Lexapro prescription online

Lexapro (escitalopram) is in a class of drugs called antidepressants. More specifically, it’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved brand-name Lexapro in 2002 to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in people 12 and older and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people 7 and older. 

Lexapro is sometimes used off-label (not approved for) in the treatment of other mental health conditions, like social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

The active ingredient in Lexapro is escitalopram, which is also the name of its generic medication. Generic escitalopram was FDA-approved in 2012.

Brand-name Lexapro is available as a tablet. Generic escitalopram is available as a tablet and oral solution. A transdermal patch is the newest formulation of escitalopram. It’s still in the patent phase and not yet on the market. The patch, when available, will provide continuous dosing to eliminate the spikes and drops that can occur with oral doses. It may also be easier to use for people who don’t want to take oral medication every day and adhere to using escitalopram.

To get a Lexapro prescription online, you need to see a board-certified, licensed healthcare provider. Examples of qualified professionals who can give you an online Lexapro prescription online or in person include psychiatrists and medical doctors (MDs), nurse practitioners (NPs), psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), and physician assistants/associates (PAs).

A licensed provider will evaluate your symptoms and share treatment options. If they determine that Lexapro or another antidepressant medication is a medically necessary part of a treatment plan for you, they can send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. 

If you need a provider, find one on Klarity Health and often have an online appointment in as little as 24 hours.* On Klarity Health, you don’t need insurance and will never run into hidden fees. And providers on Klarity Health are committed to patient-centered care.

Lexapro is generally well-tolerated. But, like other antidepressants, it has the potential for common and serious side effects. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, fatigue, insomnia, increased sweating, and changes in appetite. These side effects may be mild and subside as your body adjusts to Lexapro.

For some people, side effects, like irritability, agitation, dizziness, and sensory disturbances (for example, electric shock sensations), headache, mood changes, insomnia, or hypomania, may lead to abrupt discontinuation of Lexapro. It’s important to talk to your provider before discontinuing Lexapro to reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Lexapro can have drug interactions. Tell your doctor if you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other serotonergic drugs (drugs that affect serotonin levels). Too much serotonin in your system can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. If you experience symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, or agitation, seek medical treatment immediately.

Lexapro can also interact with triptans, other medications that impact the central nervous system, alcohol, and medications that interfere with hemostasis (a physiological process that stops bleeding after an injury) like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and warfarin.

Before starting Lexapro, let your provider know if you take any of the following medications: cimetidine, digoxin, lithium, pimozide, Celexa, theophylline, carbamazepine, triazolam, ketoconazole, ritonavir, metoprolol, CYP34A inhibitors, or drugs metabolized by cytochrome Also, let your provider know if you are over 60 and have low blood sodium. In each of these cases, your provider will want to monitor how you adjust to and tolerate Lexapro.

The FDA issued a boxed warning for SSRIs, including Lexapro. There’s an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults who take Lexapro. If you notice new or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help and notify your provider immediately.

If you use Lexapro or generic escitalopram and have any side effects, work with your provider and consider reporting negative side effects to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.