Escitalopram (Lexapro) is a prescription oral tablet and a commonly used Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It treats major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (adults) by increasing serotonin in the brain. Usual dosage ranges from 5 to 20 mg daily.

• Key Information for Escitalopram Tablets

• Uses: Effectively treats depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and sometimes panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Dosage & Administration: Available in 5, 10, and 20 mg tablets, usually taken once daily with or without food. A typical starting dose for depression/anxiety is 10 mg.

• Effectiveness:

  Initial improvements in energy or appetite may appear within 2 weeks, but full, noticeable improvements in mood may take 6 to 8 weeks.