Can you take Lexapro with evening primrose oil? (+7 tips)

This article will explore the topic of taking Lexapro and evening primrose oil together. It will discuss potential interactions, benefits, and factors that influence the interaction between these two substances.

Additionally, the article will provide management strategies and tips for safely using Lexapro and evening primrose oil together.

Can you take Lexapro with evening primrose oil?

Yes, you can take evening primose oil with Lexapro. Evening primrose oil (EPO) and Lexapro work differently and treat different conditions. EPO is commonly used as a herbal remedy for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like irritability and depression. Lexapro, on the other hand, is indicated for anxiety and depression [1,2].

While there is limited scientific evidence on the specific conbination between these two substances, evening primrose oil may complement Lexapro’s effects in managing depression and anxiety, especially if they’re associated with PMS.

While it is not common, it is possible for evening primrose oil to affect Lexapro’s metabolism in some people, potentially impacting its potency. Taking EPS and Lexapro together is generally safe, but it is still important to inform your doctor if you plan to do this, as individual responses can vary and there may be potential side effects or interactions.

What are the possible interactions between Lexapro and evening primrose oil?

First of all, according to the available research, evening primrose oil has been found to inhibit certain liver enzymes. Specifically, it can minimally inhibit an enzyme called CYP2C19, which is responsible for metabolising Lexapro.

This can lead to decreased breakdown and increased potency of Lexapro, potentially resulting in increased side effects [3].

Moreover, clinical trials have shown that evening primrose oil (EPO) might lower the threshold for epilepsy. This means that it could increase the chances of experiencing seizures in people who are already at risk. Lexapro, when taken at very high doses, can also potentially cause serotonin syndrome and seizures.

Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals who have a personal or family history of epilepsy to consider the interaction between Lexapro and evening primrose oil [4].

What are the benefits of taking EPO and Lexapro together?

One study investigated the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating depression, irritability, anxiety, and mental exhaustion. Before administering EPO, subjects exhibited high levels of these symptoms. However, after treatment with EPO, significant improvements were observed in the symptoms, as there was a 100% improvement in depression, a 66% improvement in irritability, and a 50% improvement in anxiety [5].

Researchers suggest that this may be because EPO has high levels of gamma-linoleic acid, which is an essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. Previous studies have shown that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) can help decrease the occurrence of depression.

Thus, evening primrose oil, being rich in LCPUFA (gamma-linoleic acid), may complement the effects of Lexapro in treating depression and anxiety [5].

What factors influence the interaction between Lexapro and EPO?

Factors that may make individuals more at risk of experiencing the rare interactions between Lexapro and evening primrose oil can include:

Pre-existing seizure risk

For people who already have a history of seizures or epilepsy, combining Lexapro and evening primrose oil may further decrease the seizure threshold, increasing the likelihood of experiencing seizures when using both substances together at high doses.

Other drugs that can also increase the risk of seizures include Sertraline, Prozac, Effexor, and several other drugs that work on the central nervous system. Thus, it is advisable to avoid combining these drugs with Lexapro and EPO.

Lexapro treatment dosage and duration

The higher the Lexapro dosage, the greater the potential risk of interactions. Moreover, the prolonged use of Lexapro, or both Lexapro and evening primrose oil together, increases the cumulative effects of their interaction.

To illustrate, the prolonged treatment of Lexapro, along with evening primrose oil administration, can increase Lexapro’s concentration even more, which is a result of evening primrose oil potentially inhibiting its metabolism. Consequently, this can lead to the experience of more severe or frequent side effects.

It is also important to mention that jumping to a high dose without proper dose escalation can also lead to increased interaction between Lexapro and evening primrose oil.

Liver diseases

Impaired liver function can increase the likelihood of interactions. If an individual has compromised liver function, evening primrose oil’s inhibition of the CYP2C19 enzyme may have a greater impact on Lexapro metabolism, leading to increased concentration.

How to safely take lexapro and EPO together?

Before starting any new supplement or herbal medicine, such as Gingko Biloba, while taking Lexapro, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can guide you on the proper way to take them based on your medical history and physiology.

To safely manage taking Lexapro and evening primrose oil together, consider the following tips:

• Follow the recommended or prescribed dosages for both Lexapro and evening primrose oil.

• It is also important to apply proper dose escalation under your doctor’s supervision before increasing the dose of Lexapro.

• Moreover, you must not make any changes to your treatment plan without consulting your doctor.

• Furthermore, consider spacing out the intake of Lexapro and evening primrose oil throughout the day to minimise potential interactions.

• It is also recommended to have regular liver function tests while taking both medications to ensure that levels remain within a safe range, as evening primrose oil can affect the metabolism of Lexapro by the liver.

• You should take care of your liver’s health. Limit your alcohol intake, maintain a balanced and healthy diet, and ask for any additional recommendations to optimise liver function.

• Finally, you should watch out for any signs of seizures or unusual side effects when starting or adjusting the dosage of either Lexapro or evening primrose oil. If you experience any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Don’t discontinue Lexapro without gradually reducing the dose under medical supervision first.

To conclude, based on my knowledge, it is generally safe to take Lexapro and evening primrose oil together. Evening primrose oil may potentially enhance the effects of Lexapro in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially those related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

According to my research, potential interactions between Lexapro and evening primrose oil include the inhibition of liver enzymes, which can impact Lexapro’s metabolism and increase its potency, and the rare possibility of increased seizure risk, particularly in individuals with a history of seizures or epilepsy.

To ensure safe usage, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or herbal medicines while taking Lexapro. I also believe that it is important to follow the prescribed dosages for both Lexapro and evening primrose oil, space out their intake, and monitor and optimise liver function. 

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