Can you take Lexapro with Ritalin? (interactions between the 2)
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In this blog post, we will try to answer the question ‘Can you take Lexapro with Ritalin?’. We will also look at the individual uses and side effects of both drugs.
Can you take Lexapro with Ritalin?
Yes, you can take Lexapro with Ritalin.
The interaction of Lexapro also known as escitalopram, and Ritalin is also known as methylphenidate is a common combination used by many therapists. The combination is usually used for ADHD patients who suffer from depression. Although it is important that your therapist keep a check on the side effects caused by the interaction.
Ritalin may increase the blood levels and effects of Lexapro when taken together. One may experience side effects, such as a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms like – confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Research has also shown that methylphenidate may inhibit the metabolism of some antidepressants including SSRIs.
Nonetheless, the two have been therapeutic to improve clinical response in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and increase the effects of SSRIs such as Lexapro in the treatment of depression. Therefore it is essential to take the two under the right advice of your doctor. It is very important to regulate the dosage, in order to avoid the side effects.
As we have answered the question ‘Can you take Lexapro with Ritalin?’, let us now take a look at the two drugs individually. In this section of the blog, we will understand the uses, side effects, precautions, and interactions of the two drugs.
Lexapro- An SSRI.
Lexapro is a common brand name for escitalopram, belonging to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).it works by restoring the balance of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Lexapro increases the levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter behind depression.
Componnets of lexapro
The molecular formula for Lexapro is C20H21FN2O • C2H2O4. Lexapro oral solution contains escitalopram oxalate equivalent to 1 mg/mL escitalopram base. It also contains the following inactive ingredients: sorbitol, purified water, citric acid, sodium citrate, malic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, methylparaben, propylparaben, and natural peppermint flavor, talc, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose/colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate
Uses of Lexapro.
Lexapro is mainly used to treat depression and Generalized Anxiety disorder among adults. It improves your energy level and feelings of well-being and decreases nervousness.
Side effects of Lexapro
Common side effects of Lexapro include
- agitation or restlessness,
- blurred vision,
- diarrhea,
- difficulty sleeping (insomnia),
- drowsiness,
- dry mouth,
- fever,
- frequent urination,
- headache,
- indigestion,
- nausea,
- changes in appetite,
- increased sweating,
- sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, ejaculatory delay),
- changes in taste,
- tremors (shaking),
- weight changes,
- influenza-like symptoms, and
- pain in neck or shoulders.
Serious side effects of Lexapro include
- serotonin syndrome
- suicidal thinking and behavior,
- abnormal bleeding,
- seizures, manic
- episodes,
- confusion,
- high fever,
- slurred speech,
- muscle rigidity,
- low sodium, and
- angle-closure glaucoma.
If you notice any changes in your body after the intake of Lexapro, you should immediately consult your doctor.
Drug interactions
Certain medications taken with Lexapro could result in serious, even fatal, situations. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine within 14 days before or after treatment with Lexapro.
Do not take this medication with citalopram because the two agents are very similar. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: weight loss drugs such as sibutramine, phentermine. Inform your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially drugs that may cause bleeding/bruising like thrombolytic drugs such as TPA, anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin, antiplatelet drugs including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen other SSRI antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, “triptan” migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline), carbamazepine, cimetidine, lithium, metoprolol, any herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, St. John’s wort, ayahuasca, Herbal Medicine, such as Kratom. Check the Best Kratom for Depression and Anxiety.).
Low-dose aspirin (usually 81-325 mg per day) for heart attack or stroke prevention should be continued unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Aspirin is similar to NSAID drugs and can increase the risk of bleeding in combination with this medication. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Precautions
Various drugs need precautions before taking them. Inform your doctor about your medical conditions especially liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders thyroid problems, any allergies. Lexapro may make you dizzy therefore use them carefully before engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. Limit alcohol intake. Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Keep your doctor informed about your medical conditions such as suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. The medication is not recommended during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to the potential complications in the infant at birth.
Ritalin- A stimulant
Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, belonging to a group of stimulants. It is a central nervous system stimulant used that alters the neurotransmitters and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Composition of Ritalin
Methylphenidate hydrochloride USP is a white, odorless, fine crystalline powder. Its solutions are acid to litmus.
The Inactive Ingredients of Ritalin tablets are lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch (5-mg and 10-mg tablets), sucrose, talc, and tragacanth (20-mg tablets).
Uses of Ritalin
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that is used to treat, Attention DefectiveHyperactive Disorder(ADHD). It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills. In addition, Ritalin is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy- a sleep disorder.
Side effects of Ritalin
Ritalin may cause serious side effects including:
- chest pain,
- trouble breathing,
- lightheadedness,
- hallucinations,
- new behavior problems,
- aggression,
- hostility,
- paranoia,
- numbness or pain in your fingers or toes,
- cold feeling in your fingers or toes,
- unexplained wounds,
- skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes, and
- an erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer
The most common side effects of Ritalin include:
- excessive sweating,
- mood changes,
- feeling nervous or irritable,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- fast heart rate,
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest,
- increased blood pressure,
- loss of appetite,
- weight loss,
- dry mouth,
- nausea,
- stomach pain, and
- headache
It is very important to consult a doctor if you see any of the above-mentioned changes in your body after the intake of the drug.
Drug interactions
Ritalin, when taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors(MAOI) such as selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue, can cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure.therefpre like Lexapro it is recommended that use of Ritalin must be used after the discontinuation of MAOI for 14 days. In addition, when Ritalin is taken with Antihypertensive drugs such as Potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, etc, decreases their effectiveness. On the other hand Concomitant use of halogenated anesthetics such as halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane, and Ritalin may increase the risk of sudden blood pressure and heart rate increase during surgery
Precautions
Before taking methylphenidate, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of high blood pressure, blood circulation problems, glaucoma, heart problems family history of heart problems mental/mood conditions, personal/family history of mental/mood disorders, personal/family history of uncontrolled muscle movements overactive thyroid, seizure disorder. If taken with alcohol or marijuana, you can be dizzier. Do not take dosage and drive or use machinery. If used for a long time, this drug may affect a child’s growth rate, weight, and final adult height. During pregnancy, methylphenidate should be used only when clearly needed.
Therefore we can understand that a regulated dosage of twp drugs together with the administration of your doctor can be given when a person is suffering from both ADHD and major depressive disorder.
Like every drug, it is important that we keep a check on the side effects to avoid any fatal conditions.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we will try to answer the question ‘Can you take Lexapro with Ritalin?’. We will also look at the individual uses and side effects of both drugs.
FAQs: Can you take Lexapro with Ritalin?
Can you take antidepressants with Ratlin?
Stimulants like RAtlin are used to treat depression. They are usually used in monotherapy. This means that are used individually. Nevertheless, they can be used in combination therapy with antidepressants when a quick response is desired.
Can I take ratlin without ADHD?
It is most certainly not advised to take any medicine without the need for it. Although if taken, it can alter the brain functioning, ratlin without ADHD is seen to have affected the risk-taking behaviors, disruptions in the sleep/wake cycle, and problematic weight loss, as well as resulting in increased activity and anti-anxiety and antidepressive effects.
Does Lexapro change your brain permanently?
A few scientists at Leipzig found that the active ingredient escitalopram, which influences the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin, causes major changes in connectivity between functional networks at rest Escitalopram influences which networks of the brain are activated simultaneously when the brain is in a resting state. It is surprising as it requires at least 2 or 3 weeks for this class of drug to work, whereas the recent study suggested that the SSRIs affected the brain within the first few hours of the intake.
How do you deal with the side effects of antidepressants?
Here are some tips for dealing with minor side effects of antidepressant medication.
If your medicine upsets your stomach, ask your doctor if you should take it with a meal.
If your depression medicine makes you sleepy during the day or keeps you awake at night, ask your doctor if you can alter the timings of the medication. By taking your medicine first thing in the morning or right before bed, you might diminish some of the unwanted effects.
Don’t take them with alcohol or any other substance. It can affect the work of medicine, cause sedation, and possibly worsen depression.
Can you take Adderall with Lexapro?
Adderall is an amphetamine. Both Adderall and Lexapro increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Therefore, if taken together may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
References
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/lexapro-with-ritalin-1013-565-1606-979.html?professional=1
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63990/lexapro-oral/details
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9475/ritalin-oral/details
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