escitalopram (Lexapro)
Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like escitalopram (Lexapro) may be right for you.
Treatment for:major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder
585+ insurance plans accepted
Quickly confirm coverage or view self-pay rates
First, choose your state
You’ll get the most accurate information if we know where you’re seeking care, as insurance coverage and self-pay rates vary by state.
Then, pick a plan or self-pay
Below are the insurances we accept in your state. Don’t see yours listed or don’t have insurance? You can still get help through self-pay.
Great news! We’re in network with
*This is a common co-pay range for mental health services with an in-network provider; however, you may have a different co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs (such as a deductible), dependent upon your specific plan’s benefits. After confirming that the provider you’d like to work with accepts your plan (over the phone with our support team or on the provider’s profile), please contact your insurance to determine your exact financial responsibility, prior to scheduling.
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
Individual & relationship counseling
Get individual therapy for depression, stress, and more (for yourself or your child/teen). Or, work through your unique relationship challenges in couples/marriage or family therapy.
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Psychiatry/medication management
Reduce or manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, with psychiatric medication.
first session
subsequent sessions
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
What is an SSRI?
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
How does a SSRI work?
SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory.
How prescribing works
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Find a provider who meets your needs
Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).
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Meet 1:1 to begin treatment
Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
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Attend sessions and start feeling better
Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.
FAQs
How long will it take for escitalopram (lexapro) to work?
Most SSRI medications like escitalopram take up to 8 weeks of regular use to be fully effective, with some people beginning to feel symptom relief as quickly as 1-2 weeks after starting.
What is escitalopram (lexapro) used for?
Escitalopram is a medication used to treat anxiety, depression, and other related disorders. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, that works by increasing the availability of serotonin in your brain.
Does escitalopram (lexapro) cause weight gain?
While weight gain can occur with the use of SSRIs, escitalopram is thought to have less influence on weight than some other SSRIs. If you have concerns about managing your weight while taking medication for anxiety, consult with your provider.
What are potential first week and long-term side effects?
Because everyone's bodies and brains are different, medication side effects affect different people in different ways. While escitalopram's side effect burden is usually low, you may experience headache, diarrhea, or nausea in the first few days as your body gets used to the new medication. Long-term side effects such as fatigue or sexual side effects can occur but are usually managed by making changes to timing or dosage. If you're experiencing negative side effects of any medication, speak with your provider — they may advise trying a new medication, changing when you take your medication, or coping strategies.
Does escitalopram (lexapro) make you tired?
As with all medications, side effects can occur (or not) for everyone differently. While escitalopram may cause fatigue or drowsiness in some people, this side effect is typically easily mitigated by taking it at night.
Can you drink alcohol on escitalopram (lexapro)?
When taking a medication to support your mental health, drinking alcohol is not advised. With escitalopram, it can worsen existing side effects and cause new ones. You may feel intoxicated faster and may feel significantly unwell the following day. If you have questions about alcohol or other substance use while taking this or any other medication, consult with your provider.
What's considered a low dose?
As with any medication, the goal is to balance reaching the medication's maximum effect at the lowest dose necessary. A “low” or “high” dose isn't as relevant as what dosage is most helpful for you. If you have questions about increasing or decreasing your medication dosage, discuss them with your provider.
Can I get a prescription online?
You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.
Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.
How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?
Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.
We offer psychiatry in these select states
Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.
Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.
Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer
