Lexapro Prices & Street Value | How Much Does Lexapro Cost?

Lexapro is the brand name for an antidepressant called escitalopram oxalate. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the drug boosts serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood. It can treat both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. 

As with other prescription drugs, the price of Lexapro varies. 

How Much Does Lexapro Cost?

The cost of Lexapro depends on the following factors: 

Type 

There are two versions of Lexapro: brand-name Lexapro and generic Lexapro (sold under the name escitalopram oxalate). Most doctors consider both types equally effective. 

However, brand-name Lexapro usually costs quite a bit more than generic Lexapro. That’s because brand-name Lexapro is more expensive to produce and market, and the manufacturers pass some of those costs to consumers. 

Dosage

Lexapro tablets are available in the following strengths: 5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 20 milligrams. At most pharmacies, different strengths have different prices. Sometimes, higher strengths cost more. Other times, the opposite is true.

Amount Of Tablets Prescribed

In most cases, Lexapro is taken once per day. Brand-name Lexapro is available in 10-day, 15-day, 30-day, 45-day, or 90-day supplies. Generic Lexapro is available in 30-day, 45-day, 60-day, 90-day, or 180-day supplies. In general, the greater the supply, the greater the cost.

Pharmacy

Different pharmacies may charge different prices for the same dosage and amount of Lexapro. That’s because each individual pharmacy must negotiate prices with Lexapro’s manufacturers. 

Insurance

Your insurance plan may affect the cost of Lexapro. Usually, the drug will cost less when you have insurance. Sometimes, though, it will cost more. It depends on your specific plan.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Typically sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, patient assistance programs (PAPs) offer free or discounted medications to eligible individuals. 

Different PAPs have different eligibility requirements. However, most programs require you to either have a low income, be uninsured or be underinsured. 

Discounts 

Some people pay for Lexapro using coupons, savings cards, rebates, or other discounts. You can get one of these discounts by talking to your health care provider or searching online. 

How Much Is Lexapro Without Insurance?

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of brand-name Lexapro likely costs about:

• $470 (5 mg), $435 (10 mg), or $450 (20 mg) at Costco Pharmacy 
• $430 (5 mg), $440 (10 mg), or $470 (20 mg) at CVS Pharmacy
• $470 (5 mg), $460 (10 mg), or $500 (20 mg) at Hannaford Brothers Pharmacy 
• $520 (5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) at Kroger Pharmacy
• $480 (5 mg), $500 (10 mg), or $530 (20 mg) at Rite Aid 
• $470 (5 mg), $460 (10 mg), or $480 (20 mg) at Stop & Shop Pharmacy
• $550 (5 mg), $480 (10 mg), or $540 (20 mg) at Walgreens Pharmacy
• $470 (5 mg), $435 (10 mg), or $450 (20 mg) at Walmart Pharmacy 
• $470 (5 mg), $460 (10 mg), or $500 (20 mg) at Wegmans Pharmacy

In contrast, a 30-day supply of generic Lexapro without insurance costs about:

• $15 (5mg, 10mg, and 20mg) at Costco Pharmacy
• $70 (5mg) or $60 (10mg and 20mg) at CVS Pharmacy
• $125 (5mg), $140 (10mg), or $150 (20mg) at Hannaford Brothers Pharmacy
• $50 (5mg, 10mg, and 20mg) at Kroger Pharmacy
• $120 (5mg and 10mg) or $130 (20mg) at Rite Aid
• $12 (5mg), $13 (10mg), or $10 (20mg) at Stop & Shop Pharmacy
• $80 (5mg), $60 (10mg), or $65 (20mg) at Walgreens Pharmacy
• $15 (5mg, 10mg, and 20mg) at Walmart Pharmacy
• $30 (5mg) or $25 (10mg and 20mg) at Wegmans Pharmacy

How Much Is Lexapro On The Street?

Some people may sell Lexapro illegally on the street. In general, Lexapro’s street value exceeds its retail price. 

However, the exact price depends on where you live. Lexapro street prices are usually higher in rural areas and lower in cities. That’s because cities tend to have a higher supply of Lexapro, and higher supply leads to lower costs. 

Risks Of Using Lexapro

No matter the price, Lexapro poses some health risks. First, like all prescription drugs, it can have side effects. The most common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, constipation, and changes in sex drive or ability. 

Withdrawal

In addition, although Lexapro usually isn’t addictive, it can cause physical dependence. When you’re physically dependent on Lexapro, your body can’t function properly without the drug. 

If you stop taking it too suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like headache, irritability, and nightmares. 

To avoid or decrease Lexapro withdrawal symptoms, talk to your health care provider. They can help you gradually lower your dosage until you’re not taking any Lexapro at all. 

This strategy reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms by giving your body time to adjust to life without the drug. 

If you or someone you love feels unable to stop using Lexapro, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. We provide medical detox, mental health counseling, and other evidence-based treatments for physical dependence and addiction.