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Lexapro, the trade name for escitalopram, commonly marketed as Lexapro in some countries, belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Clinicians frequently prescribe it for major depressive disorder and for generalized anxiety disorder, while it may also be used for other anxiety-related conditions at the prescriber's discretion. For safety checks and follow-up advice, see the section on Safety The monitoring process and Preventive steps.
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient in this formulation: escitalopram
- Common deployment uses: depression and generalized anxiety disorder
- Typical tablet strengths available in Australia: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Before you begin, take a moment
Discuss your full medical history and all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplements) with your prescriber or pharmacist. Particular conditions or histories that often influence suitability include:
- Neurological seizure disorders or epilepsy
- Hepatic or nephritic impairment
- Cardiac disease or known heart rhythm problems
- Personal or familial history of bipolar illness or manic episodes
- The metabolic disorder diabetes or blood sugar management issues
- Known allergy to escitalopram, citalopram, or excipients
- Current or previous suicidal thoughts, attempts, or self-harm
- Recent, planned, or current electroconvulsive therapy
- Pregnancy, planning for motherhood, or breastfeeding.
If you are unsure whether a particular condition or product is relevantconduct a review potential a reciprocal exchanges are not just about words, but meaning. in Interactions between parties to Steer Clear Of and obtain guidance from your prescribing physician.
How should escitalopram be taken?
Follow the dosing schedule your doctor prescribes. General practical guidance is:
- Take the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food; if it upsets your stomach, take with a meal.
- Take doses at a similar time each day to maintain steady blood levels.
- Do not increase dose or frequency without medical advice; do not stop suddenly without discussing a taper plan with the guidance of your prescriber.
- Some people start to feel benefits within 1 to 2 weeks, but it can take longer (often several weeks) for full effect.
- The junior generation and adolescents should only use escitalopram under pediatric or specialist supervision.
- In case of suspected take an overdose, call Triple Zero (000), go to the nearest emergency department, or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately.
For missed-dose instructions, see If you forget to take your medicine dose, Here Is the Advice.
Handling a not taking my dose with care
When one dose is missed of escitalopram, take it when you remember. If it is close (about 4 hours or less) to your next scheduled dose, skip the skipped a dose and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two doses as a replacement for a skipped a dose.
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Escitalopram drug can interact with a variety of medicines and supplements. Some combinations can cause life-threatening reactions such as serotonin syndrome or dangerous changes to heart rhythm. Do not take escitalopram together with:
- Examples of MAOIs are phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline.
- Citalopram, the SSRI antidepressant (concurrent use is not recommended)
- Pimozide
- Certain antipsychotics in the phenothiazine group, for example thioridazine
- Procarbazine used for cancer therapy or cisapride
- Certain older or restricted weight-loss agents (for example dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, sibutramine)
- St John’s wort (hypericum) due to serotonin effects
Other medicines may interact and require dose adjustments or surveillance of system activity, including:
- Triptan migraine treatments (for example sumatriptan)
- Prescribed Linezolid and other antibiotics with MAOI-like effects
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin - increased bleeding risk
- Warfarin is a typical anticoagulant.
- Certain enzyme inducers or inhibitors (for example carbamazepine, ketoconazole, cimetidine)
- Some antituberculars and antiretrovirals
- Amphetamine-type stimulants and tryptophan supplements
- Other antidepressants, anxiolytics, or antipsychotic medicines
This listing does not claim to be exhaustive. Always provide an up-to-date list of medicines and supplements to your clinician and discuss any potential conversational exchanges between people can shape outcomes..
Tracking and safety protocols
Your prescriber will usually arrange follow-up reviews to check response, minor side effects, and safety. Core conclusions to monitor include:
- Mood and behavior: watch for worsening depression, emergence of suicidal thoughts, unusual agitation, restlessness, or impulsivity, particularly after starting or changing the dose.
- Physical effects: dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how escitalopram affects you.
- Bleeding signs: unusual bruising or bleeding, especially if taken with NSAIDs or anticoagulants.
- Discontinuation symptoms: do not stop abruptly; a gradual taper will reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
- Bottle of alcohol: avoid or limit alcohol as it can increase sedation and impair judgment.
- Oral health: dry mouth can occur; sugar-free gum or extra fluids may help.
If you notice worrying symptoms, contact your GP, mental health team, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for further advice.
Possible effects to watch for
Serious adverse reactions require immediate medical attention. Seek urgent help for any of:
- Signs of allergic reaction such as rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- New or worsening psychosis, hallucinations, or severe agitation
- Clinical seizure activity
- Fainting, severe dizziness, or frequent falls
- Marked changes in mood or new suicidal thoughts
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising that occurs with minimal force
Common but generally milder effects that you should report if persistent or troublesome include:
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Tension type disabling headache
- Visual blurring
- Appetite or weight instability
- Elevated sweating
- Changes in sexual function or desire
When in doubt about a symptom, contact your treating clinician, local pharmacist, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For more on to overdose, see How to take correctly.
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- Keep medicines safely away from kids and pets.
- Store at normal room conditions, ideally between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
- Do not use after the printed expiry date. Return unwanted or expired medication to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Adjunctive treatment options and related medicines
If escitalopram is not suitable or effective, prescribers may consider other pharmacological or non-drug options. These include:
- The remaining SSRI options include sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram.
- The SNRI class comprises venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine.
- Other antidepressants: mirtazapine, bupropion (note: bupropion's PBS listing for depression differs), agomelatine, vortioxetine
- Psychological therapies: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and other evidence-based approaches, often used alone or combined with medication
Price and availability vary between generics and brand-name products. Generic antidepressants are typically cheaper than brand-name equivalents; see the Price levels in Australia section for approximate comparisons.
Australian pricing tiers (AUD) — rough guide
The antidepressant escitalopram is commonly listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. Out-of-pocket costs depend on PBS eligibility, pharmacy dispensing fees, and whether you choose a brand-name product.
- Generic escitalopram (28 to 30 tablets of 10 mg or 20 mg): private prices often range from about AUD 12 to 45. On the PBS, general patients typically pay around AUD 30 to 33 per script, while concession card holders usually pay about AUD 7 to 8 (check current PBS rates).
- Brand-name Lexapro: may cost more if a brand premium applies; private monthly costs can be roughly AUD 25 to 60 depending on strength and pharmacy.
- 5 mg tablets: unit prices can be slightly higher than larger strengths; confirm with your pharmacist.
Costs comparison with other common antidepressants (approximate private prices for a month supply, subject to change):
- Sertraline administration schedule (generic): often AUD 10 to 40
- Fluoxetine (generic): often AUD 8 to 35
- Duloxetine prescription drug (SNRI): often AUD 25 to 80
PBS co-payments, safety nets and brand premiums change over time. Telehealth and e-prescription services make it easier to shop around; always check with your local pharmacy for current prices.
Legal access and notes on regulations for Australia
- Scheduling: Escitalopram is a Schedule 4 (S4) prescription-only medicine. A valid prescription from an Australian-registered prescriber is required.
- PBS listing: Many escitalopram products are subsidised under the PBS; eligibility affects co-payment amounts and repeats.
- Electronic prescriptions: ePrescriptions and digital tokens are accepted by community pharmacies across Australia.
- Personal importation: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates importation. Bringing prescription medicines into Australia or importing them by mail usually requires a prescription and is subject to quantity limits (commonly up to a three-month supply). Check current TGA guidance before importing.
- Online pharmacies: Australian pharmacies and legitimate online dispensers must verify prescriptions before supplying S4 medicines.
- Driving and workplace safety: Because drowsiness or dizziness can occur, follow your employer's policies and road safety laws; do not drive if impaired.
For clinical guidance, consult your prescriber and pharmacist and appraise official TGA and PBS resources for current regulatory details.
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