Taking Lexapro and Zofran Simultaneously
It is not recommended to take Lexapro and Zofran at the same time, even if you do not experience any serious effects. Lexapro and Zofran both affect serotonin levels in the brain, which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition.
Always consult your healthcare provider when unsure about combining drugs. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and current medications.
What is Zofran ?
Zofran, or ondansetron, is a medication that is used to treat nausea and vomiting.
Zofran works on the principle of blocking the action of serotonin [1], which is a naturally occurring substance in the brain that can trigger nausea or vomiting.
Originally, Zofran was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used to manage nausea caused by chemotherapy or surgery [1]. It can also be prescribed to treat nausea during pregnancy, although it is not FDA-approved for such purposes [1].
Oftentimes, it is also given in hospitals via IV after cesarean delivery if the individual is experiencing some of the symptoms [2].
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro, also known as escitalopram is an antidepressant.
It belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) [3, 4]. This group of drugs works by increasing the activity of a chemical known as serotonin in your brain, which helps regulate your mood [3].
Lexapro is generally prescribed to people who have depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or different types of anxiety [3, 5].
The normal dosage is once a day with most people taking 10-20 milligrams [3, 4, 5].
The risks of combining Zofran and Lexapro: Serotonin Syndrome
Combining Lexapro and Zoloft is not recommended, but the interaction between the two can vary and does not always have to cause any serious problems.
The biggest worry is that both drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is often associated with depression or anxiety, but it also fulfills other functions, such as mood, behavior, appetite or sleep.
While this may sound surprising, it turns out that having too much serotonin is extremely dangerous and can even be lethal.
Further, negative effects of the interaction between Zofran and Lexapro may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat [10].
Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider such as a doctor or a pharmacist before combining these two medications.