Not a controlled substanceFDA-approved product

Escitalopram

First-line SSRI for depression and anxiety

The generic of Lexapro, and one of the two SSRIs most consistently recommended as a starting point for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety. Your NP reviews your PHQ-9 and GAD-7 before initiation and again at every follow-up.

Our nurse practitioner treats uncomplicated depression and anxiety within primary-care scope. We are not a psychiatric practice. Bipolar disorder, psychosis, eating disorders, substance use disorder, active suicidal thinking and anyone already under a psychiatrist are referred out rather than started here — and we will help you find that care. We also do not prescribe benzodiazepines, stimulants or any other controlled substance.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved finished drug product.

Start an intake

Frequency

Once daily, oral

Route

Oral

Supply

30-day supply

Minimum age

18+

What it does

What patients get from this

Among the best-tolerated SSRIs at starting doses
Treats depression and generalised anxiety together
Scored follow-ups at two, six and twelve weeks
Inexpensive as a generic almost everywhere

We will not prescribe this if

Concurrent or recent MAOI use
Known bipolar disorder without a mood stabiliser
Congenital long QT syndrome
Current pregnancy or breastfeeding

The intake asks about each of these. Some answers stop the process; others are flagged for your nurse practitioner.

Labs your NP may order

Draw at our Fort Lauderdale clinic or a reference lab near you. Your NP reviews the results and posts them to your account.

Please read

Antidepressants carry a boxed warning for increased suicidal thinking in people under 25. Your NP screens for this at every visit.
Do not stop abruptly — discontinuation is tapered.

Escitalopram

What patients get from this

We will not prescribe this if

Labs your NP may order

Please read

Also in Mental Wellness

Sertraline

Bupropion XL

Fluoxetine

Buspirone

Hydroxyzine