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Looking to start Lexapro (escitalopram) safely and conveniently? This guide explains what Lexapro is, whether you need a prescription, and how to get a prescription online. We’ll compare Klarity Health with other top telehealth platforms, explain what to do if your provider won’t prescribe it, and offer tips on starting the conversation.
Want to get a Lexapro prescription online? Book an appointment on Klarity Health today.
Get online care for depression or anxiety
Klarity Health connects you with licensed providers who can create a personalized treatment plan and prescribe medication if clinically appropriate.
What is Lexapro, and how does it work?
Lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals 12 years and older
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in individuals 7 years and older
Safety and effectiveness in younger children haven’t been established.
Lexapro works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Dosing information
- For adults, the usual starting dose is 10 milligrams (mg) once daily, with a maximum of 20 mg daily.
- For adolescents (12 and over), providers may increase the dose after at least 3 weeks if needed.
- Lexapro comes in 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg tablets and a 1-mg/milliliter (mL) oral solution.
Before prescribing Lexapro, providers typically screen for a history of bipolar disorder. Antidepressants can trigger manic episodes in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Lexapro also carries an FDA boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults up to age 24.
Do you need a prescription for Lexapro?
Yes. Lexapro is a prescription-only medication in the U.S. It can’t be purchased over the counter. A licensed healthcare provider must evaluate your symptoms and figure out whether escitalopram is medically appropriate for you.
Can you get a Lexapro prescription online?
Yes. Licensed providers on telehealth platforms can assess your symptoms and prescribe Lexapro if medically appropriate. Many services, including Klarity Health, Talkspace, PlushCare, Brightside, K Health, and Circle Medical, offer this option. After your evaluation, your prescription can be sent electronically to your local pharmacy.
How to get a Lexapro prescription online
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting Lexapro through a telehealth provider:
1. Book an initial evaluation
Choose a licensed platform, such as Klarity Health. Provide basic details and confirm that the healthcare provider is authorized in your state.
2. Complete a mental health intake
You’ll answer questions about:
- Your symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Your medical history and current medications
- Family history of bipolar disorder
- Suicide risk (especially if you’re under the age of 25)
3. Attend a virtual assessment
Depending on your state’s laws and the platform you choose, this may be:
- A live video visit, or
- A structured questionnaire reviewed by a licensed provider
The provider will screen for contraindications like monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use or seizure disorders.
4. Prescription review and issuance
If Lexapro is medically appropriate, the provider can send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. Most states allow online prescribing for non-controlled medications like escitalopram.
5. Medication pickup or delivery
Your prescription can be picked up locally or delivered, depending on the pharmacy. Generic escitalopram is often low-cost, sometimes under $10 with pharmacy discount programs, but prices vary.
6. Follow-up and ongoing care
Providers usually recommend a follow-up within 1 to 2 weeks of starting or adjusting the dose. Additional visits may be scheduled to:
- Monitor side effects.
- Adjust dosage.
- Evaluate symptoms or treatment goals.
- Discuss discontinuation or tapering plans.
Top telehealth platforms to get a Lexapro prescription online
If you’re seeking a Lexapro (escitalopram) prescription online, these telehealth platforms offer access to licensed psychiatric care, e-prescribing, and built-in follow-up.
| Platform | Prescription process | Price and insurance | Follow-up and care | Notes |
| Klarity Health | Licensed provider video/online evaluation; e‑prescribe to pharmacy | Transparent pricing; most insurance accepted | Ongoing care, messaging, and weekly check‑ins | Runs in all 50 states; pricing set per provider; potential same-day booking |
| PlushCare | Video appointment and provider evaluation; e‑script | From $99 per visit; insurance accepted | Regular follow-up visits | Offers medication delivery; most prescriptions delivered same day |
| Talkspace Psychiatry | Virtual appointment with psychiatry provider; e‑script | Subscription-based; some insurance | Therapy and medication management | Integrated counseling support |
| K Health | Online intake and chat or video visit; e‑script | Starting around $49 per month; medications delivered | Ongoing access through app | Very accessible and low-cost option |
| Brightside / Circle | Evaluation and video/online interview; e‑script | Accepts insurance; affordable self-pay packages | Weekly check-ins, care team | Good for ongoing medication support |
Klarity Health stands out for personalized medication management, transparent pricing, and fast access to licensed healthcare providers.
Other ways to get a Lexapro prescription
If online telehealth isn’t an option, you can also:
- See your primary care provider (PCP) in person and discuss Lexapro.
- Consult a psychiatrist via in-person or referral.
- Get a refill or new prescription via local clinics, walk-ins, or community health centers.
- Have a current provider e-prescribe to your pharmacy if you change pharmacies online or in person.
What if my provider won’t prescribe Lexapro?
Sometimes, providers may not prescribe Lexapro (escitalopram) due to medical risks or treatment guidelines.
Why Lexapro may be declined
- Drug interactions: Lexapro can’t be used with MAOIs, pimozide, or certain medications that affect heart rhythm or increase bleeding risk.
- Allergies: A history of allergy to escitalopram or citalopram disqualifies use
- Bipolar risk: It may trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder or a family history of it.
- Age concerns: Patients under 25 have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts during treatment.
- Mild symptoms: If your symptoms are mild, providers may suggest therapy or other SSRIs first.
What you can do
- Ask about alternatives like Zoloft, Prozac, or therapy.
- Request a referral to a psychiatrist for further evaluation.
- Get a second opinion online through a platform like Klarity Health. Licensed healthcare providers can prescribe Lexapro if it’s right for you.
How to tell your provider you’re considering online care
If you’d prefer online care, you can say:
“I’m interested in exploring Lexapro and noticed telehealth platforms can facilitate treatment quickly. Would you be open to coordinating my prescription through a licensed provider remotely or referring me?”
Frame it respectfully and highlight that you want a fully licensed clinician, not an unverified source. Emphasize your desire for safety, privacy, and continuity of care.
Key takeaways
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is FDA-approved for depression and anxiety in patients 7 and older (GAD) and 12 and older (MDD).
- A prescription is required and can be obtained online or in person.
- Klarity Health and other telehealth platforms make it easy to get evaluated by a licensed provider.
- If your current provider won’t prescribe Lexapro, other options are available, including second opinions through telehealth.
- Discuss your options openly, and follow a care plan that fits your needs and goals.
Ready to get a Lexapro prescription online?
Connect with a licensed provider through Klarity Health for safe, secure care. Our platform offers personalized treatment, fast access, and transparent pricing, so you can take the next step toward feeling better.
Struggling with depression or anxiety?
Licensed providers on Klarity Health can assess your symptoms and recommend therapy, medication, or both—if medically appropriate.
FAQs
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest.
