*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
To get a Lexapro prescription online, start by finding an online psychiatry provider for an evaluation. For an in-person evaluation, your primary care physician may refer you to a prescriber who may offer a Lexapro prescription.
If you’re looking for access to a Lexapro prescription online, we have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Brightside Health, Talkiatry, or Circle Medical. These platforms can prescribe antidepressants such as Lexapro and we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. Your provider may offer you a Lexapro prescription online if they determine the medication may help your anxiety or depression symptoms.
Boxed Warning: Escitalopram (Lexapro) - Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people
Escitalopram, the active ingredient in Lexapro, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Escitalopram can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with escitalopram and any other medications before starting treatment.
Key takeaways
To get prescribed Lexapro online, start by getting an evaluation from an online provider who can prescribe antidepressants, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
Lexapro alternatives may be necessary for some to consider, including other antidepressant medications.
Brand name Lexapro can cost between $442-$495 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available without insurance. Lexapro coupons, savings cards, and discounts may all help lower costs.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
How to Get Lexapro Online or In Person
To get prescribed Lexapro online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for your depression symptoms. The process of getting a diagnosis and potentially prescribed Lexapro online or in person may vary for people of different ages.
It is important to find an online provider who can prescribe antidepressants like Lexapro. For in-person prescription options, a good place to start is with your primary care provider.
How to Get a Lexapro Prescription Online
Here is how to get Lexapro prescribed to you online in six steps.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With an Online Psychiatry Provider
The first step is to book an appointment with an online provider that can prescribe antidepressant medications like Lexapro, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical. We have thoroughly reviewed these platforms, and in using the services ourselves, we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.
Step 2: Get a Psychiatric Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether Lexapro may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or medication such as Lexapro, or possibly both. If Lexapro looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Fill Your Online Lexapro Prescription
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription, which you may fill through their online platform. You may be able to get Lexapro medication delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatric platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed Lexapro, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed.
Step 6 : Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your Lexapro medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication. It may also depend on how the platform manages medication delivery, such as offering 90-day supplies.
How to Get a Lexapro Prescription In Person
In six steps, here is how to get Lexapro prescribed to you in person.
Step 1: Book an Appointment With a Psychiatric Provider
A good place to start for an in-person psychiatric evaluation is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist. They can further evaluate whether to include Lexapro as a part of the treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Get an Evaluation & Discuss Your Symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your overall health history, your mental health symptoms, and any treatments you may have tried in the past. They may also speak with others you interact with regularly, such as family members. This is important because you may show symptoms differently in various settings. This discussion will help the provider know whether Lexapro may be safe and appropriate for you.
Step 3: Get Treatment Recommendations
Your provider will develop a treatment plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. They may recommend behavioral therapy or medication such as Lexapro, or possibly both. If Lexapro looks like it could help you, your provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and how to take the medication.
Step 4: Choose Where to Get Your Lexapro Prescription Filled
If offered, your prescriber will give you a prescription that you may fill at your preferred local pharmacy or an online platform. You may be able to get Lexapro delivered to your home, but it can vary widely depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Step 5: Schedule Follow-up Appointments
If prescribed Lexapro, your doctor will recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and potential side effects, adjusting your medication as needed.
Step 6: Discuss Prescription Refills With Your Provider
Talk to your prescriber about how frequently you may refill your Lexapro medication. This timeframe may depend on how well you respond to the medication, if you experience side effects, or if you may need to consider another medication.
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How Much Does Lexapro Cost?
Several factors may impact the cost of your Lexapro prescription, including your choice of pharmacy, any available discounts or coupons, and the specific dosage prescribed by your healthcare professional. Using generic Lexapro with a coupon or prescription savings program may reduce costs.
Lexapro Prices
The cost of Lexapro currently ranges from $442-$495 for a 30-day supply of 5 milligrams without insurance. Your Lexapro prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. A similar prescription of the generic form of Lexapro, escitalopram, costs $12-$34. The cost of Lexapro will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Coupons for Lexapro are often available and may reduce your out of pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. For exact prices, please contact the pharmacy.
Walmart
$465
Walgreens
$461
CVS / Target
$459
RiteAid
$452
Kroger
$442
Costco
$495
Hy-Vee
$453
Publix
$474
Albertsons
$454
Does Insurance Cover Lexapro?
Your insurance policy may cover your prescription for Lexapro, depending on the company. It is important to note that policies can change coverage at any time and some may only cover a prescription for generic escitalopram. Requirements for medication coverage may vary for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and commercial insurance policies. Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your medication coverage.
Here are online psychiatric platforms that accept insurance:
- Circle Medical takes insurance and offers same-day or next-day appointments for non-emergency mental health needs.
- Brightside Health accepts many major insurance plans, offering online medication management at affordable prices across most of the United States.
- Talkiatry is only available to those with insurance, but it makes using insurance for online psychiatry services simple.
Who Is Lexapro a Good Fit For?
An evaluation from a medical provider can determine whether getting a Lexapro prescription may be helpful treatment for you. Lexapro is thought to work by affecting the activity of a body chemical called serotonin in the brain, which may improve mood and decrease anxiety.
Lexapro, containing the active ingredient escitalopram, is an antidepressant medication in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug class. Lexapro is FDA-approved for treating major depression and generalized anxiety disorder in children and adults.1
Here’s who may benefit from a Lexapro prescription:
- Adults, teens, and children diagnosed with depression (FDA-approved treatment)2
- Adults, teens, and children diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (FDA-approved treatment)2
- Those using Lexapro as an off-label (non-FDA-approved treatment) for disorders such as OCD, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
Who Should Not Take Lexapro?
Lexapro is a commonly prescribed medication for depression, but it may not be a good fit for everyone. Each person responds differently to medication. Lexapro is a safe and effective treatment for several conditions, but some exceptions should be considered.
People who should take extra caution before using Lexapro include:1
- Pregnant and breastfeeding parents
- Those with other mental health conditions
- Those with certain medical conditions
Not all possible reactions may occur, and this is not a complete list of potential risks of taking Lexapro. Discuss with your doctor to see if Lexapro is right for you.
Lexapro Alternatives
Having multiple Lexapro alternatives is important for people who may need or wish to avoid SSRI or SNRI medications. All types of antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms, though potential risks and benefits may vary. Brightside Health, Talkiatry, and Circle Medical are reliable online psychiatric providers that offer Lexapro alternatives.
SSRI and SNRI Antidepressant Medications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered the safest and most effective antidepressants available. Alternatives to Lexapro include other SSRIs such Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, and Paxil. Commonly used serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include Cymbalta and Effexor.
Other Antidepressant Medications
Having other alternatives to Lexapro is important for those who aren’t able to use SSRIs or SNRIs. Atypical antidepressants, which include Wellbutrin and Remeron, work differently to improve symptoms and don’t fit into a formal category.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications with more side effects. However, they may be helpful for those who need to avoid or aren’t responding to other types of antidepressants.
Generic Lexapro
Generic Lexapro may be prescribed as an alternative to the brand name for several reasons. It contains escitalopram, the same active ingredient as brand-name Lexapro. The generic form also has the same treatment benefits as brand name Lexapro at a lower cost.
Over-the-Counter Lexapro Options
There are several over-the-counter Lexapro alternatives, such as supplements and medications, that claim to help with the treatment of anxiety and depression. However, none of these are FDA-approved. Quality studies are limited and have yet to show that such treatments improve anxiety and depression symptoms.
Some of these treatments can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
Popular Choices for Online Psychiatry
Talkiatry – Safe, virtual mental health care from doctors who take insurance. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Take a short assessment.
Circle Medical – anxiety and depression treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows. **On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you believe getting a Lexapro prescription may be helpful for your treatment plan, one place to start is by talking to your primary healthcare provider. They know your health history and may be able to prescribe medication for your condition, if needed. Lexapro is FDA-approved for treating major depression and generalized anxiety disorder in children and adults.
And if they think a specialist would be helpful, such as a psychiatrist, they may make a referral. Alternatively, if you do not have a primary healthcare provider, an online psychiatry provider is a good place to start.
To prepare for your first appointment, collect important information about your condition. Write down your main symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and what good symptom relief would look like. Describe your treatment goals as well as your questions and concerns about using medications.
Questions to ask your care team about getting a Lexapro prescription include:
- Can I use Lexapro with other depression medications?
- Will Lexapro interact with other medications I take?
- How long can I expect to take Lexapro for my symptoms?
- Does Lexapro have any effects on appetite? How can I manage these if they occur? How often should I come for checkups?
- How long does it take for Lexapro to start working?
- What should I do if Lexapro does not work for me?
- What can I expect if I need to stop taking this medication?
- Is it advisable to use alcohol while taking Lexapro?
- For how long will Lexapro’s side effects last?
- Is it safe to use over-the-counter alternatives to Lexapro?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Lexapro prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Lexapro.
- Take Lexapro as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Stopping abruptly or taking too much can be harmful.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your sleep patterns and initial medication response.
- Swallow Lexapro whole. Do not chew or crush Lexapro.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you or your child have any worsening mental health symptoms. Lexapro has a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children under age 18 and young adults.
- Lexapro can cause drowsiness and may affect your decision making. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Lexapro affects you. Do not drink alcohol while using Lexapro.
- Tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter options. Many medications and supplements can interact with antidepressants.3, 4
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro, with the active ingredient escitalopram, is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and adults. It is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).1
How Does Lexapro Work?
Lexapro is thought to work by affecting levels of serotonin in the brain, which may improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety for some people.1
Who Can Prescribe Lexapro?
Antidepressants, such as Lexapro, can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. These providers may be primary care physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.
Where Can I Get Lexapro?
You can get your prescription filled either at a local pharmacy or by an online provider who can prescribe antidepressants, such as Brightside Health, Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
Can You Get Lexapro Prescription Refills Online?
Yes, online psychiatry platforms such as Talkiatry and some online primary care platforms, such as Circle Medical, can prescribe antidepressants like Lexapro and provide refills.
Can You Get Lexapro Without Therapy?
Yes, Lexapro can be used without therapy.
Can I Get Lexapro Delivered to My Home?
You may be able to get Lexapro delivered to your home, but this service may vary depending on the state you live in. All online psychiatry platforms will deliver prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Can You Get Lexapro From a Walk-in Clinic?
An urgent care clinic cannot prescribe Lexapro, other antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications. These providers are not able to monitor and follow up with patients long-term for treatments like these. If you have a prescription already, contact your primary provider or local pharmacy for help. If you do not have a prescription, you will need a full psychiatric evaluation first. Providers at an urgent care or walk-in clinic are not able to provide this type of evaluation.5
How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?
The cash cost of brand name Lexapro can range from $442-$495 for a 30-day supply of the smallest dosage available (5 mg).
How Can I Get Lexapro Prescribed Without Insurance?
Online psychiatry platforms such as Brightside Health and Circle Medical can provide psychiatric evaluations and, if needed, may offer a Lexapro prescription. Both platforms accept cash pay if you don’t have insurance. Available services may also vary based on a person’s age, state, and other factors.
Do You Need a Prescription for Lexapro?
Yes, Lexapro is only available with a prescription.
Is There a Generic Version of Lexapro?
Yes, a generic version of Lexapro is available and contains the active ingredient escitalopram.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Lexapro – escitalopram tablet, film coated, escitalopram solution. (October 1, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA.
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Marken, P. A., & Munro, J. S. (2000). Selecting a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor: Clinically Important Distinguishing Features. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181142/
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Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2014). Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: a Pharmacological Comparison. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. Retrieved from https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008300/
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Spencer, Aiden. (May 19, 2016). What Type of Medication Can an Urgent Care Doctor Prescribe? AJMC.com. Retrieved from https://www.ajmc.com/view/what-type-of-medication-can-an-urgent-care-doctor-prescribe
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
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Primary Changes: Updated cost information in the “Key Takeaways” and FAQ “How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?” section.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in the “Key Takeaways” and FAQ “How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?” section.
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Primary Changes: Updated cost information in the “Key Takeaways” and FAQ “How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?” section.
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Primary Changes: Updated cost information in the “Key Takeaways” and FAQ “How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?” section.
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Primary Changes: Updated cost information in the “Key Takeaways” and FAQ “How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?” section.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added Key Takeaways feature. Updated formatting, edited for clarity. Consolidated sections called “Do I Need a Lexapro Prescription?” and “What Can I Expect When Getting a Lexapro Prescription?”, retitled as “Who Is Lexapro a Good Fit For?”; Revised and retitled sections titled “How to Get Prescribed Lexapro Online & In Person”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, “Lexapro Alternatives” with additional subsections “Other Antidepressant Medications”, “Generic Lexapro”, and “Over-the-Counter Lexapro Options”. Created additional FAQs, updated sources as needed.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “How Much Does Lexapro Cost?”, “What Can I Expect When Getting a Lexapro Prescription?”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”. Revised sections titled “Do I Need a Lexapro Prescription?”, “How to Get a Lexapro Prescription Online & In Person”, “What Are Lexapro Alternatives?”, “Are There Over-the-Counter Lexapro Options?”, “Questions to Ask Your Provider”, Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
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