Escitalopram (Lexapro) Treatment in Florida
Same-day visits are often possible
See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. Ages 6 and up. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) at One Stop Psychiatry
Escitalopram, better known as Lexapro, is an antidepressant used for depression and for constant, hard-to-shake worry (generalized anxiety disorder). We can help you decide if it’s worth trying, start it if it is, and adjust it over time. Visits are in Fort Lauderdale or by video anywhere in Florida.
What Is Escitalopram?
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is taken by mouth once a day, as a tablet or liquid, with or without food. The brand name is Lexapro.
What Is Escitalopram Used For?
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life for 6 months or longer. Learn about anxiety treatment and online anxiety treatment.
Is Escitalopram Right for Me?
Your provider reviews your symptoms, past treatments, other medications and supplements, and medical history, including pregnancy, bipolar disorder, seizures, bleeding problems and eye conditions such as glaucoma. For children and teens, your provider reviews whether escitalopram is appropriate.
Getting Started With Escitalopram
Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Our staff will call you back to check your insurance, send your intake forms and confirm when and where your visit is.
At the first visit, your provider goes over your symptoms, your history, what you’ve already tried and what you’re taking now. You can come to our Fort Lauderdale office or use video from anywhere in Florida.
If Escitalopram makes sense for you, you’ll hear how to take it, what to expect in the first few weeks and which side effects to call about. If it doesn’t, your provider will talk through other options. Follow-up visits are where the dose gets fine-tuned.
Side Effects of Escitalopram
Common side effects can include nausea, sexual side effects, drowsiness, trouble falling or staying asleep and increased sweating.
Get medical help right away for an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing); seizures; abnormal bleeding or bruising; or fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness, agitation or hallucinations, which can be signs of serotonin syndrome.
Important Safety Information
- Escitalopram may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teens and young adults under 24, especially in the first months of treatment or after a dose increase. Contact your provider right away about mood or behavior changes.
- It may cause angle-closure glaucoma; ask your provider whether an eye exam is needed before starting.
- Do not stop it suddenly; your provider will lower the dose gradually.
- It may cause drowsiness. Do not drive until you know how it affects you, and avoid alcohol, which can worsen side effects.
Related Medications
Common Questions
What is the difference between Lexapro and Prozac?
Both are SSRIs. Prozac (fluoxetine) stays in the body much longer, which can make missed doses less noticeable but also means it takes longer to leave the body. Lexapro (escitalopram) is FDA-approved for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Which one fits you depends on your symptoms, age, other medicines and past response.
Is 10 mg of Lexapro a low dose?
10 mg is a common starting dose for adults, and many people stay on it. Your provider may adjust it over time based on how you respond. Do not change your dose on your own.
Is Lexapro good for anxiety?
Escitalopram is FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder in adults and is often used for other anxiety conditions. It usually takes a few weeks to help.
Is Lexapro or Zoloft better?
Both are SSRIs. Which one fits you depends on your symptoms, history and other medications; your provider will discuss the options with you.
How long does escitalopram take to work?
Benefits build gradually over several weeks. Your provider checks progress at follow-up visits.
Can escitalopram be prescribed through telehealth?
Yes, after an evaluation, if you are in Florida during your visit and your provider decides it is appropriate.
Can I switch to escitalopram?
Your provider can plan a safe switch from another medication if it is appropriate.
Insurance and Cost
We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we have sliding-scale rates if you’re paying yourself. We check your coverage before the visit. The price of the medication itself depends on your pharmacy and plan. More on insurance.
We see patients from age 6, and same-day visits are often possible. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish. Request an appointment or call (754) 270-6322.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: MedlinePlus: Escitalopram (U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH). This page is general information, not medical advice.
Who You'll See
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiRequest an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
Our Office
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.