Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Name: Lexapro
Brand: Lundbeck
SKU: 2489
Availability: InStock

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Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Lexapro

Manufacturer: Lundbeck

Country: Canada

Dosage: 10 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Lexapro

Manufacturer: Lundbeck

Country: Turkey

Dosage: 10 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Lexapro

Manufacturer: Lundbeck

Country: Canada

Dosage: 20 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Lexapro

Manufacturer: Lundbeck

Country: Turkey

Dosage: 20 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Lexapro

Type

Product

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Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Escitalopram

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Escitalopram

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 10 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Escitalopram

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 15 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Escitalopram

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 20 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Escitalopram

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 20 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Lexapro Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on July 1, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Lexapro and Escitalopram at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand name Lexapro (escitalopram) is available from Canada and Turkey known as Cipralex by Lundbeck.

Generic escitalopram is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Escitalopram:

Generic escitalopram contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Lexapro and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work the same way Lexapro does. Studies have shown that generic escitalopram is bioequivalent to brand-name Lexapro, meaning they have similar absorption rates and reach similar concentrations in the bloodstream. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts

Dosage:

At our pharmacy, the brand Lexapro and generic escitalopram are commonly available in 10 mg and 20 mg oral tablets, respectively. The generic escitalopram is available in 5 mg and 15 mg oral tablets.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Lexapro (escitalopram) is primarily prescribed as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain helps to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Mechanism of Action:
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant that boosts the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger crucial for mood, emotions, and anxiety. Normally, serotonin gets reabsorbed by brain cells after sending its signal. Lexapro stops this reabsorption, leaving more serotonin available to transmit signals, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. This effect isn't immediate and typically takes a few weeks to develop as your brain adjusts to the changes fully.

Take Lexapro exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Lexapro, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects associated with Lexapro (escitalopram). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary. These are some common side effects of Lexapro, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.

Common Side Effects (often improve within the first couple of weeks):
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, heartburn, stomach pain. Taking Lexapro with food may help with nausea.
• Neurological: Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), increased sweating, shaking/tremors, yawning.
• Other: Fatigue, weakness, flu-like symptoms, decreased appetite, weight changes (some gain, some lose).
• Sexual: Decreased sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, problems with erection or ejaculation (in men). These can sometimes be persistent.

Less Common or More Serious Side Effects (seek medical attention if you experience these):
• Abnormal Bleeding or Bruising: Lexapro can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with blood thinners (like aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin). This can manifest as easy bruising, nosebleeds, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Allergic Reaction: Though rare, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur, with symptoms like swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, rash, hives, or blisters.
• Heart Problems: Lexapro rarely affects heart rhythm, particularly at higher doses. Report any fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or chest pain.
• Low Sodium Levels (Hyponatremia): Symptoms can include headache, confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, weakness, unsteadiness, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
• Mania/Hypomania: In individuals with bipolar disorder, Lexapro can trigger a manic or hypomanic episode characterized by significantly increased energy, severe sleep problems, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, excessive happiness or irritability, or talking much faster than usual.
• Seizures: While rare, Lexapro can cause seizures in some individuals.
• Serotonin Syndrome: This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms can include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, rapid heartbeat, high or low blood pressure, fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This risk is higher if Lexapro is taken with other medications that increase serotonin (e.g., other antidepressants, triptans for migraines, and certain pain medications).
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: This is a serious concern, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults, particularly at the beginning of treatment or after a dose change. It's crucial to monitor for new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, thoughts of self-harm, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
• Vision Problems: Rarely, Lexapro can cause angle-closure glaucoma (sudden eye pain, changes in vision like blurred vision or seeing halos, redness, or swelling in or around the eye).

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Lexapro, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lexapro should not be used if you are:
• Allergic to escitalopram or citalopram (Celexa) or any of its ingredients.
• Currently taking or have taken a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days. This includes MAOIs used for psychiatric disorders (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) and other MAOIs like linezolid (an antibiotic) or intravenous methylene blue. Taking Lexapro with an MAOI can lead to a dangerous condition called Serotonin Syndrome, which can be life-threatening. You should also wait at least 14 days after stopping Lexapro before starting an MAOI.
• Taking pimozide. The combination of Lexapro and pimozide can increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation).
• Taking other medications that prolong the QT interval, such as certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, dronedarone, thioridazine) or some antipsychotics (e.g., ziprasidone).

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Lexapro. This is crucial because certain conditions affect whether Lexapro is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• A history of bipolar disorder (manic depression) or mania/hypomania. Lexapro can trigger manic episodes.
• A history of seizures.
• Are under 25 years old. There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults when first starting an antidepressant or when the dose is changed. Close monitoring is essential.
• Bleeding problems or are taking medications that affect blood clotting (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, warfarin). Lexapro can increase the risk of bleeding.
• For Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Lexapro is not approved for children under 12 years old. Its safety and effectiveness for MDD haven't been established in this age group. For Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Lexapro's effectiveness has been established for pediatric patients aged 7 years and older. Even with this approval, a healthcare professional must conduct a thorough assessment of the individual patient's needs, medical history, and potential risks before prescribing Lexapro.
• Glaucoma (especially angle-closure glaucoma). Lexapro can increase pressure in the eye.
• Heart problems, including a recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or conditions that affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation). • Low sodium levels in your blood (hyponatremia).
• Severe kidney or liver disease. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or choose a different medication.

Driving and Operating Machinery
Lexapro may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Lexapro affects you.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Lexapro, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the escitalopram consumer information: https://dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca/dhpp/resource/97927/consumer-information

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is also important to inform your doctor about any herbal teas, recreational drugs, or significant dietary changes you are making, as these could potentially interact with Lexapro. Lexapro may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:

Medications that increase Serotonin Levels (Serotonin Syndrome Risk):
Lexapro works by increasing serotonin in the brain. Combining it with other substances that also increase serotonin can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include confusion, agitation, restlessness, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, tremors, excessive sweating, fever, and digestive issues.

Examples of drugs that can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with Lexapro include:
• Certain Opioids: e.g., tramadol (Conzip, Qdolo), fentanyl.
• Certain Stimulants: e.g., amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall). Co-administration with Lexapro may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome due to additive serotonergic effects. While the risk may be lower than with highly serotonergic agents or MAOIs, caution is still advised, and patients should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly with dose increases or in sensitive individuals.
• Herbal Supplements: St. John's wort is a well-known herbal remedy for depression that significantly increases serotonin and should be avoided with Lexapro.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): These are a class of antidepressants that should never be taken with Lexapro. A washout period of at least 14 days is required between stopping an MAOI and starting Lexapro and vice versa. Examples include isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
• Other Antidepressants:
o SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): e.g., sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa).
o SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): e.g., venlafaxine (Effexor XR), duloxetine (Cymbalta).
o Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline.
o Other antidepressants: mirtazapine (Remeron), trazodone.
• Other drugs: buspirone (Buspar), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), and tryptophan.
• Triptans: (used for migraines) e.g., sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt).

Medications that Increase Bleeding Risk:
Lexapro can slightly increase the risk of bleeding. This risk is amplified when combined with other medications that thin the blood.
• Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): e.g., warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa).
• Antiplatelet medications: e.g., clopidogrel (Plavix).
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs): e.g., ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin.

Medications Affecting Heart Rhythm (QTc Prolongation):
Lexapro can affect the heart's electrical activity, potentially leading to a prolonged QTc interval, which can cause serious irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Certain Antiarrhythmics: e.g., amiodarone (Pacerone), dronedarone (Multaq), sotalol (Betapace).
• Certain Antibiotics: e.g., clarithromycin, azithromycin. These antibiotics can independently prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of serious irregular heart rhythms when combined with Lexapro. Caution and careful monitoring are necessary, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions or those at risk for QTc prolongation.
• Other drugs: thioridazine, ziprasidone, cisapride, mesoridazine, bepridil.
• Pimozide (Orap): An antipsychotic drug; this combination is generally contraindicated due to the significant risk of heart rhythm problems.

Other Significant Interactions:
• Alcohol: Alcohol can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness and may also exacerbate depression. It's generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Lexapro.
• Certain Antifungals: e.g., fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole. These can affect how Lexapro is metabolized in the body.
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): This medication is an enzyme inducer and can decrease Lexapro levels, potentially making it less effective.
• Cimetidine (Tagamet): This medication is an enzyme inhibitor and can increase Lexapro levels, potentially leading to increased side effects.
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril): This medication can also prolong the QT interval. Concurrent use with Lexapro can lead to an additive risk of QTc prolongation and should be used cautiously.
• Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL): Lexapro can weakly inhibit the metabolism of metoprolol (a substrate of CYP2D6), potentially leading to increased metoprolol levels and an enhanced risk of side effects such as bradycardia and hypotension. Clinical monitoring and potential metoprolol dose adjustments may be warranted.

Children and Adolescents

The side effects can differ in children and adolescents, with additional concerns like increased thirst, agitation, nosebleeds, and potential impact on growth and weight. The decision to use Lexapro in children and adolescents should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, who will weigh the potential benefits against the risks and consider individual patient factors.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lexapro (escitalopram) can potentially harm an unborn baby, especially if taken in the last trimester, and it does pass into breast milk. Therefore, if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of continuing or starting Lexapro.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lexapro at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Lexapro more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Lexapro, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

What is the difference between Lexapro 10 mg and 20 mg?

The difference in dosage represents the different amounts of the same active ingredient (escitalopram) present in each tablet.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many tablets I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of three months of Lexapro at once, per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy over the counter from you?

No, Lexapro requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Lexapro?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product called escitalopram.

Can I stop taking Lexapro abruptly?

It is generally not recommended to stop taking Lexapro (escitalopram) abruptly. This can lead to a condition called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS), which can cause a range of uncomfortable and potentially severe symptoms.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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