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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
Hi,
I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
Thanks for your help!
-cindy
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 10, 2001, at 23:40:42
In reply to Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
The only allergy medicine that is known to aggravate depression is Periactin (cyproheptadine), because it is a serotonin antagonist. But I think hysteria has caused people to blame other allergy medicines too. Other than Periactin, I can't fathom why something like Claritin would cause depression.
> Hi,
> I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
>
> ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
>
> Thanks for your help!
> -cindy
Posted by stjames on May 11, 2001, at 15:57:29
In reply to Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
I would have to agree with Sal (in concept only)
that there is no connection here. However, allergy
and infections can cause depression. I would suspect the cause (allergy and infections) and not the cure.James
Posted by Sunnely on May 11, 2001, at 21:13:53
In reply to Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
Hi Cindy,
The possibility exists. During clinical trials, up to 10% of loratadine (Claritin) users reported anxiety and depression. Theoretically, the combination of Claritin and certain antibiotics may further increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Claritin is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. Some of the antibiotics are marked inhibitors of this enzyme and if combined with Claritin, may decrease the clearance of Claritin from the system, leading to increase in blood level and subsequent increase in side effects. These antibiotics include erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax). Other drugs that are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 include nefazodone (Serzone), the antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); ritonavir (Norvir), a protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS treatment; some of the calcium channel blockers (e.g., Cardizem). Grapefruit juice is also a potent inhibitor of this liver enzyme, so might as well avoid it.
Fortunately, above-mentioned drug-drug interactions do not lead to life-threatening reaction unlike the now-banned antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). There were over 100 sudden deaths reported due to interactions between Seldane or Hismanal and drugs that potently inhibit CYP3A4. On a related note, due to similar deadly interaction (about 80 deaths reported), cisapride (Propulsid), a one-time popular drug for GERD, was voluntary removed from the market by its manufacturer.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Hi,
> I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
>
> ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
>
> Thanks for your help!
> -cindy
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 11, 2001, at 21:40:59
In reply to Re: Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression?? » Cindylou, posted by Sunnely on May 11, 2001, at 21:13:53
10%? I have it listed as "the following adverse events have been reported in at least _one_ patient in loratadine clinical trials in adult and pediatric patients...Psychiatric: anxiety, depression." So that would make it less than 1%. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lorat_ad.htm
> Hi Cindy,
>
> The possibility exists. During clinical trials, up to 10% of loratadine (Claritin) users reported anxiety and depression. Theoretically, the combination of Claritin and certain antibiotics may further increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
>
> Claritin is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. Some of the antibiotics are marked inhibitors of this enzyme and if combined with Claritin, may decrease the clearance of Claritin from the system, leading to increase in blood level and subsequent increase in side effects. These antibiotics include erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax). Other drugs that are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 include nefazodone (Serzone), the antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); ritonavir (Norvir), a protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS treatment; some of the calcium channel blockers (e.g., Cardizem). Grapefruit juice is also a potent inhibitor of this liver enzyme, so might as well avoid it.
>
> Fortunately, above-mentioned drug-drug interactions do not lead to life-threatening reaction unlike the now-banned antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). There were over 100 sudden deaths reported due to interactions between Seldane or Hismanal and drugs that potently inhibit CYP3A4. On a related note, due to similar deadly interaction (about 80 deaths reported), cisapride (Propulsid), a one-time popular drug for GERD, was voluntary removed from the market by its manufacturer.
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> > Hi,
> > I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
> >
> > ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
> >
> > Thanks for your help!
> > -cindy
Posted by Cindylou on May 11, 2001, at 22:06:59
In reply to Re: Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression?? » Sunnely, posted by SalArmy4me on May 11, 2001, at 21:40:59
Thank you all for your responses.
I think it may be even MORE than 10% -- in talking with my nutritionist (who's medically trained, not a "quack") she told me that she has had several people tell her of depression and anxiety during the use of Claritin and Allegra, including her own brother.
There may not be any rhyme or reason to it, but I don't believe it's all in my head, or all in the heads of my N's clients. Also, she said these reactions aren't noted by the drug companies for several reasons -- the reactions have to be recorded in psychiatrists' notes, for one ... Also, many people may not report the depression as a reaction because they, too, can't "fathom" that the two could be related.
I know there must be others out there reading this post who have experienced this.
Thanks again, and thank you Sunnely for your support on this.
-cindy
> 10%? I have it listed as "the following adverse events have been reported in at least _one_ patient in loratadine clinical trials in adult and pediatric patients...Psychiatric: anxiety, depression." So that would make it less than 1%. http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lorat_ad.htm
>
> > Hi Cindy,
> >
> > The possibility exists. During clinical trials, up to 10% of loratadine (Claritin) users reported anxiety and depression. Theoretically, the combination of Claritin and certain antibiotics may further increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
> >
> > Claritin is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. Some of the antibiotics are marked inhibitors of this enzyme and if combined with Claritin, may decrease the clearance of Claritin from the system, leading to increase in blood level and subsequent increase in side effects. These antibiotics include erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax). Other drugs that are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 include nefazodone (Serzone), the antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox); ritonavir (Norvir), a protease inhibitor for HIV/AIDS treatment; some of the calcium channel blockers (e.g., Cardizem). Grapefruit juice is also a potent inhibitor of this liver enzyme, so might as well avoid it.
> >
> > Fortunately, above-mentioned drug-drug interactions do not lead to life-threatening reaction unlike the now-banned antihistamines such as terfenadine (Seldane) and astemizole (Hismanal). There were over 100 sudden deaths reported due to interactions between Seldane or Hismanal and drugs that potently inhibit CYP3A4. On a related note, due to similar deadly interaction (about 80 deaths reported), cisapride (Propulsid), a one-time popular drug for GERD, was voluntary removed from the market by its manufacturer.
> >
> > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> >
> > > Hi,
> > > I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
> > >
> > > ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
> > >
> > > Thanks for your help!
> > > -cindy
Posted by Stephanie L. on May 20, 2001, at 21:13:41
In reply to Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
> Hi,
> I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
>
> ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
>
> Thanks for your help!
> -cindyCindy:
I was so glad to read your letter. I get terribly depressed when taking antibiotics; I have never heard another person (but you) say this. I have told many doctors of this, looking for an explanation, and none of them has ever heard of this phenomenon, and they are very skeptical of my experience. Over the years my depression with antibiotics has grown worse, until last month they caused a depression as severe as any I have ever had (and my PDOC says I was the most depressed of any patient he has had in 30 years.)SO I stopped taking the antibiotics, vowing to never ever suffer like that again -- no matter what the consequences. If anyone has any thoughts on this issue, I'd love to hear them.
From Stephanie L.
Posted by Stephanie L. on May 20, 2001, at 21:14:17
In reply to Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
> Hi,
> I know this may sound crazy, but has anyone experienced depressive episodes while taking a prescription allergy medication such as Claritin or Allegra? This has happened to me on a few occasions; the depression seems to be directly linked to the allergy med. ????? Any other experiences like this? Or information?
>
> ALSO, do antibiotics cause depression, or override antidepressant meds?
>
> Thanks for your help!
> -cindyCindy:
I was so glad to read your letter. I get terribly depressed when taking antibiotics; I have never heard another person (but you) say this. I have told many doctors of this, looking for an explanation, and none of them has ever heard of this phenomenon, and they are very skeptical of my experience. Over the years my depression with antibiotics has grown worse, until last month they caused a depression as severe as any I have ever had (and my PDOC says I was the most depressed of any patient he has had in 30 years.)SO I stopped taking the antibiotics, vowing to never ever suffer like that again -- no matter what the consequences. If anyone has any thoughts on this issue, I'd love to hear them.
From Stephanie L.
Posted by Cindylou on May 21, 2001, at 12:53:54
In reply to Re: Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Stephanie L. on May 20, 2001, at 21:14:17
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for your response and sharing your experience. Don't you hate it when the doctors act like this stuff is all "in our heads?" when we KNOW it's happening to us?!Thanks again ... hopefully we can figure out what causes this reaction ...
I think it was Sunnely who made the point that antibiotics can deprive us of Vitamin B, which can in turn cause depression. That makes sense; I'm sure there are other things the antibiotics kill off in our bodies that can trigger depressive reactions too.
thanks again,
-cindy>
> Cindy:
> I was so glad to read your letter. I get terribly depressed when taking antibiotics; I have never heard another person (but you) say this. I have told many doctors of this, looking for an explanation, and none of them has ever heard of this phenomenon, and they are very skeptical of my experience. Over the years my depression with antibiotics has grown worse, until last month they caused a depression as severe as any I have ever had (and my PDOC says I was the most depressed of any patient he has had in 30 years.)SO I stopped taking the antibiotics, vowing to never ever suffer like that again -- no matter what the consequences. If anyone has any thoughts on this issue, I'd love to hear them.
> From Stephanie L.
Posted by Joe Mezzo on July 6, 2001, at 12:45:49
In reply to Re: Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 11, 2001, at 22:06:59
>Cindy
I have this problem now.eg Anxiety after taking Allegra in conjunction with Biaxin
I have been taking Allegra for 2 weeks and now depressed and/or anxious at different times.
I also take Paxil 10mg/ per day
and Wellbutrin 400mg /once a day. My doctor suggested
I get off the Allegra as it conteracts the antidepressants.I was on Biaxin in order to clear up nasal infection that occurred from the allergies.
One of the threads on this topic seems to
indicate that biaxin amplified the problem
which appears to be true.
Hope this helps all.
Posted by Corrinne on November 22, 2003, at 17:14:25
In reply to Allergy meds, antibiotics = depression??, posted by Cindylou on May 10, 2001, at 14:57:18
I've taken a lot of antibiotics and antihistamines. I'm normally a peppy person, and I'm very happy with my life. However, I have felt depressed while taking Biaxin, Zythromycin (or something like that with a Z), and right now, Erythromycin. No, I wouldn't kill myself or anything like that, because really, what I'm feeling is that I'm extraordinarily happy, as usual, but I feel like crying anyway--though I can't really cry. I'm sure this depression will go away soon after I finish taking Erythromycin, as I've taken a similar antibiotic before, and the feeling went away. My mother has had similar reactions with anxiety and/or depression to Erythromycin, but she doesn't tell most doctors because they treat her like she's psycho. Benadryl actually helps treat the depression for me and my mother, as we think it could be an allergic reaction. However, I've been on Claritin before and felt depressed on it. Of course, several of my relatives have had suicidal feelings before, including myself, so maybe these medications aggravate the condition in people who could already be prone to depression.
This is the end of the thread.
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