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Lexapro

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
Updated on May 22, 2025
Featuring Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBSReviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD | May 21, 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.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

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