Escitalopram
Escitalopram is a prescription SSRI antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
What it is
Escitalopram (brand name Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) FDA-approved for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder and the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Per MedlinePlus, it 'works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.' Its FDA prescribing information documents drug interactions involving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (contraindicated, serotonin syndrome risk), other serotonergic drugs (including other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John's Wort), pimozide (contraindicated), and drugs that interfere with hemostasis (aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants, which may add to bleeding risk). Escitalopram is metabolized in part by CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. Escitalopram is the single active (S)-enantiomer of the related but distinct drug citalopram; this file treats the two as separate substances and does not attribute citalopram-specific label findings to escitalopram unless escitalopram is named directly.
How it is commonly taken
Typically taken once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food, for major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
Known interaction categories
- Use caution
- Insufficient evidence
Published interaction pages on this site
- Escitalopram and SertralineUse caution
- Escitalopram and OmeprazoleInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and MagnesiumInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and CreatineInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and IronInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and MetforminInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and ProbioticsInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and WarfarinUse caution
- Escitalopram and LevothyroxineInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and SpironolactoneInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and CaffeineInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and CopperInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and St. John's WortUse caution
- Escitalopram and DoxycyclineInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and LisinoprilInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and CiprofloxacinInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and AtorvastatinInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and CalciumInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)Insufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and Vitamin CInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and MelatoninInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and PotassiumInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and TurmericInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and Vitamin DInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and ZincInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and LosartanInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and Vitamin B12Insufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and Vitamin KInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and AspirinUse caution
- Escitalopram and AmlodipineInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and IbuprofenUse caution
- Escitalopram and Omega-3 / Fish OilInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and AshwagandhaUse caution
- Escitalopram and Folate / Folic AcidInsufficient evidence
- Escitalopram and Vitamin EInsufficient evidence
Related guides
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-08-24
Medical information disclaimer: this information is general and educational. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or determine whether a combination is safe for you personally. Follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping, or combining products. Full disclaimer.