Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD. March 14, 2012 -- The FDA approved the first generic version of the popular antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram) today. Like the brand-name drug, the generic is approved for the treatment of both adult depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram was approved in 2002, and it has been manufactured and marketed by U.S.-based Forest Laboratories Inc., in partnership with the Danish drug company Lundbeck.