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Chantix and seizures
by Vaticohm, Jul 07, 2007 12:00AM
My fiance' is trying to quit smoking. She is also a recovering alcoholic and has relapsed since trying to quit. She tried the nicotine lozenges. She also tried wellbutrin but had severe seizures. She takes 10 milligrams of lexapro, .05 mg and levothyroxine in the morning, 12.5 mg of benicar, and alprazolam 0.5 milligrams 3 times a day, and mirtazpine 30 mg along with 500 mg magnesium and 3 mg melatonin to sleep. She doesn't take the mirtazpine every day. Otherwise she takes naproxine, extra strength tylenol, occasional cemetidine, and generic allergy pills, which make her shaky so only when she's desperate.
About 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day also. She smokes a pack a day right now. I was thinking chantix
which is how I quit. I did read about possible seizures, any reccomdations? Thanks
About 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day also. She smokes a pack a day right now. I was thinking chantix
which is how I quit. I did read about possible seizures, any reccomdations? Thanks
Lexapro is anti-depressant in a group of drugs called selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety. It is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. It is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. It is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.
Benicar- is used to treat high blood pressure. It is classified as an angiotensionII inhibitor. It prevents constriction or the vessels.
Alprazolam (Xanax)- is a benzodiazapine. It is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders, by potntiating the GABBA neurotransmitters (inhibitory neurotransmitters).
Mirtazapin-(Remeron) is a tetracyclic antidepressant used to treat major depression. The exact nature of what chemical/neurotransmitters..etc it work on in the brain are unknown. THere are several studies that show it may enhance central noradrenergic and serotonergic activity.
Here are some signs or drug interactions for the above drugs.
Mirtazapine & Lexapro: MAJOR:DRUG-DRUG
As a rule of thumb serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible, or ahould be prescribed with caution if potential benefits outweigh the risk. Close monitoring is recommended for signs and symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered level of consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia. Dr.'s need to be very cautious and monitor their pt's when increasing the dosages of these meds. The potential risk of serotonin syndrome should be considered even when administering one serotonergic agent following discontinuation of another, as some agents may demonstrate a prolonged elimination half-life. Thats's why there is a 5-week flush out period following use of fluoxetine before administering another serotonergic agent.
Mirtazapine & Benicar: MORERATE:DRUG-DRUG
The administration of agents with hypotensive effects and psychotherapeutic agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics), narcotic analgesics, alcohol, or muscle relaxants may additively increase hypotensive and/or central nervous system depressant effects. Pt's should be apprised of any change in thier LOC, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, orthostasis or fainting
Mirtazapine & Alprazolam: MODERATE:DRUG-DRUG
Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Pt's and family should be apprised to any change in their LOC, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness or confusion
Alprazolam & Benicar: MODERATE:DRUG-DRUG
The administration of agents with hypotensive effects and psychotherapeutic agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics), narcotic analgesics, alcohol, or muscle relaxants may additively increase hypotensive and/or central nervous system depressant effects. Be aware of any changes in LOC, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, orthostasis, fainting
ALprazolam & Lexapro: MODERATE:DRUG-DRUG
Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. Be aware of any changes in LOC, drowsiness, dizziness, light headedness, confusion, orthostasis, fainting.
Many of these interactions are unlikely (but still very possible) to happen. I don't know how long you room mate had been on these meds, her history, any of her medical problems or if she is getting any relief from these medication. However, there are some serious questions to be asked here. I highly recommend that you have her get ALL here medical record's, do some research and find a Dr. in your area with excellent references and make an appointment. She needs to get a handle on her medical issues and her medications.
All My Best To You and You Friend,
Gypsy
Here are some signs "of" drug interactions for the above drugs
Under the heading "Mirtazapinne & Lexapro" it should read:
As a rule of thumb, "COMBINING" serotonergic agents should be avoided if possible