Does Lexapro interact with Omega-3 supplements? (3 concerns)
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
This article will answer the question, “Does Lexapro Interact With Omega 3?” We’ll talk about the scientific evidence and possible interactions between Lexapro and Omega-3.
Does Lexapro interact with Omega-3 supplements?
No, Lexapro does not interact with Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 supplements are generally regarded as safe, and no significant interactions with Lexapro and Omega-3 have been reported.
In fact, Omega-3 has been linked to the improvement of depression, mood, and anxiety disorders. Many people are doing well with Omega-3 and SSRIs like Lexapro.
What does research suggest?
Several studies provide insights into the combined use of omega-3 fatty acids and antidepressants, including escitalopram.
An observational study discovered that when omega-3 fatty acids were combined with various SSRIs, including escitalopram, a decrease in the severity of depressive symptoms was observed. (1)
One study focused on a significant potentiation effect of Omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) when used in conjunction with escitalopram. The positive results suggest the consideration of Omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct to the therapeutic regimen alongside escitalopram. (2)
A comprehensive review of scientific evidence revealed that omega-3 supplementation was often used as an adjunct therapy for individuals taking prescription antidepressants and has shown significant improvement in depression. (3)
A meta-analysis focusing on the efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in treating depression found positive results. It showed that supplementation with the two primary types of omega-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), was effective in reducing depression symptoms. (4)
Overall, these studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may hold promise in reducing depressive symptoms, but further research is required to understand the relationship fully.
It’s also important to determine the most effective dosage and EPA/DHA proportion for supplementation. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional before introducing any new medication or supplement is recommended.
What are the side effects of taking Lexapro with Omega-3 supplements?
While there have been no significant documented interactions between Lexapro and Omega-3 supplements, it is important to recognize that certain circumstances can result in side effects. Let us investigate these scenarios.
Increase in therapeutic activity of Lexapro
Omega-3 may enhance Lexapro’s therapeutic effects, particularly in individuals who have been on Lexapro for a long time. This enhancement has the potential to cause mania or overstimulation of the brain. (2)
In such cases, Lexapro dose might need adjustment to avoid side effects. A consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine whether or not you require dose adjustment of Lexapro.
Overdosing of Omega 3 supplements
Excessive consumption of Omega-3 supplements can cause gastrointestinal problems, most notably diarrhoea. If you are interested in starting Omega 3 supplements, consult with your doctor to determine an appropriate dose.
High Omega-3 intake, particularly in the form of fish oil, has been linked to an increased risk of bleeding problems. This is especially concerning for people who are already taking blood thinners. The combination can increase the risk of stroke and haemorrhage. Along with Omega-3 and Lexapro, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, diclofenac etc should also be avoided.
Vitamin A is often present in omega-3 supplements, and excessive consumption can result in vitamin A toxicity. This condition can cause dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and even more serious health problems. To avoid such complications, it is critical to consult a doctor for the right dose of Omega-3 and stick to it.
Personal compatibility
Omega-3 supplements do not agree with everyone, so it is advised to watch out for side effects.
If you have an upset stomach, persistent nausea, continuous diarrhoea, or an unpleasant fishy aftertaste after starting Omega-3 supplementation and these symptoms do not improve after a reasonable period, we can say that Omega-3 may not be suitable for your body.
If this is the case, you should discontinue taking omega-3 supplements.
What is the recommended dose of Omega-3 supplements with antidepressants?
A typical Omega-3 fish oil supplement contains about 1,000 mg of fish oil, which has 180 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
These values can differ from one product to the other. Always refer to the product’s ‘Supplement Facts’ on the packaging to ensure you’re getting an adequate dose of EPA and DHA.
If you’re considering Omega-3 supplements to help with depression, especially if you’re already taking antidepressants, a typical safe and effective dose range is 1,000 to 2,000 mg of Omega-3 in capsules or liquid form.
Conclusion
My interpretation from available data is that there are no significant adverse interactions between Lexapro and Omega-3 supplements. However, it is crucial to exercise vigilance regarding the dosage of Omega-3.
Make sure to inform your doctor about all the supplements that you are taking to avoid any unwanted interaction with Lexapro.
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