Lexapro (escitalopram)

Lexapro is a well-known prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It was originally developed through a partnership between the Danish pharmaceutical company H. Lundbeck A/S and the American company Forest Laboratories. The active ingredient, escitalopram, is a refined version of the earlier antidepressant citalopram (Celexa), designed to be more potent and have fewer side effects.

Manufacturing for Lexapro occurs in several global locations to meet international demand. Significant production facilities are located in Denmark, the United States, and Ireland. The brand's ownership transitioned to AbbVie following a massive series of pharmaceutical acquisitions, specifically the purchase of Allergan (which had previously acquired Forest Laboratories). Today, while the drug is available in many generic forms, the Lexapro brand name remains under the stewardship of AbbVie's global portfolio.