Can I take antidepressants and levothyroxine at the same time?

[sanyadz]

I went to see a psychiatrist yesterday and she prescribed the antidepressant Cipralex (Lexapro), which she said I should take in the morning. I've been on Euthyrox (levothyroxine) for a couple of months, so my question is, can I take both medications at the same time, or do I have to take Levothyroxine first and wait a couple of hours before taking my Cipralex pill? Since I should take both meds in the morning, would it be too late to take Cipralex at 11 a.m. (I take my Levothyroxine at 7)?

[sanyadz]

Thank you all for your replies.

To:artfemme

I've had depression for a long time, it was one of the reasons why I decided to have my thyroid checked a year ago. My TSH was high normal and my FT4 was at the low end of normal. The doctor told me to get retested in three months, which I did, and the situation was almost the same, but the TSH was over 5.00. I've been on the lowest dose of levothyroxine for a couple of months, but my FT4 and FT3 are still at the bottom end of the range.

I'm aware that I'm not on the right dose and that it's possible that my hypothyroidism is causing the symptoms of depression but there is nothing I can do about it. All the endocrinologists I've been to weren't willing to help me. Most of them don't care about free T3 and T4 levels, they see TSH as the best indicator of thyroid function.

Here are my latest results:

TSH 2.73 (04.00-4.00)

FT3 3.41 (3.10-6.80)

FT4 12.25 (12.00-22.00)

[des900]

Base on this result need to up the dose, not because of TSH but due to low Free T4 value though its hard to up the Free T3 value if appropriate medicines not available in that country.

Also can rule out Vitamin D deficiency by doing 25-hydroxy Vitamin D blood test. Optimal range in between 50 - 80.

[jenniferk86]

Assuming that you have both clinical or major depressive disorder AND hypothyroidism, Which I have because I had post partum depression, and depression since I was younger, when I didn't particularly have any hypo symptoms, at that point is it ok to take them together?

I don't know the answer to this either and I have tried to research it.  There seems to be a limited number of medications that affect the absorbtion of levothryoxine. Anti-depressants do not seem to be on this list, and I to checked all drug interactions as well and did not see any anti-depressants on the list, however this being said, can anyone tell us otherwise?

I take Lamictal, and percocet, both of which I must take 1st thing in the morning to help with my pain.  So I cannot wait to take them otherwise I cannot function.  So... is it ok to take these all together? or does it truely affect absorbtion even though it is not listed as affecting such?

[redheadaussie]

Having been misdiagnosed for 15 years and then on medication for thyroid and STILL told I had to take anti-depressants I can tell you ....DON'T take the anti-depressants till you get your thyroid levels at your optimum range.
  Hypothyroidism mimics depression and too many doctors prescribe anti-d's hoping that'll fix the problem.

I won a battle with two psychiatrists. (15 year period!) They both failed to check my thyroid levels and it was totally unnecessary to be on anti-d's in the first place. Please inform your psychiatrist to look at the medical journals to establish that anti-d's in thyroid patients is not the recommended treatment.

[Birdy28]

I've got to say that whilst this is the case for many, it isn't for everyone. I've suffered with clinical depression since I was 14 and was diagnosed with Hashimotos at 28. For a while I thought this was the answer to my prayers - that's it, I thought - it wasn't depression but suboptimal thyroid levels all along! So I went off the anti-depressants (SLOWLY, as discussed with my psychiatrist and GP) and unfortunately although my thyroid symptoms are now under control (again with the help of my GP, an endocrinologist and a functional medicine doctor) my depression is still here and worse than ever. Just because this worked for you, does not make it advisable to go around telling people that may well be depressed as a result of mental health issues not thyroid, to come off their medication. Not sensible at all.

[FTB4]

They have an Interaction drug search at  Drugs.com , I had tried taking Trazodone for a while, while I was on Synthroid and had no interaction problems, but stopped taking it, it did nothing for me. Good Luck FTB4

[artfemme]

Dear sanyadz,
Have you been suffering from depression for a while ? It often accompanies hypothryoidism, which can cause a seratonin delivery system disfunction in the brain. Have you taken other antidepressants ? Frequently, depression goes away with the addition of T3 hormones instead of antidepressants, at least it worked that way for me. I would suggest publishing your FREE T3 and T4 levels as well as your TSH so that some of the more experienced members of our forum can comment.

That said, I think it's generally recommended to take your thyroid medication an hour before taking food or other medication or supplements. It's possible for the fillers in other substances to bind the thyroid hormone, preventing its complete absorption. I would also consult your pharmacist.

Good luck.