Lexapro for anxiety: Benefits, side effects, and considerations Discover how Lexapro (Escitalopram) can effectively manage anxiety disorders. Learn about benefits, side effects, precautions, and more from Talkiatry's mental health experts. Lexapro is the brand name of the medication escitalopram. It treats depression and anxiety by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain. Description Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that can cause side effects, especially in the first week of use. These effects, such as nausea and trouble sleeping, often subside quickly. Understanding these potential side effects can help you manage them effectively. Learn about escitalopram (Lexapro) usage and dosing. Read the latest news and reviews about the drug as well as potential side effects and popular alternatives. Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications. Lexapro is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Learn about side effects, drug interactions, warnings, precautions, overdose, and others Find patient medical information for Escitalopram (Lexapro) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Escitalopram, sold under the brand names Lexapro and Cipralex, among others, is an antidepressant medication of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. [8] It is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder, [8] generalized anxiety disorder, [8] panic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder. Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder in adults and teens, and generalized anxiety disorder in adults.