Suggest An Alternative Medication In Place Of Lexapro

Posted on Thu, 17 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 5 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking Lexpro for at least 16 years, now they cost so much, I can't aford to take them... So I have tried to come off them... I have tried the others, that are suppose to be similar, but they are different, they hurt my stomack, and make me sick.... I pay $135.00 for just 15 pills, and to save some I only take 5 10mil, a week not 7... Tried to come off them before, couldn't do it, now I have no chose to, because everytime I go to get them they cost even more.....

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your doctor can help you find a low cost alternative

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I understand your concerns but Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and you should not try alternatives without consulting your doctor. I would suggest you to consult your psychiatrist or treating physician who could give you a generic low cost version of the same medicine or some other suitable alternative. He could also give you some simple tips that could help you cope better. But please do not try to modify the drug regimen on your own.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar