Expert: Eric Brandt - 7/9/2006

Question
I did discuss it with my doctor and she said I could just stop taking the Lexapro and start right away on the herbs.  I didn't think that sounded right.  What is your opinion about that?
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
What about B complex?  Can that be taken along with Lexapro and Klonopin.  I want to stop taking these medication and start on herbs.  How do you suggest I do that?
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I have heard that St jonh's Root is good for depression.  I have a chemical balance due to the pregnancey and I need to know will the St John's Root for my situation.  What I want is for my anxiety to go away and to feel like living again with depending on medication.  So if you can make suggestions for me I would appreciate it.  Thanks
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
I have been experiencing depression and anxiety since Feburary.  I did deliver a baby on 1/9/06 so they are relating it to postpartum depression.  I have been on Lexapro since April 11 and Klonopin since May.  I am considering taking herbs but I don't know when I could start and if it will work in my situation.  I am going back to work and I don't want to be feeling this way all the time.  It seems in the morning I am nervous and fearful but by the evening I am okay.  Could you please tell me if I can start herbs now and what type I should start on.

Answer -
Hi Theresa,
What herbs do you have in mind?
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

Answer -
Hi Theresa,
You should not be takin St. Johns wort while you are taking Lexapro. The two drugs have similar actions (serotonin reuptake inhibitio) and can cause serotonin syndrome.
The symptoms of the serotonin syndrome are: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of the reflexes, rapid muscle contraction and relaxation in the ankle causing abnormal movements of the foot, clumsiness, restlessness, feeling drunk and dizzy, muscle contraction and relaxation in the jaw, sweating, intoxication, muscle twitching, rigidity, high body temperature, mental status changes were frequent (including confusion and hypomania - a "happy drunk" state), shivering, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and death.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm

Answer -
Hi Theresa,
B-Complex is ok to take with your current medications. As for stopping the prescription meds, you need to discuss this with your doctor and develop a plan to wean off if it is appropriate for you.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm


Answer
Hi Theresa,
You can follow your doctor's advice. You are basically replacing one SSRI with a less potent one which should be ok. It would be a good idea to have some Lexapro left as a backup in case you run into trouble so you can restart.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm