Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more
Lexapro has a
Highlights
- Lexapro is a prescription medication that can be obtained in-person or online after a consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Lexapro is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children.
- Lexapro has several contraindications and precautions, including a prior allergic reaction to ingredients in Lexapro or taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Brand name: Lexapro
Generic name: Escitalopram
Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Dosage forms: Tablets, capsules, oral solution
FDA-approved uses: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
One of the most common mental health conditions in the United States is major depression (nearly
When talking about medications for depression or anxiety mediations, Lexapro is among the most effective options. Continue reading to learn about Lexapro, who it is right for, and how to get a Lexapro prescription online.
What Is Lexapro (Escitalopram)?
Lexapro is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with the active ingredient escitalopram. It is available as brand and generic tablets, capsules, and oral solutions (generic only). The usual dosage is 10 mg to 20 mg once daily.
Who Might Benefit From Lexapro?
Lexapro is FDA-approved and commonly used to treat the following conditions:
Lexapro may also be prescribed
Lexapro is a prescription medication that can be prescribed both in-person and online. To obtain a Lexapro prescription, a licensed healthcare professional needs to determine that it is the correct medication for you.
How to Get a Prescription for Lexapro Online (Step-by-Step)
Your online depression or anxiety treatment at MEDvidi will start with an initial video appointment with a healthcare provider. This appointment will allow them to assess your symptoms and health history to create a tailored treatment plan. As a part of this plan, your healthcare provider may prescribe you an anti-depression or anti-anxiety medication online if they believe you may benefit from the medication.
To consult a healthcare provider at MEDvidi and receive a Lexapro prescription online, if needed, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create an Account and Book an Appointment
Create an account on MEDvidi and book a virtual visit with a licensed telehealth provider at a time that works with your schedule. Before your initial virtual visit, you will need to fill out an intake questionnaire. Make sure to provide all of the details on your symptoms, medical history, medications or supplements you take, and lifestyle factors.
Step 2: Undergo Evaluation and Get a Treatment Plan
The healthcare provider you select will review your medical history and your symptoms. They will discuss their recommendations with you and tell you if they believe Lexapro, or a different treatment, would be appropriate for you. You will discuss the risks, benefits, side effects of Lexapro, and any alternatives to their recommended treatment option.
It’s important to note that not all consultations will result in a medication being prescribed. Your healthcare provider’s priority will be to determine the most useful and safe option for you. They will give you a prescription only if it is medically appropriate.
Step 3: Prescription and Pharmacy Fulfillment
If a medication is deemed appropriate, the prescription will be electronically sent to your chosen pharmacy. Depending on the pharmacy you choose, you will then pick-up the medication or have it delivered.
Step 4: Follow-Ups and Adjustments
Your healthcare provider will have you schedule follow-up visits so that they can monitor your symptoms and any side effects of the medications. They may also provide additional refills or evaluate if your dosage needs to be adjusted.
Who Can Prescribe Lexapro?
The types of medical providers that can prescribe Lexapro can differ depending on your specific state. Some examples include:
- Psychiatrists. These are healthcare providers who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
- Primary Care Physicians. These are doctors who do family medicine, internal medicine, or are doctors from other medical specialties who can provide general medicare care.
- Other Medical Professionals. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) may also be able to prescribe Lexapro.
Healthcare providers at MEDvidi can prescribe Lexapro and other medications online, if deemed appropriate, in the following states:
Lexapro Side Effects, Contraindications, and Precautions
Lexapro was studied in
This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects or precautions. Make sure to talk about your entire health history with your healthcare provider.
Common Side Effects
Side effects that are commonly experienced when taking Lexapro include:
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Delayed ejaculation
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
- Tiredness and weakness
- Decreased libido or sex drive
- Trouble with having an orgasm
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but still possible. They may include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome
- Discontinuation syndrome when stopping Lexapro
- Electrolyte imbalances including low salt levels
- Increased risk of bleeding
If you experience serious side effects while taking Lexapro, tell your healthcare provider immediately.
Who Should Not Take Lexapro: Contraindications and Precautions
Although Lexapro is a commonly used medication for the treatment of major depression and generalized anxiety, it may not be suitable for certain individuals. Examples of situations where the dosage of Lexapro may need to be adjusted or the medication may need to be avoided all together include:
- History of seizures.
- History of bipolar disorder.
- History of bleeding or blood clotting problems, including the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, or other antiplatelet medications.
- History or high risk of glaucoma.
- Electrolyte imbalances or health conditions that alter your metabolism or electrolytes.
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Lexapro affects you because it can cause delayed reaction times and problems thinking clearly.
Lexapro Cost
Lexapro’s starting dose can vary but is usually 10 mg a day. It may be adjusted to a higher dose of 20 mg per day in some people.
- A monthly supply of 10 mg Lexapro tablets costs around $440 to $550.
- A monthly supply of generic 10 mg Lexapro tablets, escitalopram, costs around $3 to $30 without insurance.
Costs of Lexapro can vary by pharmacy and location. You can contact your pharmacy to learn more about current prices. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to check your insurance coverage and see what the cost would be with insurance.
It’s important to take Lexapro exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Do not change or stop taking your medication unless your healthcare provider instructs you to. If you are worried about the cost of your medication, talk with your healthcare provider about other options.
How to Get Lexapro Without Insurance
If you are looking to get Lexapro without insurance, first talk with your healthcare provider to see if you can take the generic escitalopram as it’s much more affordable without insurance. You can compare prices at different pharmacies and ask both your insurance and the pharmacies if they have any coupons. It’s possible that online pharmacies may also have different prices than the physical pharmacies where you live.
Alternatives to Lexapro
Depending on your health history and if you are being treated for major depression or generalized anxiety disorder, there may be various medications other than Lexapro that could work for you.
There are a variety of medications that may treat major depression. These include antidepressant medications such as SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like Effexor XR (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine). Other medications that may work include Wellbutrin (bupropion), Remeron (mirtazapine), and trazodone. In addition to medications, your healthcare provider may also suggest you do psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help treat symptoms of depression.
Antidepressants as well as benzodiazepines can work to treat generalized anxiety. Examples may include Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam).
Why Choose MEDvidi?
MEDvidi offers convenient and personalized healthcare services. You can book a video visit with licensed and experienced providers to receive an individualized treatment plan, including an online prescription for Lexapro or another medication, if deemed appropriate.
MEDvidi also offers ongoing care after you receive your medication. There are same-day and next-day online consultations with compassionate healthcare providers who can offer reassurance and encouragement. Book your appointment today to get help for depression and anxiety online.
FAQ
Do I need a prescription for Lexapro?
Yes, you need a prescription for Lexapro. It is a prescription medication that requires you to be evaluated by a healthcare provider and have ongoing care.
Can you get Lexapro over-the-counter?
No, Lexapro is not available over-the-counter. It is only available as a prescription medication.
Can I get Lexapro without seeing a doctor?
You can get Lexapro only after seeing a doctor, psychiatrist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. You will have to see a licensed healthcare provider in person or online to receive Lexapro.
Can a virtual doctor prescribe Lexapro?
Yes, it is possible that a virtual doctor can prescribe Lexapro. You can sign up with a trusted telehealth platform like MEDvidi to schedule an online appointment and see if Lexapro is right for you.
Can your regular doctor prescribe Lexapro?
If you have had a doctor that has seen you for any amount of time, talk with them to learn if Lexapro is right for you. They will likely be able to evaluate your symptoms and decide if a prescription medication like Lexapro is right for you.
How do I get my Lexapro refilled?
Contact your pharmacy to see if you have refills available on your prescription. If you do, they will be able to refill your medication. If you do not have any remaining refills, reach out to your healthcare provider’s office to ask for additional refills and learn if they need to see you at an appointment before providing the refills.
Can urgent care prescribe Lexapro?
It’s possible but unlikely that urgent care would prescribe Lexapro. Because you need to have ongoing care with a healthcare provider, urgent care will likely suggest that you get an appointment with a primary healthcare provider.
