Uses What is escitalopram used for? Escitalopram is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. Escitalopram may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder. This article covers topics such as side effects, dosage, and how Lexapro works. In this article we’ll answer all your questions about taking Lexapro for anxiety including its benefits, side effects, and other things you’ll want to take into consideration. Learn how Lexapro (escitalopram) is used for anxiety, its benefits, side effects, dosage, and whether it may be the right treatment for you. Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, headaches, and sleep problems, but they usually go away after a few weeks. Lexapro (escitalopram) is a prescription oral tablet used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Lexapro is also available as a generic drug. With GAD, you have uncontrollable worry about. Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications.