Can I take Latuda and Effexor together? 

Can I take Latuda and Effexor together? 

You can take Latuda and Effexor together, only if this combination is prescribed by your healthcare provider. There are a lot of meds that work well together for some people but can negatively affect some other individuals. 

Only your doctor can tell you for sure whether or not you should take these meds together, as he/she knows about your medical history, proper diagnosis, current symptoms, and your overall health status. 

What are the benefits of using Latuda and Effexor together? 

Latuda and Effexor can be prescribed for the management and treatment of depression comorbid with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. 

Most antidepressants like SSRIs are contraindicated to be used in people with bipolar disorder as the symptoms get worse when they are used. Effexor, on the other hand, is considered safe to be used by such people (1). 

Latuda alone can not control depression when it’s paired with severe anxiety, panic attacks, and mania (2). This is why the combination of Effexor and Latuda can be a useful one – but again, not for everyone. 

What are the side effects of taking Latuda and Effexor together? 

Latuda and Effexor together can cause the following side effects:

  • Sleepiness
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion 
  • Erratic behaviour 
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Panic episodes
  • Headaches 
  • Nausea 

These side effects can vary from person to person. Some people may get worse at this combination and begin to act unusual or violent. This is why the combination of Effexor and Latuda is not for everyone. 

If your doctor has prescribed you this combination, keep a close eye on your side effects. If you begin to notice more severe panic episodes or violent behaviour, report it to your healthcare provider right away. It is also important to take these medications at the right time. 

Effexor can be taken at any time of the day when used alone. However, your doctor may ask you to take these meds at separate timings to minimise the risk of potential side effects.

Alternatives to taking Latuda and Effexor together

Latuda and Effexor can surely help some people, but it’s not always the right choice of combination treatment. If this combination doesn’t fit the details specific to your case or it simply fails to provide adequate relief in your symptoms, your doctor will either switch to a different antidepressant or a different antipsychotic. 

There are some other antipsychotics that can do well with Cymbalta, and other antidepressants that can work well with Latuda. In some cases, the doctor may include another medication in the regimen. Adding a medication from a different class may improve symptomatic management. 

For example, some patients may benefit from the addition of a mood stabilizer or anti-anxiety medication.

Psychotherapy can also be an effective treatment for many mental health conditions, particularly in combination with medication. Different types of psychotherapy include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy (3).

Making lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress can also help manage symptoms of mental health conditions.

Just make sure you talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how your current regimen is making you feel. It is also important to follow your doctor’s directions for a safe and effective therapeutic outcome. 

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References

1.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5656, Venlafaxine; [cited 2022 Feb. 22]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Venlafaxine

2.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 213046, Lurasidone; [cited 2022 Feb. 22]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lurasidone

3.-

Chand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. Cognitive Behavior Therapy. 2022 Sep 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29261869. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/

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