Medically reviewed
Antidepressants are a type of medication that many people rely on to manage symptoms of depression as well as other conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
While some antidepressants may be covered by insurance, people without insurance or with high-deductible plans may worry about the cost of these medications.
In this article, we’ll break down common costs for antidepressants, including generics, brand names, and with and without health insurance coverage. We’ll also discuss whether antidepressants are available without a prescription, how they work, and other related costs.
How Much Do Antidepressants Cost?
The many types of antidepressants differ in how they work, active ingredients, brand name vs generic, and more. All of these factors together influence cost. Medication costs also depend on your location and insurance coverage, and each individual pharmacy’s relationship with the drug manufacturer.
The following charts break down the average prices of antidepressants. However, always check with pharmacies in your area for more precise costs. Local pharmacies and grocery store pharmacies are often more affordable than large chain pharmacies.
Generic
Generic antidepressants contain the same active ingredients as brand names but are significantly less expensive. Many insurance companies and Medicare tend to cover generic versions of popular drugs.
| Medication name | Lowest or average price of a 30-day supply of common dosages without insurance |
| Escitalopram (Lexapro) | $7.19 |
| Duloxetine (Cymbalta) | $11.87 |
| Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL) | $9.18 |
| Sertraline (Zoloft) | $8.95 |
| Citalopram (Celexa) | $4.00 |
| Fluoxetine (Prozac) | $5.97 |
| Venlafaxine ER (Effexor ER) | $135.00 |
Brand Name
| Medication name | Lowest or average price of a 30-day supply of common dosages without insurance |
| Lexapro | $489.00 |
| Cymbalta | $296.00 |
| Wellbutrin XL | $75.99 |
| Zoloft | $416.00 |
| Celexa | $730.73 |
| Prozac | $620.37 |
| Effexor ER | $490.00 |
With insurance
Insurance coverage can vary widely, but most insurance plans that include prescription drug coverage will typically include antidepressants. However, insurance plans may only cover certain types of antidepressants, certain dosing regimens, or only the generic version and not the brand name.
With insurance, many people can still expect some out-of-pocket costs, depending on copays or deductibles. Many pharmacies and online prescription drug coupons exist to save money on medications, although sometimes these only work for people with no insurance coverage.
To learn the specific cost of antidepressant medications on your insurance plan, contact pharmacies and familiarize yourself with your policy’s prescription coverage and copays.
Are Antidepressants Available Over the Counter?
All antidepressants require a prescription from a medical provider, so you cannot purchase them over the counter. However, that does not mean that you have to go into a medical office to obtain a prescription. You can use telemedicine to see a mental health professional and even have medication shipped to you.
Other Costs of Anxiety and Depression
While antidepressants are commonly prescribed to manage depression and anxiety, people often expend a significant amount of time and money to find relief from feelings of mood-related symptoms.
With or without insurance, the cost of antidepressants is just one factor. Other costs relating to anxiety and depression can include:
- Psychiatry appointments or other therapy: without insurance averages $100-200 per session
- Out-of-pocket and self-pay medical expenses and medical appointments: without insurance can vary widely but is typically thousands of dollars per year
- Dietary supplements and herbs: typically not covered by insurance, average cost of an individual product ranges from $10-50
- Exercise classes, fitness programs, personal training, and other lifestyle changes: typically not covered by insurance, can range from free to hundreds of dollars per month
- Indirect costs and lost income can impact people who have symptoms of anxiety or depression, which can vary dramatically and have a significant impact on quality of life.
How K Health Can Help
Want mental health support? K Health offers anxiety and depression medication for the right candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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