Generic for Lexapro® Escitalopram

Escitalopram was shown to be effective as a treatment for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in clinical trials lasting 8 weeks. If you are not feeling any improvement in your condition, you should consult your healthcare provider. You should not discontinue your medication until you speak with your healthcare provider.

Escitalopram is prescribed in strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets.

Escitalopram should be taken exactly as directed by the healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as directed. Escitalopram should not be stopped without first consulting with a healthcare provider, as stopping too quickly could cause adverse events or symptoms.

You will need to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate you and determine if escitalopram is appropriate.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• people with a known allergy to escitalopram, citalopram or any of its active ingredients

• people with severe renal impairment

• people on MAOIs

• people who are breastfeeding/producing breast milk

• people with heart problems

Consultation with a psychiatrist or other qualified psychiatry provider through our platform. If prescribed escitalopram, genuine escitalopram will be shipped to you discreetly. You’ll have ongoing check-ins with a psychiatry provider to evaluate whether your treatment plan is working.

The most common side effects of escitalopram include:

• nausea

• somnolence (excessive sleepiness)

• weakness

• dizziness

• feeling anxious

• trouble sleeping

• sexual dysfunction

• sweating

• shaking

• loss of appetite

• dry mouth

• constipation

• infection

• yawning

More serious side effects include:

• increased risk of QT prolongation (lengthened recovery time between heartbeats)

• increased risk of developing glaucoma

• suicidal thoughts

Discuss any adverse effects you experience with your healthcare professional and ensure discontinuation of escitalopram or adjustment of dosing as recommended.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, such as linezolid, phenelzine, etc), increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a mild to a life-threatening build-up of serotonin in the system. A combination of MAOIs with escitalopram could lead to a spike in blood pressure, sudden rise in body temperature or severe seizures. Similarly, escitalopram can interact with other agents that affect serotonin in the brain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, certain pain medications, supplements that contain St. John's Wort or tryptophan. Be prepared to share all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any other products you take, with your provider. Seek medical advice before combining any drugs with escitalopram treatment.

Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.

Under close advisory, some healthcare professionals will prescribe low doses of escitalopram for mood stabilizing, such as in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, the hims platform does not treat bipolar disorder and will only prescribe escitalopram to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.