Is there a generic for Lexapro?

Yes — 15 approved generic versions of Lexapro (escitalopram) are tracked in our index. Generic substitution is typically automatic at the pharmacy unless the prescriber writes "dispense as written."

How much cheaper is generic escitalopram?

Generic small-molecule drugs typically launch at 60-80% discount to the originator. After multiple manufacturers enter the market (12-24 months post-cliff), prices drop further to 85-95% below originator. Your insurance copay may not reflect the full savings — check the cash price too.

Are generics as effective as the brand?

For small-molecule drugs: yes. Generics are required to demonstrate bioequivalence — identical active ingredient, same dose, same route, same indication. Pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds (±20% AUC + Cmax). Most patients can switch without clinical effect.

When did Lexapro go generic?

Generic escitalopram entered the US market when the originator's exclusivity expired. See the patent timeline below for specific dates.

Last reviewed 2026-05-16 · How we verify

Lexapro generic

Complete generic competition for Lexapro (escitalopram): 15 approved generics across manufacturers, 0 filed under FDA review. Sourced from FDA Orange Book + USPTO.

15 approved generics Patents expired

About Lexapro

Lexapro (escitalopram) — originally marketed by Generic (originally Lundbeck/Forest). Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). First approved 2002-08-14.

Approved generic versions (15)

Generic	Manufacturer	Phase	First approval
ESCITALOPRAM		marketed	2002-01-01
Escitalopram Pill	Peking University	marketed
Escitalopram+Aripiprazole	Ministry of Health & Welfare, Korea	marketed
Escitalopram + Celecoxib	University of Pennsylvania	marketed
Escitalopram treatment	National University Hospital, Singapore	marketed
Escitalopram 10mg	Wake Forest University Health Sciences	marketed
Escitalopram+Mirtazapine	Ministry of Health & Welfare, Korea	marketed
Escitalopram, venlafaxine	K. Lieb	marketed
escitalopram and tramadol	University of Southern Denmark	marketed
Escitalopram + Bupropion SR	National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)	marketed
Escitalopram, venlafaxine, lithium	K. Lieb	marketed
escitalopram and eszopiclone	University of California, Los Angeles	marketed
escitalopram oxalate antidepressant	Weill Medical College of Cornell University	marketed
Escitalopram (Lexapro)	University of Rochester	marketed
escitalopram and sertraline	Oregon Health and Science University	marketed

Originator patent timeline

Active patents (0)

No active patents tracked.

Expired patents (0)

No expired patents tracked.

How small-molecule generic approval works

Generic versions of small-molecule drugs are approved by the FDA via the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) pathway under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984. Sponsors must demonstrate bioequivalence (pharmacokinetic equivalence within tight bounds) and identical chemical composition — no clinical trials in patients are required. Approval typically takes 18-24 months.

This is different from biosimilars for biologic drugs, which use the more complex 351(k) BLA pathway and typically achieve smaller (15-35%) discounts vs the originator. Small-molecule generics typically launch at 60-80% discount, dropping to 85-95% within 2 years.

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Lexapro full drug profile
Biosimilar tracker (for biologic drugs)
Patent cliff tracker
Biosimilar vs generic — what's the difference?