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Does Lexapro Interact With Contrave?

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Posted on Fri, 18 Nov 2016
Question: Hi, I've been taking the weight loss medicine, Contrave, but have not seen much impact. Is it possible that my Lexapro prescription could be interfering? Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
possibly

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
The other name for Contrave is bupropion and it is also marketed as Wellbutrin as an antidepressant and as Zyban for smoking cessation.
There is a chance of drug interaction because both drugs increase serotonin and can cause something called serotonin syndrome. However, this would greatly depend upon the dose of each drug.
As far as your question about weight loss, some people gain weight on lexapro so taking it with the Contrave may keep the Contrave from causing the weight loss that you desire.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not it would be appropriate for you to stop the lexapro and perhaps take a higher dose of contrave that may help with weight loss and also treat depression.
The only possible problem with this would be that while lexapro treats both depression and anxiety, Contrave ( or wellbtrin) only treats depression and may actually make anxiety worse.
Best to ask your doctor what is best for you
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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Does Lexapro Interact With Contrave?

Brief Answer: possibly Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. The other name for Contrave is bupropion and it is also marketed as Wellbutrin as an antidepressant and as Zyban for smoking cessation. There is a chance of drug interaction because both drugs increase serotonin and can cause something called serotonin syndrome. However, this would greatly depend upon the dose of each drug. As far as your question about weight loss, some people gain weight on lexapro so taking it with the Contrave may keep the Contrave from causing the weight loss that you desire. Speak to your doctor about whether or not it would be appropriate for you to stop the lexapro and perhaps take a higher dose of contrave that may help with weight loss and also treat depression. The only possible problem with this would be that while lexapro treats both depression and anxiety, Contrave ( or wellbtrin) only treats depression and may actually make anxiety worse. Best to ask your doctor what is best for you Dr. Robinson