
Generic Lexapro is a brand‑name‑free version of escitalopram, an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It carries the same molecular formula (C20H21FN2O) and dosage forms (10mg, 20mg tablets) as the branded product, but costs a fraction of the price. Because it’s a prescription medication, buying it online requires a valid prescription and a trustworthy pharmacy.
Quick Takeaways
- Verify the pharmacy’s licence - look for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or a Canadian pharmacy seal.
- Compare prices on at least three sites; the cheapest bulk packs are often cheap generic Lexapro priced under $0.30 per tablet.
- Never buy from sites that ask for credit‑card info over unencrypted email.
- Check dosage, expiration date, and packaging before taking the medication.
What Makes Generic Lexapro Different from the Brand?
Both generic and brand versions contain the same active ingredient, but there are subtle differences:
Attribute | Generic Lexapro | Branded Lexapro |
---|---|---|
Manufacturer | Various licensed producers | Forest Laboratories (now part of AbbVie) |
Cost per tablet | $0.20‑$0.35 | $1.20‑$1.80 |
Inactive ingredients | May vary (lactose, microcrystalline cellulose) | Specific proprietary fillers |
Regulatory status | FDA‑approved generic | FDA‑approved brand |
Insurance coverage | Often preferred by plans | Usually higher copay |
Both are equally effective when taken as prescribed. The price gap is the main driver for many patients seeking a cheaper alternative.
Legal & Safety Landscape
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates prescription drugs, ensures that generics meet bioequivalence standards, and maintains a list of approved online pharmacies through its BeSafeRx program. Buying from an unlicensed source can expose you to counterfeit pills, incorrect dosages, or even harmful contaminants.
Canada’s pharmacy market is often praised for lower prices and strict regulation. A Canadian online pharmacy must be licensed by Health Canada and display a valid pharmacy licence number on its website. Many U.S. patients legally import up to a 90‑day supply for personal use.
How to Spot a Reputable Online Pharmacy
- Check licensing. Look for a pharmacy licence number and verify it on the governing body’s website (e.g., state board of pharmacy, Health Canada).
- Look for seals. The VIPPS seal means the pharmacy meets standards set by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy or a reputable Canadian pharmacy seal.
- Read the privacy policy. Legit sites use HTTPS (padlock icon) and outline how they protect your health information.
- Verify the prescription process. Good pharmacies require a scanned prescription or an electronic upload; they never accept a simple email request without verification.
- Check customer reviews. Look for independent review platforms; avoid sites that only showcase self‑generated testimonials.
Price‑Comparison Strategies
When hunting for cheap generic Lexapro, start with a few well‑known price‑comparison tools like GoodRx, RxSaver, or the Canadian Pharmacy Price Checker. Enter the dosage (e.g., 10mg) and the quantity (30, 60, 90 tablets) to see side‑by‑side costs.
Typical price ranges (U.S. dollars) for a 30‑day supply:
- U.S. retail pharmacy: $30‑$45
- U.S. discount mail‑order: $22‑$28
- Canadian online pharmacy (with valid prescription): $6‑$9
Bulk purchases (90 tablets) can bring the per‑tablet cost down to $0.20, especially when you use a subscription model that ships every three months.

Step‑by‑Step: Ordering Generic Lexapro Online
- Obtain a current prescription from your clinician. Most doctors can email a PDF directly to the pharmacy.
- Choose a licensed pharmacy that meets the criteria above.
- Enter the medication name Escitalopram, dosage (10mg or 20mg), and quantity.
- Upload your prescription securely (via encrypted portal or fax).
- Review the price breakdown, including shipping fees. Look for free‑shipping thresholds (often $50).
- Complete the checkout using a credit card or a payment method that offers fraud protection.
- Upon receipt, inspect the bottle for the pharmacy’s name, licence number, expiry date, and batch code.
- Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Most reputable sites dispatch within 2‑4 business days, and you’ll receive a tracking number.
Managing Your Medication Effectively
Even though generic Lexapro is chemically identical to the brand, it’s important to follow a few best practices:
- Start low, go slow. Many doctors begin with 5mg (if available) or a single 10mg tablet daily and increase after one week.
- Take it at the same time each day. Consistency helps maintain steady blood levels.
- Watch for side effects. Common ones include nausea, insomnia, and mild sexual dysfunction. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, contact your prescriber.
- Avoid certain interactions. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and certain anti‑malaria drugs (e.g., quinidine) can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Don’t abruptly stop. Tapering off under medical supervision prevents withdrawal symptoms.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Buying cheap medication can tempt you into shortcuts. Here are red flags:
Red Flag | Why It’s Risky | How to Respond |
---|---|---|
Price far below market average | May indicate counterfeit or sub‑potent product | Verify the pharmacy’s licence; seek a second opinion |
No prescription required | Illegal distribution; no quality control | Never purchase without a valid prescription |
Unsecured website (no HTTPS) | Personal data can be stolen | Leave the site and find a secured alternative |
Anonymous contact information | Hard to resolve issues or returns | Choose pharmacies with clear customer service channels |
Next Steps & Troubleshooting
If your order arrives damaged, delayed, or you suspect the pills are off, follow these steps:
- Contact the pharmacy’s customer support within 24hours. Keep the packaging and any receipts.
- If the response is unsatisfactory, file a complaint with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or your state’s pharmacy board.
- Report potential counterfeit products to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
- Consult your healthcare provider before switching brands or discontinuing.
By staying vigilant, you can secure a reliable supply of affordable medication without compromising safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to import generic Lexapro from Canada?
Yes, U.S. residents may import up to a 90‑day supply of a prescription medication for personal use, as long as it comes from a licensed Canadian pharmacy and you have a valid prescription.
How much does cheap generic Lexapro typically cost per tablet?
Bulk orders from reputable online sources usually range from $0.20 to $0.35 per tablet, far cheaper than the brand‑name version which can exceed $1.20 per tablet.
Do I need a new prescription each time I reorder?
Most licensed online pharmacies will accept a prescription up to 12 months old, but they may request a renewal if it’s older than six months. Check the pharmacy’s policy before ordering.
What are the main side effects of escitalopram?
Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, and mild sexual dysfunction. Severe reactions like serotonin syndrome are rare but require immediate medical attention.
Can I switch from brand Lexapro to generic without a doctor’s approval?
Technically you can, but it’s best to inform your prescriber. They can confirm the dosage and monitor for any changes in response or side effects.
How long does shipping usually take for a 90‑day supply?
Reputable pharmacies ship within 2‑4 business days for domestic U.S. orders and 5‑9 days for cross‑border deliveries from Canada, often with tracking.
What should I do if the pills look different from what I expect?
Stop using them, photograph the packaging, and contact the pharmacy immediately. You may also file a report with the FDA’s MedWatch program.
3 Comments
Wow, cheap Lexapro, count me in!
The epistemological scaffolding of pharmaceutical procurement demands a rigorous appraisal of regulatory provenance.
When one interrogates the ontological parity between branded escitalopram and its off‑label analogues, the bioequivalence metrics emerge as a non‑negotiable axiom.
Consequently, any reputable e‑pharmacy must exhibit a verifiable NAPLEX accreditation coupled with a conspicuous VIPPS seal.
The absence of such credentials is tantamount to a breach of fiduciary duty toward the consumer.
Moreover, the heterogeneity of excipients across generic manufacturers necessitates a granular inspection of the inactive matrix.
Lactose intolerance, for instance, can precipitate unforeseen gastrointestinal sequelae if the filler composition is ignored.
From a pharmacoeconomic perspective, a unit cost of $0.25 per tablet engenders a net annual savings exceeding $500 relative to the brand formulation.
Nonetheless, economies of scale should not eclipse the principle of patient safety.
The digital encryption protocols (HTTPS, TLS 1.3) constitute a baseline safeguard against data exfiltration.
A site that solicits credit‑card details via plaintext email flagrantly violates PCI compliance standards.
Institutional oversight mechanisms, such as the FDA’s BeSafeRx registry, furnish an ancillary layer of validation.
It is incumbent upon the prescriber to corroborate the pharmacy’s licensure through state board verification portals.
Cross‑border importation from Canada remains permissible under the aegis of the FDA’s personal use exemption, provided the cumulative quantity does not surpass a 90‑day supply.
The logistical vector-shipping timelines, temperature control, and tamper‑evident packaging-must be meticulously documented.
In summation, the convergence of regulatory compliance, price transparency, and supply chain integrity constitutes the triad of best practices for acquiring generic Lexapro online.
Looks legit if the site shows a VIPPS badge. Check the licence number on the state board. No need for fancy marketing fluff.