Lexapro generic availability, cost, and dosage

Lexapro is a brand-name medication that is used to treat depression and anxiety in adults and some children. It is usually taken once a day and is a medication that people take long-term for the management of their condition. Lexapro contains the active ingredient escitalopram.

Lexapro is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications work by raising the amount of serotonin, a chemical that affects your mood, in your brain. 

Lexapro was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. A Lexapro generic, called escitalopram, has been available since 2012. In 2020, an estimated 6.3 million people used escitalopram. 

Continue reading to learn more about Lexapro and its generic escitalopram.

Related: Lexapro vs. Xanax

Is there a generic for Lexapro?

Yes, there is a generic Lexapro available called escitalopram. In fact, several different drug manufacturers, such as Aurobindo, Lupin, and Cipla, make a generic version of Lexapro.

Escitalopram is much more commonly dispensed in pharmacies than Lexapro. This is largely because of price, as generic drugs are much less expensive than their brand-name equivalents, even though they work just as well.

Those prescribed Lexapro will likely be dispensed the generic version at their pharmacy unless they or their healthcare provider specifically request the brand-name version.

What are the differences between brand name and generic Lexapro?

Brand-name medicines must go through extensive testing to prove they are safe and effective before they are approved by the FDA. 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

The brand name Lexapro is only available as tablets. Generic Lexapro is available as tablets and as a liquid form called 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 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.

How much is generic Lexapro?

There is a significant price difference between brand-name and generic Lexapro if you pay out-of-pocket. Without insurance, the cash price of brand-name Lexapro is $540 for 30, 20 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?

In certain situations, healthcare providers might prescribe medications for a medical condition that it is not FDA approved for. Using an approved drug for an unapproved use is called “off-label” use.

Some off-label uses for brand-name and generic Lexapro include:

Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Escitalopram is sometimes used off-label for SAD. In fact, SSRIs, including generic Lexapro, are one of the first-choice treatments for SAD. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Generic Lexapro is also used off-label for OCD. Similar to SAD, escitalopram is one of the first-choice treatments for OCD. However, there are other SSRI medications, such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), that are FDA approved for OCD. 

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Certain SSRI medications are conditionally recommended to treat PTSD. Generic Lexapro may be used off-label for PTSD, but there are two SSRI medications, Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine), that are FDA approved for PTSD.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Although PMDD is listed as an off-label use of Lexapro generic, other antidepressants are recommended over escitalopram. 

Hot flashes and night sweats related to menopause

Escitalopram has been prescribed off-label for hot flashes and night sweats in relation to menopause. However, Paxil (paroxetine) is the only antidepressant that is FDA approved for this condition.

How to switch from Lexapro to escitalopram

If you want to switch from brand-name to generic Lexapro, 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 writes a prescription for “Lexapro,” unless you or your provider specifically requests the brand, the pharmacy will dispense the generic escitalopram.

Once you switch to Lexapro generic, pay close attention to any behavior or mood changes, and make note of any side effects. This will help you and your healthcare provider determine if the new medication is working and see if there needs to be any adjustments.

Getting the most out of Lexapro generic

Depression and anxiety are generally treated with some form of therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Each person responds differently to treatment, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Finding what works best for your condition can take some trial and error.

There are many types of psychotherapies or counseling that can help people with depression or anxiety. The type of therapy is usually chosen based on your specific condition, and different kinds are helpful in addressing specific issues. 

Those taking medications, such as Lexapro generic, should take it exactly as prescribed to get the most benefit. Take note of any unusual behavior changes, mood changes, or dark thoughts, and keep track of any side effects that occur. Share this information with your healthcare provider so they can determine if the medication is working or if you need to adjust your dose. 

Your provider might also recommend lifestyle changes to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. This includes changes in diet, reducing alcohol consumption, physical exercise, or mindfulness practices. But be sure to ask your healthcare provider for guidance as these approaches might not be right for everyone.