High level a high level overview and basics

Escitalopram tablet is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly sold as Lexapro in some countries and as Cipralex or generic escitalopram in the UK. It is prescribed for a range of mood and anxiety conditions.

Routine uses include treatment for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. For quick navigation to risks, see possible complications or drug-drug the pattern of the dynamic of social contacts determines group dynamics.s.

Before you initiate the action, inform your clinician of important you have information.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a full account of your health and all medicines, including over-the-counter and herbal products. Highlight any of the following:

If you are unsure about any item, discuss it before treatment gets underway. Additional references legal and pregnancy notes.

What are the steps involved in taking escitalopram?

Take one dose each day at a consistent time. Tablets are normally swallowed with water and can be taken with or without food. If you have stomach upset, try taking the tablet with food.

For children and adolescents, treatment should be recommended and monitored by a specialist. In suspected overdose on pills, call 999 or attend A and E; non-emergency advice is available via NHS 111.

Missed medication dose - what to do

If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is less than 4 hours before the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. For specific circumstances, contact your prescriber or pharmacy.

Medicines and products that can interact

Certain medicines taken with escitalopram can cause serious effects. Below are key health conditions that forbid use with the addition of the process of people engagings fuel collaboration and innovation. to keep an eye on for safety for.

Avoid these combinations

Require cautiontake a moment to verify.s or real time monitoring of systems

This collection is not complete. Always supply your clinician with a complete list of medicines, supplements and recreational substances. For more on harms, see potential undesirable effects and tips to improve metric monitoring.

Signage related to safety and continuous monitoring management while taking escitalopram

Regular follow-up allows assessment of benefit and detection of harmful health effects or worsening mood.

Possible negative effects and when to get urgent help

Urgent attention needed for serious signs

Common and generally less serious effects

If common effects persist or interfere with daily life, talk to your prescriber about dose adjustment or further treatment options. For emergencies, call 999 or head on to A and E.

Stowage and safe disposal

Different options and similar pharmaceuticals

If escitalopram is unsuitable or not effective, several other therapies may be considered. Decisions depend on your symptoms, side-effect profile and any coexisting conditions.

Non-drug options such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling and lifestyle changes are often recommended alongside or instead of medication. Discuss options with your clinician or mental health team.

Rough UK price forecasts

Prices vary by supply route and region. The figures below are approximate and intended as a general guide (prices reflect mid-2026 estimates in GBP).

Note: NHS patients pay the prescription charge where applicable, not the drug list price. Always check and recheck. current cost with your local pharmacy or online provider before ordering. For guidance, see Notes relating to UK regulation.

UK law and regulatory guidance notes

Keep the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine and do not share prescription medicines with others.