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Lexapro Substitute
Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate) is a prescription medicine used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Although most people respond well to this medication, some may experience side effects or may not feel that their symptoms are adequately controlled. In this case, a Lexapro substitute should be considered.
There are a number of alternatives to Lexapro, including other depression medications (also known as antidepressants), therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and alternative (natural) therapies.
When prescribing another medication as a substitute for Lexapro, your healthcare provider may recommend another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or recommend that you try another class of antidepressants. Other popular drug classes used for treating depression include:
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Miscellaneous other antidepressants.
(Click Lexapro Alternatives to learn more about the various substitutes for Lexapro and for a list of medications that belong to each antidepressant drug class.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD