This article describes Lexapro’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Lexapro. If you want to know more about Lexapro, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Lexapro is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in a generic version called escitalopram. This article describes dosages of Lexapro.
Lexapro has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
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Form and strengths of Lexapro
Lexapro comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet that you take by swallowing
- Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 20 mg
Dosage of Lexapro
This article describes the recommended dosages for Lexapro. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Lexapro without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Lexapro in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing an appropriate dosage of Lexapro. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Lexapro that gives the desired outcome.
Lexapro should be taken either in the morning or the evening. Your doctor may advise you to take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of Lexapro in your body, which makes the drug work more effectively.
This medication can be taken with or without food. However, you should not drink alcohol (if you drink) during your Lexapro treatment. Also, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other possibly dangerous activities until you know how the drug affects you.
Dosage for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder
Below are the usual recommended dosages expressed in milligrams (mg) of Lexapro:
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| major depressive disorder | 10 mg once per day | 10 mg once per day | 20 mg once per day |
| generalized anxiety disorder | 10 mg once per day | 10 mg once per day | 20 mg once per day |
Dosages of Lexapro in children
Lexapro is approved to treat major depressive disorder in children ages 12 years and older. It’s also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder in children ages 7 years and older. Dosages are the same as those listed for adults above.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lexapro and its dosage.
Is 5 to 10 mg of Lexapro a low dose?
Yes. A dose of 10 milligrams (mg) of Lexapro per day is the lowest recommended starting dosage to treat both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The starting dosage is usually the same as the target maintenance dosage. However, depending on how your body responds, your doctor may adjust your Lexapro dosage to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
Is 30 to 40 mg of Lexapro a high dose?
Doses of 30 to 40 mg of Lexapro are not recommended. The maximum Lexapro dosage for the conditions it’s approved to treat is 20 mg. In studies, no additional benefit was observed in dosages higher than 20 mg.
Is Lexapro taken long term?
It’s possible. Doctors may prescribe Lexapro as a long-term treatment if it’s working well for you without bothersome side effects. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Lexapro, talk with your doctor.
Lexapro coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Lexapro
It’s important that you do not take more Lexapro than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Lexapro overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
What to do if you take too much Lexapro
If you think you’ve taken too much Lexapro, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warning for Lexapro
Lexapro has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Taking Lexapro may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger taking antidepressants. This risk is highest when first starting treatment or after a dosage change. Talk with your doctor to learn more.
If you have thoughts of suicide during Lexapro treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.