Please note: a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication.
Escitalopram is an SSRI used to treat depression and generalized anxiety. This page helps you understand uses, safety, and access. CanadianInsulin offers US shipping from Canada, with options for paying without insurance.
What Escitalopram Is and How It Works
Escitalopram is the generic form of Lexapro®, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It helps raise serotonin levels by limiting reuptake in the brain. This class is prescribed for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.
The medicine is taken once daily and can be used long term if effective. It may support mood, reduce anxiety, and help with sleep or concentration. It is not habit forming. Effects often build gradually with consistent use under a clinician’s guidance.
By enhancing serotonergic tone, the treatment helps restore balance in circuits that regulate mood and worry. Individual response varies, so your prescriber may tailor the plan based on tolerability and goals. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.
Who It’s For
This therapy is indicated for adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It may be considered when persistent low mood or excessive worry affects daily life. People with a known allergy to this drug or to citalopram should avoid it. Do not use it if you take MAOIs or pimozide. Learn more about Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Discuss your history with a clinician before starting. Tell them about bipolar disorder, seizure disorders, liver or kidney problems, or previous low sodium. Share any risk of angle-closure glaucoma and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including hyponatremia.
Dosage and Usage
Take the tablet once daily, at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food. Swallow whole with water; do not crush, split, or chew unless your prescriber advises otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, pairing the dose with a small snack can help.
Consistency matters. Use reminders or a daily routine to support adherence. Do not change the dose, start, or stop the medicine without guidance. If you miss therapy for several days, contact your healthcare professional for next steps rather than restarting on your own.
Avoid alcohol or limit it, as it can worsen drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution with activities that require alertness until you know how the treatment affects you.
Strengths and Forms
Tablets are commonly supplied in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. Color, shape, and imprint vary by manufacturer. Availability can differ over time, and equivalent generic versions may look different while providing the same active ingredient.
Missed Dose and Timing
If you forget a dose, take it when you remember on the same day. If it is close to your next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up a dose. A consistent daily time can help limit nausea or sleep issues.
Storage and Travel Basics
Store the tablets at room temperature, in a dry place away from heat and light. Keep them in the original, child-resistant container with the label intact. Do not keep medicine in a bathroom, car, or other hot, humid areas. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
When traveling, carry your medication in your hand luggage, along with a copy of your prescription. Keep the label readable for security checks. Pack enough for the full trip and a small buffer in case of delays. Use a travel pill case only if you also carry the labeled pharmacy container.
Benefits
This therapy can help relieve core symptoms of depression, including low mood and loss of interest. It may reduce excessive worry, restlessness, and muscle tension associated with generalized anxiety disorder. Many people find once-daily dosing convenient. As a widely used SSRI, the class has an established safety profile when used as directed.
The generic option supports access with predictable dosing and broad pharmacy availability. Combined with counseling and healthy routines, it can help improve day-to-day functioning.
Side Effects and Safety
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headache
- Insomnia or sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Sexual side effects
- Fatigue
- Tremor
Serious reactions are uncommon but possible. Seek urgent care for signs of serotonin syndrome (fever, rigidity, agitation, confusion), severe allergic reaction, fainting, severe dizziness, or irregular heartbeat. Use caution if you have a history of bipolar disorder due to the risk of mania or hypomania. Low sodium can occur, especially in older adults or those taking diuretics. There is a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young people, especially during early treatment or dose changes. Contact your clinician promptly if mood worsens or you notice unusual behavior changes.
Drug Interactions and Cautions
Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within two weeks of stopping one. Combining with linezolid or methylene blue can also raise serotonin to unsafe levels. Avoid pimozide due to arrhythmia risk.
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines and supplements. Serotonergic drugs, including triptans, tramadol, St. John’s wort, and other SSRIs or SNRIs, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Blood thinners, aspirin, and NSAIDs may raise bleeding risk when combined with this treatment. Some agents that affect CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 may change levels; your prescriber will assess the need for adjustments.
Conditions that can heighten risk include a history of seizures, narrow-angle glaucoma, liver impairment, or electrolyte abnormalities. Use caution with other medicines that can prolong the QT interval. Never start, stop, or switch psychotropic therapy without clinical guidance.
What to Expect Over Time
Improvements often appear gradually. Some people may notice changes in sleep, appetite, or energy before mood brightens. Anxiety symptoms may ease step by step as you continue treatment. Give the plan time to work, and keep your appointments so your clinician can review progress and tolerability. If side effects persist, discuss options such as dose timing adjustments or supportive measures.
Education and support matter. You can explore related topics like Diabetes And Anxiety and Emotional Toll for perspective on mood and overall health.
Compare With Alternatives
Other approved antidepressants may be suitable based on your history and goals. SSRI options include Zoloft. An SNRI such as Duloxetine may be considered when pain symptoms or prior SSRI trials guide the choice. Your clinician will review interactions, prior response, and tolerability when selecting a therapy.
Pricing and Access
Canadian pricing and pharmacy dispensing can lower out-of-pocket costs for many patients. We provide secure checkout and transparent options for cash pay. For those comparing strengths, escitalopram 10mg tablets are often the reference point used when reviewing package sizes and quantities. We offer US delivery from Canada with tracking to your address.
To review options, select your quantity and submit your prescription details. Check current pricing on the product page and see potential savings. If you are looking for deals, see our Promotions page for current offers. Encrypted checkout helps keep your information protected.
Availability and Substitutions
Supply can vary by manufacturer. If a specific version is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically equivalent alternative or a different pack size. In some cases, a brand product such as Cipralex may be considered when appropriate. We cannot guarantee stock for a given maker, but we will present available choices during checkout.
Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips
You may be a candidate if you have a confirmed diagnosis and your clinician believes an SSRI fits your plan. You may not be a good candidate if you have had severe reactions to this class, have current MAOI use, or are at significant risk for arrhythmias. Share all medicines and supplements so your prescriber can review interactions.
Cost-saving ideas include filling multi-month supplies when appropriate, aligning refills with follow-up visits, and using generic options. Set refill reminders so you do not run out. If pill appearance changes, check the label to confirm the manufacturer. Staying consistent can help you recognize any changes in tolerability.
Questions to Ask Your Clinician
- What is the starting plan, and when should follow-up occur?
- How should I manage early side effects if they appear?
- Is morning or evening a better time for my dosing?
- Do any of my current medicines or supplements interact?
- Is this therapy appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
- Which warning signs require urgent medical attention?
- How long should I continue treatment, and how would tapering work?
- Should I have labs or an ECG based on my history?
Authoritative Sources
DailyMed: EscitalopramFDA Drug DatabaseHealth Canada DPD
Start your order for escitalopram tablets and choose home delivery, Ships from Canada to US. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Use only as directed by your prescriber and read the accompanying patient information.
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How is escitalopram different from citalopram?
Both medicines are SSRIs that increase serotonin levels. Escitalopram is the S-enantiomer of citalopram and is more selective for the serotonin transporter. Because of this, it may be effective at lower doses than racemic citalopram for some patients, though individual response varies. Safety considerations overlap, including the risk of serotonin syndrome, low sodium, and potential QT prolongation at higher exposures. Your clinician will consider history and co-medications when choosing between them.
Can I stop escitalopram abruptly?
Sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, nausea, tingling, and sleep changes. These effects are usually temporary but can be uncomfortable. Do not stop on your own unless you are advised to do so for safety reasons. If the plan is to discontinue, your prescriber may recommend a gradual reduction to help minimize symptoms. Contact your healthcare professional for guidance if you miss several days.
What if escitalopram makes me drowsy?
Drowsiness can occur, especially during early treatment. If it persists, ask your clinician whether adjusting the time of day might help. Limit alcohol, which can worsen sedation. Until you know how the medicine affects you, avoid driving or operating machinery. If excessive sleepiness continues or affects daily life, discuss alternatives or supportive measures. Never change your dose without medical advice.
Is alcohol safe while taking this medication?
Alcohol may worsen side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. Some people choose to avoid alcohol entirely during treatment, while others limit intake after discussing risks with a clinician. If you drink, keep it moderate and monitor how you feel. Seek medical advice if alcohol use seems to intensify mood symptoms or interfere with sleep.
Does this treatment affect sexual function?
SSRIs can cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido, delayed orgasm, or erectile difficulties. These effects vary by person and may lessen over time. If they persist or are bothersome, speak with your clinician. Options may include dose timing strategies, behavioral approaches, or considering a different therapy if appropriate. Do not stop or change your medication without medical guidance.
How long before I may feel benefits?
Some people notice early changes in sleep, appetite, or worry reduction within a few weeks, while mood improvements can take longer. The timeline varies by individual and by condition. Continue taking the medicine as prescribed and keep follow-up appointments so your prescriber can assess response and tolerability. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a reasonable interval, your clinician may adjust the plan.
What monitoring might my clinician recommend?
Monitoring is individualized. Your clinician may check for mood changes, anxiety symptoms, sleep patterns, and side effects at each visit. They might review blood pressure, weight, and signs of low sodium in higher-risk patients, especially older adults or those on diuretics. If you have cardiac risk factors or take other QT‑prolonging drugs, an ECG could be considered. Report new medicines or supplements to avoid interactions.
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