Escitalopram (Lexapro) Treatment in Florida

Visit Our Fort Lauderdale, FL, Office

3015 N Ocean Blvd, STE C101

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Phone: (754) 270-6322

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

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.