![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lexapro_questions on July 11, 2004, at 21:23:03
I took Wellbutrin for a while several years ago, and it seemed to work well, but was supposed to be a short-term thing to help me quit smoking and feel better at the same time (it helped me get to the point where I don't generally smoke during the day). I think it can cause liver problems and is not necessarily supposed to be used as long as I did (over a year).
I recently went to my gp to get a prescription for Valium because I'm having anxiety when flying (which I do every week)and when riding in cars with other drivers. I had some Valium left over from some dental work and had used it successfully to combat the flying anxiety, although I do not use it every time I fly.
He began listing symptoms of depression (which I knew I had, anyway) and put me on Lexapro, as well as providing the Valium for specific (not daily) events, such as flying.
I have been taking it for 9 days now, but I was on vacation and not in my usual routine. I drank a lot of wine every evening, ate a lot of carbs, stayed up very late, got up late in the morning, etc., so I'm not sure whether I have had any side effects.
My question has to do with the interaction of this drug with alcohol as well as nutritional supplements. I did not take my nutritional supplements while on vacation, so I'm interested to know if anyone has information on the interaction between this drug and such nutritional supplements as DLPA, Choline, Potassium, Folic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, L-Carnitine, B-5, B-6, B-1, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Chromium Pic, Omega-3 Oils, Zinc, etc.
Also, does drinking alcohol have any interaction with this drug?
If one is on a low-carb diet and drinks alcohol, can this drug exacerbate the effects of those things on the kidneys or liver?
Finally, I'm thinking about trying SAM-e as well - does anyone have experience with using SAM-e in conjunction with Lexapro?
TIA,
Newbie
Posted by Bill LL on July 12, 2004, at 11:16:26
In reply to New Lexapro User - Questions regarding interaction, posted by lexapro_questions on July 11, 2004, at 21:23:03
I've never heard about Wellbutrin causing live problems. Wellbutrin can, and often is, used as a long term drug.
I have never heard about any bad reactions of using Lexapro along with any of the nutritional supplements that you listed.
Do not take SAM-e right now. You have only been on Lexapro for 9 days. If you add SAM-e at this point, you will not know which is causing what. That could be a big problem.
It seems that most people who try SAM-e don't stay on it too long either because it doesn't help enough, or because it is so expensive and its not covered by insurance. But some people are helped with SAM-e.
Lexapro helps me a lot. I take 30 mg each day (along with Strattera).
Hopefully Lexapro will work for you. But if it does not, maybe you should consider going back on Wellbutrin.
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 1:01:29
In reply to New Lexapro User - Questions regarding interaction, posted by lexapro_questions on July 11, 2004, at 21:23:03
hi guys,
I went to the Lexapro home page (www.Lexapro.com) and printed out the huge FDA-approved .pdf insert file that lists known side effects and interactions. The actual file is located @ http://www.lexapro.com/pdfs/lexapro_pi.pdfThings that are contraindicated for Lexapro: (i.e., don't take them while taking Lexapro)
1. Celexa (b/c Lexapro is basically one of the two molecules that comprise Celexa)
2. MAOI's (fact sheet says that SSRI + MAOI can be a bad combo)Be careful and talk to you doc if you take any drug regularly that thins the blood (warfarin, aspirin, etc.) Some studies have shown that Lexapro may add to the blood-thinning effect of these drugs.
Some common OTC acid-reducers (cimetidine) have been shown to make Lexapro stay in the body longer and in larger amounts than without it. If you take OTC or prescription acid-reducers, check with your doc to see if you should change dosage or alter times you take the meds. There may also be certain antibiotics that do this too, so check with your primary care doc if someone else (i.e., dentist/etc) prescribes an antibiotic for any reason.
There is no research to indicate that vitamins change or inhibit the actions of Lexapro. However, if you regularly take large doses of vitamins, you may want to talk it over with your doc & see if he/she has any recommendations or suggestions.
Good luck!
jenStar
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.