Lexapro Now Has A Generic

Somewhere around March 2012, Lexapro's generic became available. My pdoc doesn't like to prescribe generic, but is considering it for me due to cost. My pdoc's issue is generics are not always monitored as closely in regard to ingredients. She doesn't like the variations in formulas. FDA does allow slight deviations from the original formula.

Anyone taking the generic (escitalopram)? If so, do you notice a difference (mood, anxiety, depression, side effects, etc.) from manufacturer to manufacturer?

I've been wondering why lexapro was so widely prescribed when it doesn't even have a generic! I remember learning that my parents were paying near $300 a month for that stuff when I was 15. Later I learned that it is the most specific of the SSRI's and I understand why it has become a first line choice.

It's excellent to hear that so many people diagnosed for the first time are going to be able to get something in generic!

I've never had the name brand, so my comment isn't really worth much. I can't make a comparison for you. I'm on day 2 of the generic. The nausea has been something awful for me. I'm hoping it goes away soon. It's as bad as the morning sickness when I was pregnant, only totally constant. I'm in bad shape mentally and so it's not a situation where they want to slowly taper up the dose. So I'll stick it out for a couple weeks and see if I can adjust. But I am thankful for the $$ savings of having a generic available.

Hi notz, small world. I'm on generic lexapro and it works well for me. I had been on it years ago but then the cost got so high. Then I was on another one that had some side effects that I didn't like. When it went generic in March my pdoc switched me over to that. The side effects are less with the same effectiveness in treating my symptoms. If you switch to it I hope it works well for you.

I've been on Lexapro for about 3 years but the cost is killing me. We'll see on Wed next week what pdoc's gonna do for me. If it's generic Lexapro, then maybe you and I can keep track of manufacturers and share info. Thanks, Mr Small World!

Piper: Starting Lexapro made me horribly nauseous the first few days and continued with every dose increase.

Only drug that did that to me.

I'm on escitaloprom since May. I was diagnosed with dysthymia and it is the only med I have been on for that. I'm not completely sold on the diagnosis and can't tell if it has helped at all, but no side effects.

I started out on Lexapro before the generic was available, and then as soon as the generic was made available, I made the switch because I'm on an auto-refill program every 3 months, and my Rx doesn't say DAW. I've honestly noticed absolutely no difference between the brand name and the generic, except cost of course.

Wow I can't believe they made a generic version of that drug...

yes my significant other has this

I've noticed no difference between generic and name brand Lexapro. My generic is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Okay, name brand was over $250 (US) without insurance and I had local grocery (Kroger) match Costco's generic price of $5.85!!!! Wow, bowl me over!

So far, no difference. One complication in the midst of the brand to generic change, pdoc upped my lithium. Although I'm experiencing a med change on two fronts, I think I'll be able to tell them apart.

Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated.