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Medication interactions

Posted by nscappa @nscappa, Jun 22, 2023

I currently have pneumonia and am on the antibiotic Levaquin and I take Lexapro for depression. My NP is concerned about taking the ·antibiotic and the Lexapro because of a small probability of having an arrhythmia and I understand the concern. Yesterday I went to my Nurse Practitioner and addressed the situation. I cannot take Penicillin (allergy) nor erythromycin because of bad reaction. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place. I get that my GP who orders my antidepressants is concerned and possibly might think that not taking the Lexapro for too long might cause a problem. I have two more antibiotics left and I have not taken my Lexapro for about 4 days. Help!!

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Mentor
Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | Jun 22, 2023

@nscappa it is the job of your medical providers (pharmacists too) to be aware of medication interactions. Do your nurse practitioner and your GP work together so they can collaborate on what you need to treat both your pneumonia and depression? It is important at for them to be “on the same page”. Sometimes a temporary change (treatment, medication, dose etc.) is necessary when something new arises (such as your pneumonia). Your provider should make that determination. Can you contact your GP to make sure s/he knows about your pneumonia and Levaquin prescription? Tell him or her that you haven’t been taking the Lexapro. Maybe s/he can consider an alternate medication to Lexapro?

REPLY
1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 22, 2023

Is this because of the problem with prolonged QT interval, that can cause arrythmias with some meds? Maybe they can do an EKG to make sure the interval is not too long.

REPLY
nscappa | @nscappa | Jun 23, 2023

Thank you. I decided (with my GP's okay) to take the Lexapro since I have only two more antis to take. So far so good. I felt like I as between a rock and hard place. Feeling better except for the cough. Thanks again!

REPLY
nscappa | @nscappa | Jun 23, 2023
In reply to @cehunt57 "@nscappa it is the job of your medical providers (pharmacists too) to be aware of medication..." + (show)
@cehunt57

@nscappa it is the job of your medical providers (pharmacists too) to be aware of medication interactions. Do your nurse practitioner and your GP work together so they can collaborate on what you need to treat both your pneumonia and depression? It is important at for them to be “on the same page”. Sometimes a temporary change (treatment, medication, dose etc.) is necessary when something new arises (such as your pneumonia). Your provider should make that determination. Can you contact your GP to make sure s/he knows about your pneumonia and Levaquin prescription? Tell him or her that you haven’t been taking the Lexapro. Maybe s/he can consider an alternate medication to Lexapro?

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Hello,
I have been in touch with both GP's (one for the depression and she was the most concerned about a possible heart issue. My general GP told me that the chances of any interaction is very rare and that I could keep taking the Lexapro since I had only 3 antis left. I now have just 2 more to go and I will take my Lexapro today and tomorrow. Also, when I went to Urgent Care the PA took an X-ray and showed me where my pneumonia was and that there could be a remote possibility of an interaction and asked me to get in touch with my GP the next day.

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