*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.
The cost of Lexapro can be reduced by using coupons and savings cards. Without insurance, the cost of Lexapro can average $419-$472 for a 30-day supply of the lowest available dosage. Using generic medications, pharmacy discounts, and online coupons are all ways to save money. Using a mail-order pharmacy and getting a 90-day supply can also lower the price of your Lexapro prescription.
If you’re considering Lexapro, online psychiatry platforms can be a good place to start. Talkiatry works with many major insurance plans and Brightside Health takes cash payments. Both platforms can connect you with a provider quickly for psychiatric assessments and prescription consultation.
Boxed Warning: Escitalopram (Lexapro) - Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
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.
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 Much Is Lexapro Without Insurance?
The cost of Lexapro without insurance may be affected by the pharmacy you choose, any coupons or discounts you use, and the specific dosage prescribed by your provider.
Lexapro Prices
The cost of Lexapro currently ranges from $419-$472 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-$36. 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
$448
Walgreens
$439
CVS / Target
$437
RiteAid
$419
Kroger
$423
Costco
$472
Hy-Vee
$453
Publix
$450
Albertsons
$433
How Much Does Lexapro Cost With Insurance?
The cost of Lexapro with insurance can vary based on your coverage type. Some insurance plans may provide free or discounted medication costs. The Lexapro price you pay may depend on the type of insurance plan you have, 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 full extent of your coverage.
Commercial Insurance
The cost of Lexapro with insurance can vary depending on copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance rates. Insurance companies often negotiate drug pricing with drug companies, and, therefore, this may impact whether you get brand-name or generic escitalopram. Your insurance company may offer other benefits and savings, such as using mail-order pharmacy options or prescription savings programs.
Medicare
Medicare plans typically do not cover brand name Lexapro, but do cover the generic version. Be aware that coverage may change, so it’s important to check your Medicare plan before filling your prescription.1
Medicaid
Lexapro is classified as a non-preferred drug under Medicaid, which means less expensive alternatives on the list may be chosen first. Due to this classification, prior authorization is necessary before filling this prescription. With prior approval, Medicaid may provide coverage for Lexapro.2 Contact your local Medicaid office or review your plan documents to understand the specific terms of coverage for your prescription.
TRICARE
Lexapro may be covered by your TRICARE plan, however, depending on your coverage, the generic version may be either preferred or required. The TRICARE website has a lookup tool, so check there to verify whether Lexapro is covered by your plan.3
Lexapro Coupons, Savings Cards, & Discounts
Lexapro can cost less with coupons and discount cards. Discount cards function much like coupons and can be used at many pharmacies. Lexapro coupons and discount cards can be found on online platforms such as GoodRx and SingleCare, and possibly at your local pharmacy.
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.
Lexapro Cost Savings Programs
Lexapro cost savings programs are available from organizations such as The Rx Advocates and Rx Outreach. Some organizations provide information about cost savings programs. Others assist with the application and enrollment process. 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.
The Rx Advocates
The Rx Advocates offer ways to save on Lexapro prescriptions. This advocacy service helps individuals find coupons and apply for patient assistance programs for prescription medications. Assistance programs are only offered for newer brand name medications since generic medications are typically much less expensive. However, coupons can often be used at any pharmacy and often do not require an application process.4
Rx Outreach
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).5
Here are the eligibility criteria for the Rx Outreach Medications Copay Program:6
- Must have a valid prescription
- May have insurance but prescription costs are out-of-pocket
- Patients must reside in the U.S.
- Individuals or family income must be at or below the 400% Federal Poverty Level
Other Ways to Find Lexapro Coupons & Discount Cards
Lexapro coupons and discount cards are available online, at pharmacies, and via the mail. These and other options may help save money when filling your prescription for Lexapro.
Pharmacy Discounts
Pharmacy chains and retailers may offer discounts for Lexapro, although this may not be common because of how inexpensive the generic version is. Talk with your local pharmacist about discounts and, if so, what Lexapro costs with their discount applied.
Online Resources and Apps
Some online resources connect patients with discount cards and coupons for Lexapro. Several of these websites have mobile apps, making these discounts easier to use. GoodRx, RxSaver, and WellRx are some examples of these sites. Note that the cost of Lexapro on these discount cards can fluctuate daily, depending on when you fill your medication.
HSA Accounts
A health savings account (HSA) is a part of high-deductible health insurance plans. With an HSA, you can set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for certain health expenses. This means the money you contribute to this account is not subject to federal taxes, leaving the full amount available for use. Contact your insurance company directly to learn if your Lexapro prescription is eligible.7
Ask About Getting a 90-day Supply
If you and your prescriber determine that Lexapro may work for you, getting a 90-day supply can save money. Refilling every three months can be more convenient and less expensive than getting monthly refills. This also lessens the chance of running out before a refill is needed. Mail-order pharmacies typically offer 90-day supplies to cut down on the cost of shipping and operating local pharmacies.
Fill Your Prescription by Mail-order
Using a mail-order pharmacy is another way to lower the cost of your Lexapro prescription. Your provider calls in the prescription directly and your medication is delivered to your home in about two weeks. Mail-order prescriptions work well for medications that are not sensitive to temperature change and are used as long-term treatments.8
How to Get a Lexapro Prescription
To get a Lexapro prescription, you will first need a psychiatric evaluation. A good place to start is with your primary provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They may refer you to a psychiatrist to further evaluate your symptoms. The provider doing your evaluation will consider your medical history, any medications or substances you are using, and other factors. They will then determine whether Lexapro is a suitable treatment for you.
To get prescribed Lexapro online, you will also start by getting evaluated by an online psychiatric provider. We have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that prescribe antidepressants such as Lexapro, and found them each to be a good place to get started for an evaluation. If your provider feels Lexapro is a good fit for your symptoms, they may offer you an online prescription for the medication.
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 Alternatives
Some individuals may need to consider Lexapro alternatives, such as Paxil or Zoloft. It may take several weeks before you feel the full effects of antidepressant medication. Everyone responds in a unique way to medication, and your age, health history, and previous experience with side effects can have an impact. Your doctor will help to decide which medication may work best for you.
Prescriber’s Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Lexapro?
How Does Lexapro Work?
Lexapro is thought to work by affecting the activity of a body chemical called serotonin in the brain.9 For some, this may lead to improved mood and decreased anxiety.
Why Is Lexapro So Expensive?
Brand name medications like Lexapro undergo costly research for safety and effectiveness under the patent. Generics have the same active ingredient and don’t require the same level of testing to sell it, making it a less expensive option.10
Is There a Generic Version of Lexapro?
Generic versions of Lexapro are available. These generic medications contain the same active ingredient, escitalopram, and are considered equal to the brand-name medication.
Can You Use a Lexapro Coupon With Insurance?
It depends, some savings programs may allow it while others may not. Check with the program you are applying to understand their restrictions on using insurance.
How Can I Lower My Long-Term Prescription Lexapro Costs?
Getting a 90-day supply, filling your prescription via mail order, and using generics are all ways to lower long-term drug costs. For those who qualify, patient assistance and discount programs can also help you save money on your medication.
Can I Use Coupons for Lexapro at My Pharmacy?
Yes, you can use Lexapro coupons at many pharmacies.
Is There a Lexapro Manufacturer Coupon Available?
No, there is no Lexapro manufacturer coupon available.
Does the Cost of Lexapro Vary Depending on the Strength?
It’s possible. Costs may also vary depending on your insurance and the pricing at various pharmacies. The dosage of your prescription may also be a factor.
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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Medicare and Lexapro. (n.d.). GoodRx.com. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/lexapro/medicare-coverage
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Medicaid List of Covered Drugs (Formulary). (June, 2024). HealthPartners.com. Retrieved from https://www.healthpartners.com/ucm/groups/public/@hp/@public/documents/
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TRICARE Formulary Search. (n.d.). Express-Scripts.com. Retrieved from https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare/
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Lexapro Coupon & Patient Assistance Programs. (n.d.). TheRxAdvocates.com. Retrieved from https://therxadvocates.com/prescriptions/lexapro/
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Find Your Medication. (n.d.). RxOutreach.com. Retrieved from https://rxoutreach.org/find-your-medication/
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Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). RxOutreach.com. Retrieved from https://rxoutreach.org/frequently-asked-questions/
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What Are HSA-eligible Plans? (n.d.). Healthcare.gov. Retrieved from (https://www.healthcare.gov/high-deductible-health-plan/hdhp-hsa-information/
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Getting a Prescription Filled. (July 8, 2023). MedlinePlus.gov. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001956.htm
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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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Generic Drugs: Questions & Answers. (March 16, 2021). FDA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers
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
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in intro paragraph and “Lexapro Prices” section.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in intro paragraph and “Lexapro Prices” section.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “The Rx Advocates”, “Rx Outreach”, “HSA Accounts”, “Ask Your Prescriber for Samples”, “Ask About Getting a 90-day Supply”, Fill Your Prescription by Mail-order”, “Lexapro Alternatives”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”; Revised introduction and sections titled “How Much Does Lexapro Cost Without Insurance?”, “How Much Does Lexapro Cost With Insurance?”, “Lexapro Cost Savings Programs”, “How to Get a Lexapro Prescription”; Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
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Virtual Psychiatry
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
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