Antidepressants are often affordable, but the cost will typically depend on whether you have insurance with prescription coverage or whether you use any other discount programs.
These medications lower symptoms of depression by altering brain chemistry, and for many people with depression, they provide a lot of relief. Ensuring the best price means you can more easily afford effective treatment.
Antidepressant costs in detail
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, there have been significant increases in general drug prices between 2016–2022. However, out-of-pocket expenses for antidepressants may have decreased since 2013.
According to a 2021 U.S. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, for people under the age of 18 years, out-of-pocket antidepressant costs fell from $10 in 2013 to $4 in 2018. And for people ages 19–64, costs fell from $15 to $9 during the same period.
Between 2013–2018, people from low income households saw their average total costs per antidepressant prescription decrease from $73 to $49. During the same period, the overall average out-of-pocket expenses for each antidepressant prescription filled decreased for both males and females.
Discounted antidepressant costs
The table below shows the approximate costs of some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications.
The costs listed are for a quantity of 60 tablets with an Optum Perks prescription discount card.
| Generic name | Brand name | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| citalopram | Celexa | around $8 |
| trazodone | Molipaxin | around $8 |
| sertraline | Zoloft | around $18 |
| escitalopram | Lexapro | around $30 |
| fluoxetine | Prozac | around $33 |
| venlafaxine | Effexor | around $9 |
| bupropion | Wellbutrin | around $9 |
Do Medicaid and Medicare cover antidepressants?
The federal government does not require Medicaid to provide coverage for prescription medications. But, currently, all states do offer this option. This includes prescription antidepressants.
Medicare Part D, also called prescription drug plans (PDPs), covers many antidepressants. Private insurance companies offer Part D plans. These plans often come as part of Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C), although they can also be stand-alone plans.
Medicare Part B, which is the outpatient part of original Medicare, covers only one mental health screening per year and does not include prescriptions.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
