
Feature	Lexapro	Escitalopram
FDA approved	2002	2012
Dosage forms	Oral tablets	Oral tablets, oral solution
Strengths	Oral tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg	Oral tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg Oral solution: 5 mg/5 mL
Conditions treated	Depression Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)	Depression GAD
Typical dose	10-20 mg once daily	10-20 mg once daily
Common side effects	Insomnia Problems with ejaculation Nausea Sweating Fatigue Drowsiness	Insomnia Problems with ejaculation Nausea Sweating Fatigue Drowsiness
Cost (without insurance)	$564 for 30, 10 mg tablets of Lexapro	$122 for 30, 10 mg tablets of escitalopram
Lowest SingleCare price	$453 for 30, 10 mg tablets of Lexapro at Kroger	$9 for 30, 10 mg tablets of escitalopram at Kroger

How much is generic Lexapro?

There is a significant price difference between brand-name and generic Lexapro when paying out of pocket. Without insurance, the cash price of brand-name Lexapro is $564 for 30, 10 mg tablets. But if you choose generic Lexapro, you can pay as low as $9 for the same prescription when using a SingleCare coupon.

You can check the SingleCare website for coupons for your prescription. On the prescription page, click the drop-down menu to select the medication (brand or generic), dosage, and quantity. Then find a local pharmacy that accepts SingleCare coupons.

What are the off-label uses for Lexapro?

Lexapro (and its generic) may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions:

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats

While escitalopram is commonly used for these conditions, other SSRIs are FDA-approved for some of them.

How to switch from Lexapro to escitalopram

If you want to switch from brand-name Lexapro to a generic, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. More than likely, your provider will approve the switch. However, don’t stop or change the medication on your own. Doing so can cause serious side effects, such as confusion and seizures. There are several different ways of switching antidepressants, so it is best to discuss this change with your provider. 

Logistically, switching from brand to generic Lexapro should be relatively easy, as state laws allow pharmacists to dispense the generic version of brand-name medications. So, if a healthcare provider prescribes “Lexapro,” unless you or your provider specifically requests the brand, the pharmacy will dispense the generic, escitalopram.

Once you switch to the generic version of Lexapro, pay close attention to any behavioral or mood changes and note any side effects. This will help you and your healthcare provider determine whether the new medication is working and whether any adjustments are needed.

Getting the most out of Lexapro generic

Escitalopram works best when taken consistently. Don’t skip doses or stop taking it suddenly. Let your provider know about any other medications or supplements you’re using. Drug interactions can occur, especially if Lexapro is taken with drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like Emsam (selegiline), pimozide, or tranylcypromine, warfarin, Lithobid (lithium), Ultram (tramadol), and St. John’s wort. You should not combine Lexapro or its generic with other SSRIs or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), as doing so can lead to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, mood changes, tremor, and fever.

Along with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes like exercise or mindfulness may help manage depression or anxiety. Everyone responds differently, so be patient and work closely with your provider to find what works for you.

FAQs

Is the generic for Lexapro as effective as the brand?

Yes. Generic medicines must be the same as their brand-name counterparts in terms of effects, including effectiveness, before they are approved. 

Why is generic Lexapro cheaper?

Generic medications require less testing than brand-name medications before they are approved. Because of this, they usually cost less than brand-name drugs. 

Can I switch from Lexapro to escitalopram safely?

If you have been taking Lexapro for a long time, stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, insomnia, and fatigue. Because of this, you should consult a healthcare provider for medical advice before stopping your medication. They can come up with a plan for you to lower your dosage slowly over time until it is safe for you to stop the medication completely and switch to escitalopram. 

Does generic Lexapro cause different side effects?

No, generic Lexapro is the same as brand-name Lexapro in terms of effects and safety. Common side effects of both the brand-name and generic versions of Lexapro are insomnia (trouble sleeping), sexual dysfunction like problems with ejaculation or difficulty reaching an orgasm, nausea, sweating, fatigue, sleepiness, constipation, dry mouth, and low libido (sex drive). They both also have a risk of serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts in young adults, and serotonin syndrome.