Escitalopram (Lexapro)

What the word means

Escitalopram is the drug. Lexapro is the brand.

It’s an SSRI, and it’s closely related to citalopram, which is why the two names look so similar and get mixed up so often. Escitalopram is used for depression and for generalized anxiety disorder, and it’s frequently one of the first medications a prescriber reaches for, largely because it tends to be tolerated well and has a relatively simple dosing range. Like every SSRI, it takes weeks to work.

Where to read the full guide

The word is what Shrinktionary handles. What it’s like to actually take, and how it stacks up against the other option you were offered, is a different question.

Read the full escitalopram guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers uses, side effects, timelines, and how to stop safely.

Related terms you’ll see next

• SSRI
• Antidepressant
• First-line treatment
• Citalopram

When to seek professional care

Give it time, and don’t stop it abruptly, since that can bring on discontinuation symptoms. Tell your prescriber about new agitation, worsening mood, or thoughts of self-harm after starting or changing the dose, especially in the first weeks and especially in young people. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Escitalopram (Lexapro):</strong> Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant, sold as Lexapro, used for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It's often chosen as a starting point because it tends to be well tolerated.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/escitalopram/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>