Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of Lexapro And Clonazepam?
Question: I am on Lexapro 60 mg, Keppra 2g, Klonopin 2 mg and Zyprexa 5mg. I received today news telling me that i have a normal allele cyp2d6 1, but non functional allele cyp2d6 4, so an abnormal one. I also have a normal allele for cyp2c19 1, but abnormal (non functional) for cyp2c19 2. I was told that it is a normal liver (extensive metabolizer), but some other sources said me that i can be a intermediate metabolizer, since one allele in each case is not normal (absolutely non functional). I was told that there is discussion about this in psychiatric science and i can say that sometimes in the past i had strange reactions to high dosages of meds. I would like to know if this results can affect the way lexapro works and if i am an intermediate metabolizer (i have some people in my family with the same problem, they cannot take normal doses of some meds, for example Losec or Tramadol for other diseases). In the past i was unable to take more than 75mg of Anafranil or more than 5mg of Luvox, for example.
Thanks beforehand XXXXXXX
Thanks beforehand XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
I think no
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
My answer to your question is probable no. The kind of metabolic enzymes in your case unlikely to affect your drug response in view of currently available literature.
My assumption is based on following facts.
1. You had the problem in the past but it was not consistent. In case there is enzyme abnormality there is every possibility that problem will remain constant.
2. You are tolerating a good dose of lexapro currently which is also metabolized by Cyt P 2C19. In case it was defective or intermediate metabolizer, you should have compelled to stop at lower dose itself.
3. Similarly you are taking 2 mg of Clonazepam which is extensively metabolized by Cyt P 3A4 Enzyme. In my view some problem should have occurred to prevent you to take such dose if 3A4 enzyme was defective.
Although at the same time I must acknowledge that the studies are to sufficient to make a conclusion.
I hope this helps you.
If you have any more question feel free to write back to me.
Thanks with best regards
Dr Ashok Kumar
I think no
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
My answer to your question is probable no. The kind of metabolic enzymes in your case unlikely to affect your drug response in view of currently available literature.
My assumption is based on following facts.
1. You had the problem in the past but it was not consistent. In case there is enzyme abnormality there is every possibility that problem will remain constant.
2. You are tolerating a good dose of lexapro currently which is also metabolized by Cyt P 2C19. In case it was defective or intermediate metabolizer, you should have compelled to stop at lower dose itself.
3. Similarly you are taking 2 mg of Clonazepam which is extensively metabolized by Cyt P 3A4 Enzyme. In my view some problem should have occurred to prevent you to take such dose if 3A4 enzyme was defective.
Although at the same time I must acknowledge that the studies are to sufficient to make a conclusion.
I hope this helps you.
If you have any more question feel free to write back to me.
Thanks with best regards
Dr Ashok Kumar
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
