Lexapro (Escitalopram) for Lupus

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Lexapro is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Lexapro is also known by its drug name, Escitalopram.

Lexapro is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Lexapro is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Lexapro should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Lexapro comes in tablet and oral solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Lexapro lists common side effects including drowsiness, problems sleeping, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, gas, heartburn, constipation, decreased sexual interest or ability, weight changes, dry mouth, and ringing in the ears.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Lexapro include suicidal thinking or behavior and serotonin syndrome, which may be life-threatening.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Lexapro – RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/lexapro-drug.htm

Lupus and depression: Know the signs and how to get help – Lupus Foundation of America
http://www.resources.lupus.org/entry/lupus-and-...