HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Higher Dosage Of Keppra Help Better Metabolism Of Lexapro?

default
Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014
Question: I am on Kepra 1000mg, Klonopin 3mg, Lexapro 7,5 mg and Amisulpride 100 mg for anxiety, some phobia and some OCD symptoms. My psychiatrist decided to give me a higher dosage of Lexapro, but i would like to know also if a higher dosage of Keppra can help to a better metabolism of Lexapro, even if these meds don't follow the same route in the liver, as far as i know.
Thanks beforehand,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Will not help in better metabolism of Lexapro.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query.

Generally, drugs affect each other's metabolism by means of influencing a system of liver enzymes called the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450). When these CYP45O enzymes are either induced or inhibited by one drug, then the other drug's levels and effects get altered. But Kreppa (Levetiracetam) does not significantly influence any CYP450 liver enzymes.

Also, like you have mentioned, the actual mechanisms of metabolism of these two drugs in the liver are different. Kreppa (Levetiracetam) is metabolised through a mechanism called Hydrolysis wheras Lexapro (Escitalopram) is metabolised through a mechanism called Methylation.

So, considering the above two reasons, a higher dose Kreppa will not help in a better metabolism of Lexapro.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Does Higher Dosage Of Keppra Help Better Metabolism Of Lexapro?

Brief Answer: Will not help in better metabolism of Lexapro. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for your query. Generally, drugs affect each other's metabolism by means of influencing a system of liver enzymes called the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450). When these CYP45O enzymes are either induced or inhibited by one drug, then the other drug's levels and effects get altered. But Kreppa (Levetiracetam) does not significantly influence any CYP450 liver enzymes. Also, like you have mentioned, the actual mechanisms of metabolism of these two drugs in the liver are different. Kreppa (Levetiracetam) is metabolised through a mechanism called Hydrolysis wheras Lexapro (Escitalopram) is metabolised through a mechanism called Methylation. So, considering the above two reasons, a higher dose Kreppa will not help in a better metabolism of Lexapro. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.) Consultant Psychiatrist