Key takeaways

  • Escitalopram is a medication used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, and MDD in children 12 years and older.
  • The typical adult dosage for both GAD and MDD is 10 mg once daily, which may be increased to 20 mg daily after at least a week, as determined by a doctor.
  • It’s important to contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical help if you experience overdose symptoms, such as seizures or a rapid heart rate.

Escitalopram is used to treat:

Escitalopram belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Escitalopram is available in a brand-name version called Lexapro.

This article describes the dosages of escitalopram, including its strength and how to take it.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for escitalopram. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Escitalopram forms

Escitalopram comes in two forms: An oral tablet and an oral solution.

This article discusses dosages for escitalopram oral tablet. For information about escitalopram oral solution, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Escitalopram strengths

Escitalopram tablets come in three strengths:

  • 5 milligrams (mg)
  • 10 mg
  • 20 mg

Escitalopram is approved to treat the following conditions:

  • GAD in adults
  • MDD in adults and children older than 12 years

The prescribed escitalopram dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Dosage for GAD in adults

The typical escitalopram dosage for adults with GAD, commonly referred to as anxiety, is 10 mg once daily. Your doctor may recommend increasing this dosage up to 20 mg once daily, but this can only be done after at least one week.

Dosage for MDD in adults

The typical escitalopram dosage for adults with MDD, commonly referred to as depression, is 10 mg once daily. Your doctor may recommend increasing this dosage up to 20 mg once daily, but this can only be done after at least one week.

Escitalopram is used to help treat MDD in children ages 12 years and older. The dosage for children is the same as the dosage for adults: 10 mg once per day, which may be increased to 20 mg after one week.

For more information about escitalopram’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking escitalopram. Typically, recommendations for taking escitalopram include:

  • take escitalopram once daily
  • escitalopram can be taken in the morning or the evening
  • it can be taken with or without food

How long do you take escitalopram?

Escitalopram is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term once you reach your maintenance dose.

Do not take more escitalopram than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of escitalopram overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose of escitalopram can include:

What to do in case you take too much escitalopram

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much escitalopram. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about escitalopram’s dosage.

When is the best time to take escitalopram for anxiety?

There is no best time of day to take escitalopram in terms of effectiveness. The best time of day for you may depend on what you find most convenient and whether you experience side effects.

For example, some people may experience fatigue and insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) when taking escitalopram. If you notice the medication makes you tired, you may prefer to take it in the evening or before you go to sleep. If you experience insomnia, you may try taking escitalopram in the morning.

It’s also important to take escitalopram at a time that works with your routine. This can help you remember to take the medication consistently.

What’s the maximum dose of escitalopram?

The maximum dosage of escitalopram is 20 mg per day. Dosages of 30 mg or 40 mg are very high and not recommended as they may lead to negative effects.

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.