Escitalopram Explained: A Prescriber’s Take on Lexapro’s Role in Psychiatry

Richard Gray

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

You deserve mental health care that’s personal, practical, and grounded in clinical expertise. I work with adults 18 and older to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. With board certification in psychiatry and specialized training in medical toxicology, I offer a unique approach to medication management—prioritizing safety, tolerability, and results. My practice includes advanced treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Whether you're seeking a fresh perspective or a long-term partner in your mental health care, I provide a welcoming, judgment-free space rooted in collaboration and compassion. I am now accepting new patients at Harmony in Charleston, West Virginia.

Blog Posts:

  • Psychopharmacology
  • Toxicology

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    Depression

    Depression

    Approximately 21 million adults in the United States—roughly 8.3% of the adult population—experience at least one major depressive episode each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Heal
    Depression

    Depression

    Approximately 21 million adults in the United States—roughly 8.3% of the adult population—experience at least one major depressive episode each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Heal
    Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar Disorder

    Approximately 7 million adults in the United States—about 2.8% of the adult population—experience bipolar disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Despite its p
    Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar Disorder

    Approximately 7 million adults in the United States—about 2.8% of the adult population—experience bipolar disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Despite its p
    Anxiety

    Anxiety

    Anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million adults in the United States each year—about 19% of the adult population—making them the most common mental health condition, according to the Anxiety
    Anxiety

    Anxiety

    Anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million adults in the United States each year—about 19% of the adult population—making them the most common mental health condition, according to the Anxiety

    Blog Posts

    Escitalopram Explained: A Prescriber’s Take on Lexapro’s Role in Psychiatry
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    Escitalopram Explained: A Prescriber’s Take on Lexapro’s Role in Psychiatry

    Lexapro (escitalopram) is my favorite selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Alongside Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro is one of the most prescribed antidepressants due to its efficacy, tolerabi...

    Looking at Zoloft as a First-Line Agent in Psychiatry
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    Looking at Zoloft as a First-Line Agent in Psychiatry

    In most cases, Zoloft (sertraline) is considered the go-to SSRI for adult patients. The medication is well tolerated, has a good safety profile, and robust efficacy data that supports its FDA approva...

    Prozac: The Antidepressant That Changed Everything
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    Prozac: The Antidepressant That Changed Everything

    Prozac was the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in 1987. This began the shift away from tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine ox...

    An Overview of SSRIs with a Detailed Look at Mechanism of Action
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    An Overview of SSRIs with a Detailed Look at Mechanism of Action

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered the gold standard in treating depression and anxiety disorders. This class of medications includes well-known medications such as Prozac...

    My Complicated Relationship with Wellbutrin
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    My Complicated Relationship with Wellbutrin

    It is 8:30 pm at the WV Poison Center and the evening rush is in full-force. I am preparing for a night full of overdoses and medication events to manage when the physician in the emergency departmen...

    A Closer Look at Latuda for Bipolar Depression
    READ POST

    A Closer Look at Latuda for Bipolar Depression

    I often see patients who have trialed and failed multiple SSRIs and SNRIs, with the complaint these medications worked at first but lost efficacy over time. I will hear things such as they noticed si...

    My Story

    My journey into psychiatric care stems from a deep-seated commitment to support individuals navigating mental health challenges. With a foundation in critical care and specialized training in medical toxicology and addiction medicine, I offer a comprehensive approach to treatment. I believe in meeting patients where they are, fostering a collaborative environment to guide them toward improved well-being.
    Master of Science in Nursing

    Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    2024

    Ohio Univ.
    Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Summa Cum Laude

    2021

    Ohio Univ.
    Associate of Science in Nursing

    National Honor Society

    2017

    St. Mary's School of Nursing
    Bachelor of Arts

    Multidisciplinary Studies, comprised of minors in Communications, Advertising, and Business Administration

    2007

    West Virginia Univ.
    Escitalopram Explained: A Prescriber’s Take on Lexapro’s Role in Psychiatry
    Escitalopram Explained: A Prescriber’s Take on Lexapro’s Role in Psychiatry
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