Lexapro (escitalopram) is a medication used to treat depression and anxiety disorders in adults and children.1 The brand-name medication, Lexapro, can cost more than $400 for a 30-day supply of 10 mg tablets without insurance. Generic medications are typically much more affordable than brand-name medications. Other ways to decrease the cost of this medication include checking non-retail/local pharmacy prices, contacting your insurance carrier, and looking for coupons on websites such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver.
How Much Does Lexapro Cost?
The cost of Lexapro can be influenced by many factors, including the pharmacy chosen, insurance coverage, and if the medication is brand-name or generic. Depending on the pharmacy, you can expect to pay more than $400 for a 10mg, 30-day supply of brand name Lexapro. On the other hand, generic escitalopram will cost around $10 or less for the same dose and supply, depending on the pharmacy. This price can be lowered further when using coupons or local pharmacies in your area.
Is Lexapro an Expensive Drug?
Brand name Lexapro is similar in price to other brand-name antidepressants. For example, brand-name Celexa (citalopram) costs around $300 for a month supply, while brand-name Prozac (fluoxetine) costs around $500 for a month supply. Generic citalopram and fluoxetine also cost significantly less than their brand-name versions. Generic citalopram and fluoxetine cost around $10 or less for a month supply, depending on the pharmacy.
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How Much Is Lexapro Without Insurance?
The cost for Lexapro can vary based on the pharmacy chosen and if discount cards/coupons are used to reduce the cost further. Pricing of brand-name Lexapro provided by GoodRx is shown below.
Here is retail Lexapro cost information for major pharmacies:2
Pharmacy | 5mg/30 Tablets | 10mg/30 Tablets | 20mg/30 Tablets |
Rite Aid | $405.38 | $414.54 | $434.29 |
CVS | $417.81 | $436.51 | $455.19 |
Walgreens | $420.72 | $439.52 | $458.31 |
ShopRite | $391.35 | $408.85 | $426.32 |
Costco | $448.78 | $468.90 | $488.99 |
Walmart | $421.88 | $440.79 | $459.69 |
Sams Club | $419.38 | $438.29 | $457.19 |
HealthWarehouse (online pharmacy) | $465.00 | $483 | $501.00 |
Here is retail generic escitalopram cost information for major pharmacies:2
Pharmacy | 5mg/30 Tablets | 10mg/30 Tablets | 20mg/30 Tablets |
Rite Aid | $12.40 | $12.69 | $9.69 |
CVS | $30.15 | $34.76 | $34.75 |
Walgreens | $35.42 | $34.15 | $33.99 |
ShopRite | $9.42 | $9.69 | $10.54 |
Costco | $11.10 | $11.59 | $10.49 |
Walmart | $15.00 | $13.93 | $15.00 |
Sams Club | $19.45 | $19.55 | $20.66 |
HealthWarehouse (online pharmacy) | $14.10 | $9.90 | $10.20 |
DiRx (online pharmacy) | $4.00 | $6.00 | $5.00 |
GoodRx (online pharmacy) | $6.60 | $8.70 | $9.90 |
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How Much Does Lexapro Cost With Insurance?
The type of insurance coverage can significantly impact the cost of Lexapro. Some insurance plans will provide free or discounted medication costs. This may depend on the type of insurance plan, including how the deductible and copayments are determined. It is important to review your insurance policy or to contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage fully.
Commercial Insurance
Many commercial insurance plans will provide some medication coverage. This can lead to lower out-of-pocket costs or free prescription medications. Every insurance plan is different and will offer different benefits and discounts. Insurance companies often negotiate drug pricing with drug companies, and, therefore, this may impact whether you get brand-name or generic escitalopram.
Medicare/Medicaid
Medicaid and Medicare have different formularies and coverage criteria. Because of this, the out-of-pocket costs of medications will also vary. What is covered can also vary on the state you live in.
How to Save on Lexapro
There are many ways to save money when looking for a Lexapro prescription. To decrease out-of-pocket costs, you can look at what insurance covers, uses of coupons/rebates, and patient assistance programs.
Ways to save on the cost of Lexapro include:
- A generic version is available: As discussed above, generic prescriptions are often significantly less than brand-name medications. If your provider prescribed a brand name medication, ask if there is a generic available.
- Requesting 90-day prescriptions: Some insurance companies will require a lower copayment for 90-day prescriptions. Talk to your medical provider to see if this is an option.
- Splitting a higher dosage pill: Lexapro tablets are scored and can be cut in half. By asking your provider to prescribe a higher dose, you may be able to save money. For example, buying thirty 20 mg tablets (and cutting them in half) costs less than sixty 10 mg tablets.
- Speak to your doctor about lower-price alternatives: If the price of the medication is still too high, talk to your doctor about other medication alternatives which may cost you less.
- Insurance: It is always recommended to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered and ask if there are options to lower prescription costs.
- Coupons/rebates: Many drug manufacturers will offer coupons or rebates. These can often be found on the manufacturer’s websites. Coupons can also be found through online platforms such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver.
- Patient assistance programs: Pharmacies and medication manufacturers may offer patient assistance programs to help individuals who qualify based on financial need.
Lexapro Coupons, Discounts, Copay Cards, & Rebates
For many medications, including Lexapro, prices can be significantly decreased with coupons, discount cards, and rebate programs. These options can make your medications more affordable and accessible for your healthcare needs.
Lexapro Coupons
One way to find coupons is by asking your medical provider and pharmacist. You can also find coupons through many online platforms. To use a coupon, present it to your pharmacist when filling the prescription. The pharmacist can apply the coupon resulting in a discounted price.
Lexapro Discounts
Discounts with discount cards are also a good way to lower your prescription costs. Many online programs offer discount cards. Examples of platforms like this include GoodRx and SingleCare. To use these cards, present them to your pharmacist when picking up a prescription. The pharmacist will be able to use the card to apply a discount.
Lexapro Rebates
Rebates are another way to decrease prescription costs. Rebates can sometimes be given to you by your medical provider or found online through the medication’s official website. For rebates, you typically need to fill out a form with your information and proof of purchase. After submitting the form, you will receive a rebate check or card in the mail. This can be a good way to lower costs after purchasing the medication.
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Lexapro Patient Assistance & Copay Programs
Patient assistance and copay programs are designed to provide financial aid to those who need help affording medication. These programs typically require you to meet specific income criteria to qualify. To join these types of programs, you usually need to complete an application and provide your income documentation and proof of insurance.
Lexapro Copay Cards
Copay cards can be obtained from the drug manufacturer or, sometimes, from your healthcare provider. These cards can be presented to your pharmacist to reduce your payment when picking up the medication. These cards can sometimes be used with your insurance coverage, offering an even lower out-of-pocket cost.
Rx Outreach Medications
Rx Outreach is a copay program that helps patients find affordable medications for low-income communities. This program provides over 1,000 affordable medications, including escitalopram (generic Lexapro).
Here are the eligibility criteria for the Rx Outreach Medications Copay Program:3
- Must have a valid prescription
- May have insurance but prescription costs are out-of-pocket
- Patient must reside in the U.S.
- Individuals or family income must be at or below the 400% Federal Poverty Level
HealthWell Foundation Copay Program
Healthwell Foundation provides financial assistance to help with prescription copays, health insurance premiums/deductibles, pediatric treatment costs, and behavioral health services. The foundation is given grants to help with this financial assistance for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
Here are the eligibility criteria for the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program:4
- Must have some form of health insurance
- For individuals with household incomes up to 400-500% of the federal poverty level.
- Must receive treatment in the United States
- Medication must be listed under the Disease Fund listed on the website.
Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
The Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) is another organization that can provide financial assistance for prescription medications to those who qualify. This organization has multiple disease funds which cover different diseases and medications.
Here are the eligibility criteria for the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN):
- Must have health insurance
- Medication must be listed as a covered medication for the specific disease fund
- Treatment for the disease is listed in the disease fund
- Income must fall at or below the federal poverty level (dependent on the specific fund)
- Patient must reside and receive treatment in the U.S.
Factors That Affect Lexapro Cost
Many factors affect the cost of Lexapro. In general, a higher dose and a larger supply will typically cost more, although not always. Generic medications are almost always significantly cheaper than brand-name medications. Some medications will have better coupons and discounts than others, which may also be influenced by the pharmacy filling the prescription.
Factors that can affect the cost of Lexapro include:
- Quantity of tablets: More tablets will typically have a higher cost. However, it is often cheaper to get a 90-day supply than pay for a 30-day supply than three 30-day supplies.
- Generic vs. brand name: Generic medications are almost always cheaper than brand-name medications.
- Location: A medication will have different costs depending on which pharmacy is filling the prescription.
- Insurance coverage: Each insurance plan will provide different coverage for prescription medications.
- Available coupons and rebates: Having coupons, discount cards, or rebates will decrease the cost of medications.
How to Get a Lexapro Prescription
Lexapro is a medication used to treat depression and anxiety disorders in adults and children. This medication requires a prescription by a medical provider. If you think that Lexapro is a good option for you, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also work with an online psychiatry service. This offers many benefits, including easier scheduling, more privacy, and avoiding travel time and expenses.
Getting Lexapro from a Mail-Order Prescription
Many medications, including Lexapro, are also available as a mail-order prescription. This can be through online pharmacies such as DiRX, GoodRx, and HealthWarehouse. Many retail pharmacies also offer home delivery.
The price of Lexapro can vary based on the cost-saving benefits applied. The brand name cost of Lexapro is significantly higher than generic escitalopram. The cost can be further decreased when using cost-saving measures such as checking with your insurance and pharmacy, using coupons/discount cards, and using patient assistance programs if applicable.
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
Lexapro FAQs
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a medication used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in adults and children. If you are considering Lexapro as a potential treatment, please see common questions about Lexapro below.
What Is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It is approved by the FDA for Major Depressive Disorder and adults and adolescents. It is also approved by the FDA for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in adults.
How Does Lexapro Work?
Lexapro works by blocking the removal of serotonin in the brain. This leads to an increase in serotonin leading to improved mood and decreased anxiety.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Lexapro?
There are many side effects that can be caused by Lexapro. Most of these side effects will resolve over time as your body adjusts to the new medication. Some side effects include abdominal discomfort, which can result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Decreased sex drive is also sometimes noticed with SSRI medications.5
Lexapro can cause more severe side effects, as well. You should see a medical provider immediately If you experience severe symptoms. This includes side effects such as increased suicidal thoughts, irregular heartbeat, or seizures. Allergic reactions to Lexapro are also possible and require immediate medical intervention. Symptoms of allergy include lip/tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, and hives.
What Is Lexapro Withdrawal?
Lexapro withdrawal can result from suddenly stopping the medication. Symptoms may include mood changes, irritability/aggression, nausea, and anxiety. It is essential to always consult with your medical provider before stopping a medication.
What Conditions Does Lexapro Treat?
Lexapro is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro can also be used off-label. This means that the medication has not been FDA-approved for these uses, but its use is supported by research studies and a prescriber believes a patient would benefit from the medication.
Off-label uses of Lexapro include:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Binge eating disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
What Doses of Lexapro Are Available?
Lexapro is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg dosages. For most individuals, the starting dose is 5-10 mg once daily, increasing as needed to reach effectiveness. The recommended maximum dose is 20mg daily.
How Much Does Lexapro Cost Per Month?
The price of Lexapro can vary based on the cost-saving benefits applied. The brand name cost of Lexapro is significantly higher than generic escitalopram. The cost can be further decreased when using cost-saving measures such as checking with your insurance and pharmacy, using coupons/discount cards, and using patient assistance programs if applicable.
In My Experience
In my experience, taking advantage of online coupons and discount codes is an excellent way to reduce out-of-pocket medication costs. I have shown many families these programs (such as GoodRx) who were able to use these discount cards/coupons to save them a lot of money. However, I would always check with your insurance first to see what is covered, as sometimes prescriptions are already included in your insurance premium.
Choosing Therapy 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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Escitalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Escitalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html
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Generic Lexapro. (2023). GoodRx.com. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/lexapro
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Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Rx Outreach. Retrieved from https://rxoutreach.org/frequently-asked-questions/
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Patients. (n.d.). HealthWell Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/patients/
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DailyMed – LEXAPRO- escitalopram tablet, film coatedLEXAPRO- escitalopram solution. (2023, May 12). DailyMed – LEXAPRO- Escitalopram Tablet, Film coatedLEXAPRO- Escitalopram Solution. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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