Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription drug used to treat depression and anxiety. Lexapro’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.

The price you pay for Lexapro can vary. To find out how much you’ll pay for Lexapro, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or check out the section below to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.

To save money on your Lexapro prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.

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Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Lexapro and cost.

What’s the cost of Lexapro 10 mg without insurance?

The cost of Lexapro 10 milligrams (mg) without insurance depends on various factors. But typically, your cost without insurance will be higher than with insurance coverage.

Factors that affect your cost for Lexapro 10 mg without insurance include:

  • the condition the drug is being used to treat
  • your dosage
  • the quantity of Lexapro you’re prescribed (such as a 30-day or 90-day supply)
  • any available savings programs you qualify and apply for
  • the pharmacy you use

To find out the cost of Lexapro 10 mg without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide more information.

And be sure to check with a few pharmacies for the best price for Lexapro without insurance.

How much does Lexapro cost with insurance?

The cost of Lexapro with insurance depends on the condition the drug is being used to treat and your treatment plan.

Other factors that affect the cost of Lexapro with insurance include:

  • your insurance plan benefits
  • if your plan has a prior authorization requirement (see the “Prior authorization” section below for more information)
  • the days’ supply of the medication you receive (such as a 30-day or 90-day supply)

Talk with your insurance plan provider or pharmacist to learn more about your Lexapro cost with insurance.

Is Lexapro covered by Medicare?

It’s possible. There are several types of Medicare plans. If you have a Medicare Part C plan with prescription drug coverage or the prescription drug plan Medicare Part D, reach out to your plan provider. They can tell you whether Lexapro is covered and what your cost would be.

Be aware that your Medicare plan may have a prior authorization requirement you must meet before the plan covers Lexapro. (See the “Prior authorization” section below for more information.)

Talk with your doctor or your Medicare plan provider for more details on coverage for Lexapro.

Lexapro is available as the generic drug escitalopram. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered just as safe and effective as the original drug but tends to cost less.

To find out how the costs of Lexapro and escitalopram compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed Lexapro and you’re interested in trying escitalopram instead, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take one version instead of the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one drug or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug exclusively for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you take Lexapro long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

Look into getting a 90-day supply: You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Lexapro if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of the drug. If you’re interested in a 90-day supply of Lexapro, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Use a mail-order pharmacy: Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Lexapro. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of Lexapro through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of Lexapro or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

On these pages, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Lexapro. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Lexapro in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Lexapro requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Lexapro requires prior authorization.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.