Does Lexapro Affect Plan B? (+3 Key Insights)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we discuss how Lexapro, an antidepressant, may affect Plan B, an emergency contraception pill. We’ll examine dosage, timing, and risks to provide a clear understanding of their interactions.
Does Lexapro affect Plan B?
No, Lexapro (escitalopram) does not directly affect the efficacy of Plan B, containing levonorgestrel. While there are no direct interactions between the two medications, it is important to consider potential indirect effects, such as mood changes that occur after using Plan B.
Are there risks when combining Lexapro and Plan B?
Although there are no known direct interactions between Lexapro and Plan B, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of. Lexapro primarily affects serotonin in the brain, while Plan B mimics the effects of progesterone to prevent ovulation.
It is important for patients who are taking Lexapro to be aware that the medication may cause irregular periods. This is also a common side effect of Plan B; therefore, if used together, it may lead to a disruption of the menstrual cycle when the period comes.
Patients who are taking Lexapro for the management of depression should be cautious about the possible mood changes that may occur due to the hormonal contraceptive effects of Plan B. Hormonal contraceptives are known to cause mood-related changes such as depression.
However, as Plan B is a single-dose medication, the effects tend to reduce after a few days. Nevertheless, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives can lead to long-term mood-related changes (1).
It is essential to monitor for any adverse effects that may arise with each medication and to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider. This is crucial to ensure proper management and to reduce any potential risks.
Regular communication with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance on how to manage the combined use of Lexapro and Plan B, which will promote effective treatment and overall well-being.
Can the risks of combining Lexapro and Plan B be managed?
The risks of combining Lexapro and Plan B can be managed by considering several vital strategies.
- Speak to your pharmacist or doctor to understand potential risks and ensure appropriate guidance on what to expect when using both medicines.
- It’s important to be aware of the effects that Lexapro and Plan B can have on your body. Lexapro could potentially affect your menstrual cycle, and Plan B may affect your mood. Additionally, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of Plan B decreases over time after sexual intercourse, so it’s best to take it within the 24-hour window for optimal effectiveness.
- Closely monitor any changes in physical and emotional state, for example, weight changes or mood swings, and report any concerns to your healthcare provider.
- Adhere to the recommended dosage instructions for Lexapro and Plan B to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize risks.
By prioritizing these strategies and seeking personalized healthcare guidance, individuals can effectively manage the potential risks of combining Lexapro and Plan B.
How can patients on Lexapro safely use Plan B?
For patients on Lexapro who require Plan B, several recommendations can ensure safe and effective treatment:
If you require emergency contraception, it is crucial to seek personalized guidance from your doctor. Your doctor can recommend the best option based on your health history, medication use, and long-term health goals. They may suggest alternative options such as Ullipristal or an IUD.
After using emergency contraception, they may discuss long-term family planning options that may have minimal impact on your medication.
Additionally, it is essential to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential interactions between emergency contraception and drugs or supplements you are currently taking to ensure that the chosen contraception is safe and effective for you.
Your doctor may adjust the dosage of your medications to minimize the risks associated with them.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed Lexapro’s potential impact on emergency contraception, particularly Plan B. We’ve also analyzed the risks and side effects of their combination and provided recommendations and practical strategies to manage their use.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Skovlund CW, Mørch LS, Kessing LV, Lidegaard Ø. Association of Hormonal Contraception With Depression. JAMA Psychiatry. 2016 Nov 1;73(11):1154-1162. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.2387. Erratum in: JAMA Psychiatry. 2017 Jul 1;74(7):764. PMID: 27680324. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27680324/
2.-
Le Corvaisier C, Capelle A, France M, Bourguignon L, Tod M, Goutelle S. Drug interactions between emergency contraceptive drugs and cytochrome inducers: literature review and quantitative prediction. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Apr;35(2):208-216. doi: 10.1111/fcp.12601. Epub 2020 Sep 7. PMID: 32813881. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32813881/
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