What to do if Lexapro is in shortage — for Germany
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Lexapro (Escitalopram) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Germany context
Drug shortages in Germany are tracked by BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte) when significant. For Lexapro, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Escitalopram — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 5mg, 10mg, 20mg.
- Regulator
- BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- Currency
- EUR
How shortages work for Lexapro
When Lexapro is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Escitalopram, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Anti-Depressants agent. Lexapro acts by selectively inhibiting the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) at the synapse, increasing serotonin availability for postsynaptic receptors.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Lexapro shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Escitalopram at 5mg, 10mg, 20mg. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Lexapro? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Escitalopram is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Lexapro at 5mg, 10mg, 20mg. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Lexapro come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Escitalopram is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Lexapro at the same 5mg, 10mg, 20mg strength.
What to do if Lexapro is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- CanadaHealth Canada
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.