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Took Methamphetamin With Lexapro. Possible Drug Interactions? Is Serotonin Syndrome A Risk?
Question: I have a friend who is on lexapro and accidently ate methamphetamine ADHD (10mg)pill approximately 18 hrs ago. After i told her about interaction possibilities she skipped her lexapro dose that shouldve been consumed today. She says she is fine but i wanted to check because she wont. Is serotonin syndrome a risk? Should she sleep tonight or see a doctor first?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Theoretically speaking, you are right in worrying about the possibility of serotonin syndrome in this case.
Both of these medicines .i.e lexapro(escitalopram) and methamphetamine (10 mg)can increase the level of serotonin in our body. However, it unlikely that you friend would develop serotonin syndrome given the fact the drug was taken 18 hours ago. This syndrome usually develops within few minutes or a few hours. Also, since she skipped today’s dose of lexapro, it is even more unlikely . Further, almost half of the drug would have already been eliminated by the body, given that elimination time t1/2 i.e time when half of drug is excreted is about 10 hrs( range 9_24 hrs).
As of now, there is no need to panic. However, if your friend is experiencing any muscle twitching, tremors, shivering or stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhoea , take her to the emergency right away.
Do inform her doctor and if any symptoms are noticed, consult an emergency facility. As of now, she can comfortably wait and watch.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
Thanks for posting your query.
Theoretically speaking, you are right in worrying about the possibility of serotonin syndrome in this case.
Both of these medicines .i.e lexapro(escitalopram) and methamphetamine (10 mg)can increase the level of serotonin in our body. However, it unlikely that you friend would develop serotonin syndrome given the fact the drug was taken 18 hours ago. This syndrome usually develops within few minutes or a few hours. Also, since she skipped today’s dose of lexapro, it is even more unlikely . Further, almost half of the drug would have already been eliminated by the body, given that elimination time t1/2 i.e time when half of drug is excreted is about 10 hrs( range 9_24 hrs).
As of now, there is no need to panic. However, if your friend is experiencing any muscle twitching, tremors, shivering or stiffness, fever, heavy sweating, heart palpitations, restlessness, confusion, agitation, trouble with coordination, or severe diarrhoea , take her to the emergency right away.
Do inform her doctor and if any symptoms are noticed, consult an emergency facility. As of now, she can comfortably wait and watch.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Answered by
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