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01:43

Lexapro: How It Works, How to Take It, and Side Effects

Lexapro (escitalopram) helps relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Lauren Smith, MAStacia Woodcock, PharmD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD
Published on May 22, 2025

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by making serotonin, a brain chemical that’s involved in regulating your mood and anxiety, more available. In this video, learn how to take Lexapro to improve treatment outcomes, according to Joshua Murdock, PharmD, Sr. Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

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Additional Medical Contributors
  • Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBSJoshua Murdock, PharmD is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana and is licensed in Colorado and Rhode Island.

    References

    Allergan, Inc. (2023). LEXAPRO- escitalopram tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Depression during pregnancy

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    Bellantuono, C., et al. (2012). The safety of escitalopram during pregnancy and breastfeeding: A comprehensive review. Human Psychopharmacology.

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Spoons are for soup / Milliliters (mL) are for medicine.

    Kasper, S., et al. (2006). Onset of action of escitalopram compared with other antidepressants: Results of a pooled analysis. International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

    Reefhuis, K., et al. (2015). Specific SSRIs and birth defects: Bayesian analysis to interpret new data in the context of previous reports. BMJ: British Medical Journal.

    Sanchez, C., et al. (2014). A comparative review of escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline: Are they all alike? International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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