Lexapro is FDA Approved as an Anti-Depressant ( Depression ), and as an Anti-Anxiety ( General Anxiety Disorder GAD ) medication.

Lexapro is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) class antidepressant. Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil are SSRIs.

Lexapro is a single isomer "concentrated" version of Celexa , also made by Forest Pharmaceuticals. ( Read the gobbledegook of the difference between Celexa and Lexapro )

In addition to Depression and General Anxiety Disorder, Lexapro is used off-label for: Panic Disorder , Social Anxiety Disorder ,Bipolar Depression , OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) , Pathological gambling , Pre-Menstrual Dysmorphic Disorder , Pervasive Developmental Disorders , Raynaud's Phenomenon

U.S. Brand name : Lexapro    Manufacturer: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chemical name: escitalopram oxalate  
Generic version : NOT available at present in U.S.A.; manufactuer's patent ends Mar 13, 2012 ; available in Canada.
Foreign brand names: Cipralex , Seroplex , Sipralexa

The side-effects listed for many of the medications are so numerous, you would think no one would want to take them. I know I didn't, at first. But when you the clinical trial results for such medications, certain side-effects are so rare, like 2 of 1,000 patients reported those, you can assess the risk much better. Did those two get diarrhea only because of the medication? Doesn't matter. For legal purposes, every side-effect is noted and reported. That's why it helps to read the forum topics on what others have experienced with specific medications. ( More about deciding on medications based only on side-effects you read )

For Lexapro, these are the side-effects that you really need to know:

Most Common: Nausea, Headache, Dry Mouth, Sweating, Sleepiness or Insomnia, Diarrhea or Constipation, Weight Gain, Loss of libido

Slightly Rare: Lethargy, Apathy ( Can be intense if you get these, but typically lasts 2 weeks or less)

Very Rare: Uncontrolled eye movements, Discharge of breast milk

Read a summary of the experiences of others and also our forum topic on Lexapro .

Drug interactions information is yet to collected. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The cost listed here is based on prices listed at some online sites. With my luck, the pharmacies near me are, most likely, charging more.

Cost of Lexapro in U.S. : 5mg: $2.50 per pill, 10mg: $2.60 per pill; 20mg : $2.60 per pill, Oral Solution: $140 / 240ml
Canada: Cipralex Generic Escitalopram 5mg : $1.20 per pill, 20mg: $1.60 per pill, 40mg: $1.60 per pill (US$; as of 11/1/2007)
Other countries: Please contact us if you can provide prevailing prices in your drug.

Pharmacy Checker is a useful site for checking and comparing prices of popular medications.

Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Lexapro

PAP (Patient Assistance Programs are free drug programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies for low-income population. It requires proof of income, prescription for 2-3 months of supply and a form filled out by the doctor before applying for the program. It can be a tedious process, especially if you are on several medications. There are local organizations that may assist you with the process for free or a small fee. A useful resource for detailed information about PAP is Needy Meds.

Patient Assistance Program for Forest Laboratories (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Lexapro

User experiences for Lexapro can be found on Medness Forum.

Please read about the difference between Celexa and Lexapro, and also our Medness Forum topics on Lexapro.

If you have been prescribed Lexapro, we would love to hear your experience(s). Please post on our forum or Contact Us directly.