Escitalopram is a generic drug that’s prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The medication is available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. The cost of escitalopram with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether the drug has a savings program.

Escitalopram is available in these forms: oral tablet and oral solution. The medication belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Read on to learn about escitalopram and cost, as well as how to save money on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about escitalopram, refer to this article.

As with all medications, the cost of escitalopram can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out what the cost of escitalopram will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers escitalopram. This means the company and your doctor will discuss escitalopram in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether escitalopram requires prior authorization.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and escitalopram.

How much does escitalopram cost without insurance?

As with most drugs, the amount you pay for escitalopram can be higher without insurance. However, escitalopram is a generic drug. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than their brand-name counterparts.

If you’re paying for escitalopram out of pocket, there may be online coupons to help with the cost. For more information, see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to help reduce your cost.

Is there a cost difference between escitalopram 10 mg and escitalopram 20 mg?

The amount you’ll pay for escitalopram depends on several factors, including form, strength, and insurance coverage. Insurance plans can vary in how they cover escitalopram and the copay they require.

Escitalopram is available in different forms and strengths. The oral tablet comes in three different milligram (mg) strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The oral solution has one strength: 5 mg of escitalopram per 5 milliliters (mL) of solution (5 mg/5 mL).

To learn more about how much you can expect to pay for your escitalopram prescription, contact your insurance provider or pharmacy.

Escitalopram is a generic drug, which means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic drug is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Escitalopram is also available as the brand-name drug Lexapro. If your doctor has prescribed escitalopram and you’re interested in taking Lexapro instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

To find out how the cost of this brand-name drug compares with the cost of escitalopram, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you take escitalopram long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of escitalopram. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Escitalopram may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for escitalopram, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. Two such organizations are:

These sites can provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and escitalopram, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to escitalopram. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for escitalopram.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.