Escitalopram (Lexapro): A Patient’s Guide
Escitalopram, often sold as Lexapro, is a prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It is used to treat depression and several anxiety disorders, and noticeable improvement may take several weeks.
Escitalopram can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken consistently as prescribed. Temporary side effects are common, while rare serious reactions and medication interactions are possible, so consult your prescriber or pharmacist with any questions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AB10
- Generic
- Escitalopram
- Class
- ssri
- Brands
- Lexapro
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 27
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, oral-drops
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- suicidal-ideation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery; consider tapering in third trimester
close fetal monitoring, assess for neonatal adaptation syndrome
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, feeding difficulties, or irritability
observe infant for signs of serotonin toxicity or sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with 5mg once daily
use lower starting dose; max dose 10-20mg daily; monitor for hyponatremia and bleeding risk
regular monitoring of sodium levels, renal function, and signs of bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents under 18not recommended for depression in pediatric patients
black box warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children adolescents and young adults; not approved for pediatric depression
close monitoring for worsening depression suicidal ideation and behavioral changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution; consider dose reduction
use lower dose in severe renal impairment (CrCl <20 mL/min); monitor for adverse effects
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 50%
recommended dose is 5mg once daily; maximum 10mg daily in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests and for signs of sedation or serotonin syndrome
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Drug class
Antidepressant classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy