Posted by SalArmy4me on May 11, 2001, at 21:40:59
In reply to Re: Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression?? » Cindylou, posted by Sunnely on May 11, 2001, at 21:13:53
10%? I have it listed as "the following adverse events have been reported in at least _one_ patient in loratadine clinical trials in adult and pediatric patients...Psychiatric: anxiety, depression." So that would make it less than 1%. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lorat_ad.htm
> Hi Cindy,
>
> The possibility exists. During clinical trials, up to 10% of loratadine (Claritin) users reported anxiety and depression. Theoretically, the combination of Claritin and certain antibiotics may further increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
>
> Claritin is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. Some of the antibiotics are marked inhibitors of this enzyme and if combined with Claritin, may decrease the clearance of Claritin from the system, leading to increase in blood level and subsequent increase in side effects. These antibiotics include erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax). Other drugs that are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 include nefazodone (Serzone), the antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); ritonavir (Norvir), a protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS treatment; some of the calcium channel blockers (e.g., Cardizem). Grapefruit juice is also a potent inhibitor of this liver enzyme, so might as well avoid it.
>
> Fortunately, above-mentioned drug-drug interactions do not lead to life-threatening reaction unlike the now-banned antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). There were over 100 sudden deaths reported due to interactions between Seldane or Hismanal and drugs that potently inhibit CYP3A4. On a related note, due to similar deadly interaction (about 80 deaths reported), cisapride (Propulsid), a one-time popular drug for GERD, was voluntary removed from the market by its manufacturer.
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> > Hi,
> > I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
> >
> > ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
> >
> > Thanks for your help!
> > -cindy
poster:SalArmy4me
thread:62390
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010507/msgs/62555.html