Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my escitalopram

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your escitalopram using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for escitalopram, Canadian Prescription Savings for escitalopram, escitalopram Drug Coupons, escitalopram Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is escitalopram available in?

Accepted Answer

escitalopram is available as a 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg oral tablet.

Question 3

What is escitalopram used for?

Accepted Answer

escitalopram is an SSRI that is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Question 4

How does escitalopram work?

Accepted Answer

escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by raising the levels of serotonin, an important chemical in your brain that’s involved with regulating your mood and anxiety.

Question 5

How do I take escitalopram?

Accepted Answer

escitalopram is typically started at 10 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider might raise your dose to 20 mg daily after a week. For children, their dose may be increased after 3 weeks.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take escitalopram?

Accepted Answer

escitalopram is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram or any of the inactive ingredients, are currently taking pimozide, or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.

Question 7

escitalopram Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of escitalopram:  Headache Nausea Ejaculation problems Sleepiness Trouble sleeping Dry mouth Diarrhea Fatigue

Question 8

escitalopram Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with escitalopram. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Suicidal thoughts or behaviors Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, hallucinations, coma Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded Severe bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness Seizures

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on escitalopram

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with escitalopram:  Concomitant use with SSRIs, SNRIs or Tryptophan is not recommended Use caution when concomitant use with drugs that affect hemostasis (NSAIDs, Aspirin, Warfarin)

Question 10

Who makes escitalopram?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is escitalopram safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

escitalopram should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Question 12

What is the brand name for escitalopram?

Accepted Answer

LEXAPRO

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my escitalopram prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your escitalopram prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient escitalopram savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient escitalopram savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for escitalopram	Canadian Prescription Savings* for escitalopram	escitalopram Drug Coupon*	escitalopram Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of escitalopram?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for escitalopram	Canadian Prescription Savings* for escitalopram	escitalopram Drug Coupon*	escitalopram Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the escitalopram savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the escitalopram drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for escitalopram, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the escitalopram prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, escitalopram is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed escitalopram for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the escitalopram prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the escitalopram prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for escitalopram

If you are having trouble paying for your escitalopram medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for escitalopram you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
escitalopram is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers escitalopram
If escitalopram is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for escitalopram

If you are having trouble paying for your escitalopram medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for escitalopram you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers escitalopram
If escitalopram is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for escitalopram

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your escitalopram treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for escitalopram you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for escitalopram
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.