Benzodiazepine therapy and fall risks are a major concern, especially in geriatric patients. If you take a benzodiazepine, it is important to not drive or do anything that requires alertness or that can be potentially dangerous—such as using power tools.
Alcohol should be avoided when on benzodiazepine therapy, as the combination can have a dangerous effect if taken together since they both are central nervous system CNS depressants and can lead to harmful effects—such as respiratory depression that can lead to slow or ineffective breathing and in severe cases, death.
This drug and alcohol interactions can be common for people who struggle with social anxiety and may not be aware of potential risks of drinking and taking these medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs are anti-depressant medications, and they enhance the function of nerve cells in the brain that regulate emotion. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that delivers signals between brain cells. When these brain cells send signals to one another, they release a neurotransmitter that delivers the message.
They then take back the neurotransmitter they released so they can send the next message. In the physiology of people struggling with depression, there could be an imbalance of these vital chemicals, the areas that regulate mood and send messages using serotonin might not function properly, and SSRIs make more serotonin available by blocking the reuptake process. This allows serotonin to build up between neurons so messages can be sent correctly. These medications are not quick fixes and need time to be effective.
There are other drug classes available for depression, and drug selection is often patient-specific that consider drug cost, drug-interactions, possible side effects and patient preferences.
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. Disclaimer: This content should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a call or visit to a healthcare professional. Medication List Close Lexapro Xanax. Show 7 interactions. The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam found in Xanax and Escitalopram found in Lexapro Using ALPRAZolam together with escitalopram may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
Close all sections. The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam found in Xanax Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with ALPRAZolam and lead to potentially dangerous side effects. The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram found in Lexapro Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of escitalopram such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
Open all sections. The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram found in Lexapro Professional Content This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. References Cerner Multum, Inc.
Lexapro escitalopram. Louis, MO. The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam found in Xanax Professional Content This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Xanax XR alprazolam. Niravam alprazolam. Xanax alprazolam. Cerner Multum, Inc. The following applies to the ingredients: Alprazolam found in Xanax Professional Content Use is not recommended. Excreted into human milk: Yes Comments: -The American Academy of Pediatrics considers this agent a drug for which the effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern.
Toxicology Data Network. The following applies to the ingredients: Escitalopram found in Lexapro Professional Content 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.
References "Product Information. Facebook Twitter Email Print. Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. Lexapro and Xanax can interact with some of the same medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs , opioids, anticonvulsants, triptans, and serotonergic drugs. Taking these drugs together may affect the level of drug in the body which can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Taking these medications together may cause an increased risk of bleeding. Xanax can also interact with birth control medications. Oral contraceptives may increase the side effects of benzodiazepines. Because Lexapro and Xanax are processed by certain liver enzymes, they can interact with other drugs that affect these enzymes. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine which drugs may interact with Lexapro or Xanax.
This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor with all medications you may be taking. Taking Lexapro can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in children and young adults. Adolescents taking Lexapro for depression may have an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Lexapro should not be used in children younger than 12 years old. Xanax should not be used with opioids due to the increased risk of respiratory depression, coma, and even death in severe cases.
These drugs should only be used together in limited doses and with close monitoring by a healthcare professional. Treatment with Lexapro or Xanax should not be abruptly stopped.
Both medications carry a risk of withdrawal symptoms if they are discontinued. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Stopping the use of Xanax may also lead to an increased risk of seizures.
Instead, these medications should be tapered off slowly with the medical advice of a doctor. Lexapro is an SSRI medication that is prescribed for anxiety and depression. Lexapro is available as a generic drug. It may take 1 to 2 weeks to experience the maximum benefits of Lexapro. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. It is available as a generic drug, alprazolam.
Xanax works quickly with effects experienced within 1 to 2 hours after taking it. Lexapro and Xanax are not the same. Lexapro is an SSRI drug that is taken once daily for depression and anxiety. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that can be taken up to 3 or 4 times per day for anxiety and panic disorders.
Xanax is more effective for short-term relief of anxiety. Lexapro is often prescribed for depression and can take a few weeks to fully work. Sometimes Lexapro and Xanax are taken together for anxiety with depression.
It is not recommended to take Lexapro while pregnant. Taking Lexapro during the third trimester may cause persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn PPHN. Xanax is not recommended while pregnant.
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