When NOT to take Lexapro?
This article is part 2 of series looking at Lexapro. ( for part 1 check here.)
Taking pills
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro belongs to a class of drugs known as Serotonin reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs for short. The generic name is Escitalopram.
Warning about Lexapro:
All drugs may cause side effects. The goal of this article is to educate you, if you are a on drug how it works and what you might expect in terms of common side effects. There will be always some people who have no or only mild side effects. If you do have side effects, call your Doctor ASAP to get advice accordingly.
When you are taking Lexapro, you should be aware that some short-term studies showed that there was an increased risk of suicide & suicidal thoughts esp. in children, adolescents, and younger adults.
When should you NOT take Lexapro?
You should not take Lexapro at the same time with a group of drugs called Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). Do not start taking Lexapro during the 2 weeks after you stop a MAO inhibitor and wait 2 weeks after stopping Lexapro before you start taking a MAO inhibitor.
This is because it can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs when you take medications that cause high levels of the chemical serotonin to accumulate in your body. Because the levels of Serotonin are high it can lead to extreme nerve activity. This results in dangerous symptoms such as racing heart, seizures, high fever and even passing out.
You are asking yourself what examples of Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are: Well here is a list of them:
- Linezolid (Zyvox): an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections
- Methylene blue (Provayblue): a potent MAOI that is used to a condition called methemoglobinemia)
- Procarbazine (Matulane): Used in addition to other medications to treat Hodgkin’s disease
- Rasagiline (Azilect): Used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zeapar): May be used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in addition to other medications.
STOP
What are other drugs should you be aware of and NOT take if you are on Lexapro.
These drugs and supplements that you will read all can cause your serotonin level to be increased.
They include: migraine drugs called Triptans, other SSRI drugs such as Fluoxetine or Paroxetine, SNRI drugs( another type of antidepressant) such as Duloxetine or Venlafaxine. A herbal remedy used for depression called St. John’s Wort, pain drugs such as Fentanyl or Tramadol and street drugs such as MDMA ( also referred to as ecstasy).
The symptoms you should watch out for are:
- GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Confusion and agitation
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in temperature
- Headache
- Dilated pupils
- Muscle twitching or loss of muscle control
- Tremor
- Heavy sweating
- Shivering
- Rapid heart rate
After your Doctor stops the drug, he or she can start symptomatic treatment which is usually done in the Hospital and your Doctor might choose to use IVF( intra-venous fluids).You should start feeling better within a couple of days once the drugs are out of your system.
IV fluids
Here are other reasons you might need to avoid Lexapro:
1)If you take Lexapro with drugs belonging to a family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or (NSAIDs) you may bruise or bleed easily. Examples of NSAIDS are ASA, Ibuprofen such as Motrin or Advil, Naproxen such as Aleve or Diclofenac
2) Drinking alcohol and Lexapro is not a good thing
3) Interaction with a blood thinner called Warfarin can cause bleeding
4) Stimulants such as Ritalin can cause the levels of Lexapro to increase.
5) If you are having side effects caused by Lexapro, reach out to your Doctor who might reduce the dose, change the dose, or put you on another class of an antidepressant or another SSRI.
Have a good day and THINK YOUR HEALTH.Check entire video here.
Sources:
- 1)Uptodate.com/Lexapro
- 2)https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda
- 3)https://www.rxlist.com/lexapro-drug.htm
