Encyclopedia  /  Medications  /  Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Medication

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an SSRI frequently used for postpartum depression and anxiety. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, with low reported infant exposure, and is often chosen for its tolerability.
Generic
Escitalopram
Brand
Lexapro
Class
SSRI
Educational information, not medical advice. This page summarizes published research and public-health guidance for learning purposes. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified clinician. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor or midwife. In a crisis, call or text 988 or the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.

Evidence snapshot — computed from live data

7
Studies indexed (PubMed)
emerging evidence
Strength score 18/100

Overview

  • Class: SSRI
  • Typical use: PPD and postpartum anxiety
  • Breastfeeding: low infant exposure reported; used commonly
  • Onset: 2–6 weeks

Breastfeeding considerations

Commonly used postpartum; low infant exposure reported.

Breastfeeding decisions are always individual — make them with your prescriber.

What the FDA data shows

Across 136,929 adverse-event reports for escitalopram in the U.S. FDA FAERS database (all uses, all ages — not postpartum-specific), the most frequently reported reactions are:

Reported reactionReports
Fatigue9,352
Nausea9,341
Drug Ineffective8,770
Headache7,238
Diarrhoea6,846
Anxiety6,568
Dizziness6,202
Depression6,070

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish that the drug caused the event. Data pulled live from openFDA.

Compare SSRI options in our breastfeeding-safety comparison.

Sources & further reading

Selected recent peer-reviewed studies, pulled live from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Counts and citations update automatically.

  1. Dama MH et al. “Perinatal Depression: A Guide to Detection and Management in Primary Care.” Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM (2024). PubMed →
  2. Galbally M et al. “Fetal SSRI antidepressant exposure and infant sleep: Findings from the MPEWS pregnancy cohort study.” Infant behavior & development (2023). PubMed →
  3. Delaney SR et al. “Predicting Escitalopram Exposure to Breastfeeding Infants: Integrating Analytical and In Silico Techniques.” Clinical pharmacokinetics (2018). PubMed →
  4. Langan R et al. “Identification and Management of Peripartum Depression.” American family physician (2016). PubMed →
  5. Bellantuono C et al. “[The safety profile of escitalopram in pregnancy and breastfeeding].” Rivista di psichiatria (2013). PubMed →
Explore the encyclopedia

Related entries

ConditionD-MERConditionPostpartum rageConditionPostpartum thyroiditisTreatmentAntidepressantsTreatmentBrexanoloneTreatmentZuranoloneTreatmentPsychotherapyTreatmentNutrition therapyNutritionVitamin D
Emily Montague, The Postpartum Chef
Written & reviewed by

Emily Montague, The Postpartum Chef

Emily is a chef, mother of five and postpartum-recovery educator who revives the 2,000-year-old zuo yuezi ("sitting month") tradition for modern mothers. Her patent-backed, food-first method helps women rebuild after birth and ease postpartum depression — and she now certifies doulas and midwives to cook it for their own clients.

Visit The Sitting Month →    Meet Emily →

Ready to heal the first 28 days?

Emily's food-first recovery course, recovery teas and doula & midwife certification live at The Sitting Month. Text Emily and she'll help you find the right starting point.

Explore The Sitting Month