Skip to Content
Looking to save on your medications?  Find out how 

7 Interactions found for:

Lexapro and Vyvanse
Interactions Summary
  • 4 Major
  • 2 Moderate
  • 1 Minor
  • Lexapro
  • Vyvanse

Drug Interactions

Major
Lexapro + Vyvanse

The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram (found in Lexapro) and Lisdexamfetamine (found in Vyvanse)

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant use of agents with serotonergic activity including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and other antidepressants may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MONITOR CLOSELY: Escitalopram can cause dose-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval including tricyclic antidepressants and other antidepressants (e.g., trazodone) may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes and sudden death. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled ECG study consisting of 113 healthy subjects, the change from baseline in QTc (Fridericia-corrected) was 4.3 msec for escitalopram 10 mg/day and 10.7 msec for the supratherapeutic dosage of 30 mg/day. Based on the established exposure-response relationship, the predicted QTc change from placebo under the Cmax for 20 mg/day is 6.6 msec. Cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported during postmarketing use. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). Also, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: In general, the concomitant use of multiple serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients should be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment. Particular caution is advised when increasing the dosages of these agents. If serotonin syndrome develops or is suspected during the course of therapy, all serotonergic agents should be discontinued immediately and supportive care rendered as necessary. Moderately ill patients may also benefit from the administration of a serotonin antagonist (e.g., cyproheptadine, chlorpromazine). Severe cases should be managed under consultation with a toxicologist and may require sedation, neuromuscular paralysis, intubation, and mechanical ventilation in addition to the other measures. Due to the potential for additive effects on the QT interval, ECG monitoring may also be appropriate when escitalopram is used with tricyclic antidepressants or other antidepressants like trazodone. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or syncope.

References

  1. Nierenberg DW, Semprebon M "The central nervous system serotonin syndrome." Clin Pharmacol Ther 53 (1993): 84-8
  2. Metz A "Interaction between fluoxetine and buspirone." Can J Psychiatry 35 (1990): 722-3
  3. Goldberg RJ, Huk M "Serotonin syndrome from trazodone and buspirone." Psychosomatics 33 (1992): 235-6
  4. Sternbach H "The serotonin syndrome." Am J Psychiatry 148 (1991): 705-13
  5. Ciraulo DA, Shader RI "Fluoxetine drug-drug interactions. II." J Clin Psychopharmacol 10 (1990): 213-7
  6. Ciraulo DA, Shader RI "Fluoxetine drug-drug interactions: I. Antidepressants and antipsychotics." J Clin Psychopharmacol 10 (1990): 48-50
  7. "Product Information. Zoloft (sertraline)." Roerig Division PROD (2001):
  8. "Product Information. Prozac (fluoxetine)." Dista Products Company PROD (2001):
  9. Insel TR, Roy BF, Cohen RM, Murphy DL "Possible development of the serotonin syndrome in man." Am J Psychiatry 139 (1982): 954-5
  10. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc. (1990):
  11. "Product Information. Paxil (paroxetine)." GlaxoSmithKline PROD (2001):
  12. Ruiz F "Fluoxetine and the serotonin syndrome." Ann Emerg Med 24 (1994): 983-5
  13. "Product Information. Luvox (fluvoxamine)." Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc PROD (2001):
  14. Reeves RR, Bullen JA "Serotonin syndrome produced by paroxetine and low-dose trazodone." Psychosomatics 36 (1995): 159-60
  15. Harvey AT, Preskorn SH "Interactions of serotonin reuptake inhibitors with tricyclic antidepressants." Arch Gen Psychiatry 52 (1995): 783-4
  16. Fischer P "Serotonin syndrome in the elderly after antidepressive monotherapy." J Clin Psychopharmacol 15 (1995): 440-2
  17. Corkeron MA "Serotonin syndrome - a potentially fatal complication of antidepressant therapy." Med J Aust 163 (1995): 481-2
  18. George TP, Godleski LS "Possible serotonin syndrome with trazodone addition to fluoxetine." Biol Psychiatry 39 (1996): 384-5
  19. Skop BP, Finkelstein JA, Mareth TR, Magoon MR, Brown TM "The serotonin syndrome associated wtih paroxetine, an over-the-counter cold remedy, and vascular disease." Am J Emerg Med 12 (1994): 642-4
  20. John L, Perreault MM, Tao T, Blew PG "Serotonin syndrome associated with nefazodone and paroxetine." Ann Emerg Med 29 (1997): 287-9
  21. Mills KC "Serotonin syndrome: A clinical update." Crit Care Clin 13 (1997): 763
  22. Bhatara VS, Magnus RD, Paul KL, Preskorn SH "Serotonin syndrome induced by venlafaxine and fluoxetine: a case study in polypharmacy and potential pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic mechanisms." Ann Pharmacother 32 (1998): 432-6
  23. "Product Information. Celexa (citalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals PROD (2001):
  24. Chan BSH, Graudins A, Whyte IM, Dawson AH, Braitberg G, Duggin GG "Serotonin syndrome resulting from drug interactions." Med J Aust 169 (1998): 523-5
  25. Manos GH "Possible serotonin syndrome associated with buspirone added to fluoxetine." Ann Pharmacother 34 (2000): 871-4
  26. Nijhawan PK, Katz G, Winter S "Psychiatric illness and the serotonin syndrome: an emerging adverse drug effect leading to intensive care unit admission." Crit Care Med 24 (1996): 1086-9
  27. Margolese HC, Chouinard G "Serotonin syndrome from addition of low-dose trazodone to nefazodone." Am J Psychiatry 157 (2000): 1022
  28. Mackay FJ, Dunn NR, Mann RD "Antidepressants and the serotonin syndrome in general practice." Br J Gen Pract 49 (1999): 871-4
  29. Smith DL, Wenegrat BG "A case report of serotonin syndrome associated with combined nefazodone and fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry 61 (2000): 146
  30. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  31. Dougherty JA, Young H, Shafi T "Serotonin syndrome induced by amitriptyline, meperidine, and venlafaxine." Ann Pharmacother 36 (2002): 1647-1648
  32. Martin TG "Serotonin syndrome." Ann Emerg Med 28 (1996): 520-6
  33. Lane R, Baldwin D "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor--induced serotonin syndrome: review." J Clin Psychopharmacol 17 (1997): 208-21
  34. Paruchuri P, Godkar D, Anandacoomarswamy D, Sheth K, Niranjan S "Rare case of serotonin syndrome with therapeutic doses of paroxetine." Am J Ther 13 (2006): 550-552
  35. Castro VM, Clements CC, Murphy SN, et al. "QT interval and antidepressant use: a cross sectional study of electronic health records." BMJ 346 (2013): f288

Drug and Food Interactions

Moderate
Lexapro + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram (found in Lexapro)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References

  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology 15 (1986): 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc. (1990):
  3. "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc (2012):
  4. "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc (2015):

Moderate
Vyvanse + Food

The following applies to the ingredients: Lisdexamfetamine (found in Vyvanse)

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of amphetamines. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown. In one study, concurrent administration of methamphetamine (30 mg intravenously) and ethanol (1 gm/kg orally over 30 minutes) increased heart rate by 24 beats/minute compared to methamphetamine alone. This increases cardiac work and myocardial oxygen consumption, which may lead to more adverse cardiovascular effects than either agent alone. Subjective effects of ethanol were diminished in the eight study subjects, but those of methamphetamine were not affected. The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine were also unaffected except for a decrease in the apparent volume of distribution at steady state. The interaction was suspected in a case report of a 20-year-old male who experienced retrosternal chest pain shortly after drinking alcohol and taking a double dose of his amphetamine/dextroamphetamine medication (Adderall 15 mg X 2) to stay alert. The patient had no family history of cardiovascular diseases, and his past medical history was remarkable only for ADHD. Prior to the episode, the patient had not taken his medication for weeks and had been drinking whiskey the previous three nights before going to bed. The patient was diagnosed with myocardial infarction likely secondary to amphetamine-induced coronary vasospasm.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of amphetamines and alcohol should be avoided if possible, especially in patients with a history of heart disease.

References

  1. Mendelson J, Jones RT, Upton R, Jacob P 3rd "Methamphetamine and ethanol interactions in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther 57 (1995): 559-68
  2. Jiao X, Velez S, Ringstad J, Eyma V, Miller D, Bleiberg M "Myocardial infarction associated with Adderall XR and alcohol use in a young man." J Am Board Fam Med 22 (2009): 197-201

Drug and Pregnancy Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram (found in Lexapro)

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

AU TGA Pregnancy Category: C
US FDA Pregnancy Category: C

Comments:
-Newborns should be monitored if the maternal use of this drug continues into the later stages of pregnancy, particularly, the third trimester.
-Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided during pregnancy.

Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryotoxicity (e.g., reduced fetal weight and reversible delay of ossification), offspring mortality, and delayed growth. Animal studies with racemic citalopram have revealed evidence of teratogenicity at doses greater than human therapeutic doses. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Human spontaneous abortion has been reported with racemic citalopram.

Neonates exposed to SSRIs late in the third trimester have uncommonly reported clinical findings including respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These effects have mostly occurred either at birth or within a few days of birth. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs, or possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome; in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome.

Epidemiological data have suggested that the use of SSRIs, particularly in late pregnancy, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn.

Data from animal studies has shown that escitalopram may affect sperm quality. Human case reports from some SSRIs have shown this effect to be reversible. As yet, the impact of this on human fertility has not been observed.

To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to antidepressants, a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants has been established. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves. For additional information: https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/

AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

References

  1. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ.. "Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation." Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2005):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

The following applies to the ingredients: Lisdexamfetamine (found in Vyvanse)

Benefit should outweigh risk.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comments:
-The active metabolite of this drug, dexamphetamine, crosses the placenta.
-Premature delivery, low birth weight, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes have been seen in infants born to mothers dependent on amphetamines.
-Monitor infants born to mothers taking amphetamines for symptoms of withdrawal such as feeding difficulties, irritability, agitation, and excessive drowsiness.

There are no controlled data of this drug in human pregnancy, but there are some available data for amphetamines in pregnant women. Two case control studies of over a thousand patients exposed to amphetamines at different gestational ages did not show an increase in congenital abnormalities. Additionally, animal studies have revealed no effects on embryofetal morphological development and survival, nor on fertility.

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  2. "Product Information. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)." Shire US Inc (2007):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions

The following applies to the ingredients: Lisdexamfetamine (found in Vyvanse)

Use should be avoided during breastfeeding.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-This drug is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. The effect of dextroamphetamine in milk on the neurological development of a breastfed infant has not been well studied.
-Large dosages of this drug might interfere with milk production, especially in women whose lactation is not well established.

-Blood levels of dextroamphetamine in 3 breastfed infants were up to 14% of the maternal plasma level.
-Four breastfed infants whose mothers took an average dose of 18 mg/day of dextroamphetamine had no adverse effects and showed normal progress with weights between the 10th and 75th percentiles.
-In a study of 20 postpartum women, dextroamphetamine reduced serum prolactin by 25% to 32% (7.5 mg IV dose) and 30% to 37% (15 mg IV dose). Another study showed a 20 mg oral dose produced a sustained suppression of serum prolactin by 40%.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  2. "Product Information. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)." Shire US Inc (2007):
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):

The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram (found in Lexapro)

Use with caution; the benefit to the mother should outweigh the risk to the infant.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Breastfed infants should be monitored for drowsiness and decreased feeding.
-Mothers taking an SSRI during pregnancy and postpartum may have difficulty breastfeeding and may require additional breastfeeding support.

Escitalopram is not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, particularly in infants over 2 months of age. One case of necrotizing enterocolitis has been reported in a breastfed newborn whose mother was taking escitalopram during pregnancy and lactation; however, causality was not established.

Maternal doses of escitalopram up to 20 mg per day lead to low levels in milk, approximately 3.9% and 1.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose of escitalopram and desmethylcitalopram, respectively. Limited data suggest that escitalopram is preferable to racemic citalopram during breastfeeding due to lower dosage and milk levels, and general lack of side effects in breastfed infants.

References

  1. "Product Information. Lexapro (escitalopram)." Forest Pharmaceuticals (2002):
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  4. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):

Therapeutic Duplication Warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

Switch to: Consumer Interactions

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a healthcare professional. Use of this content is subject to our terms of use & medical disclaimer.