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The generic medication for Lexapro in the United States is escitalopram. Lexapro is the brand name and escitalopram is the active ingredient shown in the official FDA documentation, so that is the name you may see on a prescription or at a U.S. pharmacy.
Is there a generic version of Lexapro available in the US?
Yes. The FDA already documented the approval of generic escitalopram tablets in 2012, and current DailyMed records show several presentations of escitalopram marketed by different manufacturers in the US market.
This means that the name Lexapro is not the only valid reference in the United States. If the package says escitalopram, it does not indicate another active ingredient, but rather the generic name of the same reference medication.
What does it mean to order the generic version of Lexapro?
Ordering the generic version of Lexapro is the same as ordering escitalopram. The FDA explains that an approved generic must have the same active ingredient, the same route of administration, and the same quality as the brand-name drug.
Therefore, a person may receive escitalopram even if they know the treatment by the brand name Lexapro, and the packaging may look different because generics do not have to reproduce the same commercial appearance.
What is escitalopram used for in the United States?
The current label for Lexapro in the United States indicates it is for major depressive disorder in adults and pediatric patients from 12 years of age, and for generalized anxiety disorder in adults and from 7 years of age.
The generic labels for escitalopram include its use for major depression in adults and from the age of 12, and for generalized anxiety in adults, with some labeling differences linked to regulatory exclusivity.
MedlinePlus describes escitalopram as an SSRI antidepressant used for depression and generalized anxiety.
Are there any significant differences between Lexapro and its generic version?
According to the FDA, approved generics work the same way and offer the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts, although details such as color, labeling, or inactive ingredients may vary.
The FDA also explains that generics usually cost less because applicants do not repeat the animal and human studies required for the brand-name drug, which facilitates a less expensive entry into the market.
In practical terms, the name that identifies the active ingredient in the United States is escitalopram, and that is the information to look for on the prescription or dispensing label.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Before starting or changing any treatment, consult a healthcare professional.
