Escitalopram (brand name Lexapro®) is available in both brand‑name and generic forms. The cost can vary widely based on where you live, what dosage you need, whether you have insurance, and which pharmacy you use. Below is a quick snapshot of typical costs in a few major markets:
| Country | 10 mg tablets | 20 mg tablets | Notes |
|---------|---------------|---------------|-------|
| United States | $0.10–$0.30 / tablet (generic) | $0.15–$0.45 / tablet (generic) | Brand‑name (Lexapro) can run $0.70–$1.20 / tablet. Prices drop with higher discounts or bulk packs. |
| Canada | $0.25–$0.45 / tablet (generic) | $0.35–$0.55 / tablet (generic) | Brand‑name is ~double the generic price. |
| United Kingdom | £0.06–£0.15 / tablet (generic) | £0.09–£0.20 / tablet (generic) | NHS dispenses the generic version for most prescriptions. |
| Australia | $0.30–$0.70 / tablet (generic) | $0.45–$1.00 / tablet (generic) | Brand‑name is considerably more expensive. |
How to get the best price
| Strategy | What it means for you |
|----------|----------------------|
| Use the generic | The generic is the same drug, just sold under the company’s name. It is typically 70–90 % cheaper. |
| Bulk packs / 90‑day supplies | Many pharmacies offer a discount if you buy a 90‑day supply instead of a 30‑day supply. |
| Pharmacy discount cards | Programs like GoodRx, Skribe, or pharmacy‑specific cards can give you additional savings. |
| Insurance | If you’re covered by a prescription drug plan, check your formulary. The drug may be on‑label for your plan and you might only pay a copay. |
| Generic‑only pharmacies | Some pharmacies (e.g., Walmart, Costco, or large chain pharmacies) only sell generic versions, so you avoid the brand premium. |
| Check with your prescriber | Some providers can write a generic prescription instead of the brand. |
What to ask when you’re ready to fill a prescription
- Is the generic version available? Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if they can prescribe the generic (Escitalopram 10 mg or 20 mg).
- What’s the exact dosage? A typical starting dose is 10 mg daily, but it can go up to 20 mg for some patients.
- Do you have a discount card? Pharmacies often have cards that reduce the out‑of‑pocket cost.
- Can I get a 90‑day supply? This often reduces the cost per tablet.
A quick cost estimate in the US
| Quantity | Cost (generic) | Cost (brand) |
|----------|----------------|--------------|
| 30 tablets (30 days) | ~$3–$9 | ~$21–$36 |
| 90 tablets (90 days) | ~$9–$27 | ~$63–$108 |
These figures assume the drug is purchased without any insurance or discount; real prices may be lower or higher depending on the pharmacy, location, or special coupons.
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Bottom line:
Escitalopram is much cheaper in its generic form, and you can usually shave off several dollars per month by buying a larger supply, using a discount card, or making sure you’re on a drug plan that covers it. If you’re unsure how much you’ll pay, the best next step is to call your pharmacy or consult your health plan’s formulary to get a precise estimate before you fill the prescription.