Question posted by TyreseTl on 6 Jan 2021
Last updated on 11 March 2021
Does SSRI’s interact with milk?
- I ate cereal this morning and took my medication( Paxil) with fresh water right after my meal. A thought came to my mind all of a sudden. “ does SSRI’s interact with milk.” If so, does it decrease the absorption of my medication?
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Hi there, Tyrese!
As far as I know there is no interaction between milk and SSRI's. I checked Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft and the only food warning was re: alcohol. Dairy products CAN interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, iron supplements, and thyroid medications though.
You can go to the name of any drug and click on Interactions then scroll down to Alcohol/Food Interactions.
Stay safe!
Thank you
Tyrese
Hey, WC
I’m currently taking 30mg of Paxil. I’ll say my anxiety is manageable. But not gone completely. I’ve been trying to convince my psychiatrist that I need to be on higher dose at least 60mg, but he won’t listen to me. He’s keeping on these low-mid doses for months and he’s not taking me seriously. He said “it’s impossible to jump from 20mg to 40mg.” and I’m sure you can right? I want to at least use up Paxil because the side effects are so mild. Now, I have no idea what to do besides wait for my next appointment on February.
Tyrese
I'm not one to bad mouth doctors but it's true that there are a few who don't appreciate their patient's input about how they're feeling or how their treatment is going (or not going).
It's also true that these medications won't completely eliminate all anxiety symptoms because anxieties are a part of everyone's life. But "manageable" is not necessarily as good as it gets.
I don't know what his hesitancy is about increasing your dosage if the 30mg isn't helping as much as you'd like. Of course you want to take the lowest possible dose that controls your symptoms but you have some leeway as the maximum recommended dosage is 60mg/day. A jump from "20 to 40mg" might cause some new or increased side effects temporarily but you know that, right?
I know you've said but I forget how long you've been taking the Paxil?
You’re right a jump to 20mg-40mg may cause temporary side effects. But my body seems to be resistant to Paxil. I only experience mild diarrhoea and constipation for 2 days only. Since my increased I haven’t gotten any side effects whatsoever. That’s why I want to try a much stronger dose to cease this anxiety of mine. Also, I have been taking Paxil for 3 months now.
Tyrese
Three months is long enough to be called a "fair trial" by anyone's standards so I don't know what the deal is. Could you call him sooner than your next appointment and explain what you've said here?
Hey, WC
May I ask you what was your dose when you took Paxil?
I'm fairly drug resistant with most medications and require the maximum dose but with Paxil I was at 40mg/day.
Thank you so much for taking your time with me WC. I appreciate you much. I’ll definitely call my doctor and let him know my concerns.
You are so welcome! Post an update if you would, okay? I'm interested in what doc has to say.
Hey Wildcat,
I just got my dose up to 40mg. Tomorrow morning will be my first dose. I’ll definitely keep you updated. My doctor said jumping from 30mg-60mg may cause him to lose his job, especially how I am only 19 years old. so he’ll gradually increase my dose by 10mg at least a week. I should be on 60mg mid-February. I’ll let you know how I’m feeling. I’m hoping 60mg will improve my anxiety disorders.
Tyrese
Fingers crossed for you!
Hey WC,
I order Gas-X from Amazon for gas and bloating. But I have a question. After eating my first meal, do I need to wait 2 hours before taking gas-x or take it immediately after my meal?.
Since the digestive process begins with saliva in the mouth you should take it immediately after a meal and possibly also at bedtime if needed.
If you're using tablets remember to chew them very thoroughly.
Take care!
Thanks so much WC.
My doctor prescribed Buspar to go with my Paxil. I want to know your experience with Buspar, If you taken it before.
I've taken buspirone (BuSpar) for about 4 1/2 years now and I love it. When I had to stop taking antidepressant/anxiolytics my anxiety level soared so my psychiatrist prescribed it to try. It works great for me and I had no problem with side effects. Some people do have some trouble with it but overall it's pretty innocuous in my opinion.
Good luck with it!
Thank you so much. I appreciate your quick response. I’ll definitely let you know how I’m doing. The Paxil 40mg is doing great for my anxiety disorders. I hope the buSpar work.
I hope it does too and please do post an update!
Hello Wildcat
I got the Gas-X (Simethicone 250 mg). But it’s not working and worried sick. I’m seeing my primary physician on Tuesday. Do you think a laxative or a stool softener may work. I have been bloated for a week now. I tried: increasing my fibre intake, taking walks, drinking lots of water, sleeping on my side, getting my daily magnesium and potassium intake. But nothing has helped. Now, I’m starting to get worried and something bad may happen.
I'm sorry I didn't see this question sooner... I accidentally deleted all my emails and had a heck of time trying to find them.
Maybe a stool softener would be better... laxatives can cause a lot of cramping sometimes. Your pharmacy may not be open on Sunday but maybe on Monday you could ask the pharmacist for advice?
I’m seeing my doctor tomorrow to get a blood test. My anxiety has sky rocketed. I can’t sleep or eat. I didn’t mention this on my last comment. But I’m also constipated. Hoping for the best that I get an effective medication to reduce this bloating of mines.
If you don't mind my asking, what is the blood test for? The test to see which medication is indicated for you?
Meanwhile, I hope that other problem resolves quickly, you poor thing!
I didn’t get the blood test. The blood was to check my vitamin D levels, because I have been taking 5000 IU for 2-3 months. My level is usually low during the winter time. That’s why I took so much. So I thought maybe too much vitamin D may have cause constipation. Which had led to being bloated. But my doctor prescribe Docusate 100mg. Last night was my first dose. Still no bowel movement.
I have another question.
How effective is remeron for treating insomnia? because I’m still getting 2-4 hours of sleep at night and It’s affecting my daily life.
It's usually prescribed in fairly low doses for insomnia and other sleep issues because of these side effects:
"Very common (10% or more of users): Somnolence (up to 54%) [sleepiness]
Common (1% to 10% of users): Dizziness, sedation/drowsiness"
I've never used it myself but users rated it an average of 7.1/10 for insomnia with 29% giving it a 10 and 22% rated it a 9. Only the benzodiazepines and a couple of other medications were rated higher by a small margin.
Hope this helps!
PS, Did you see my comment on another question that a Vitamin D deficiency can cause excessive sweating?
I don't have that symptom myself probably because I take a daily Vit D supplement. Living in upstate New York we get very little sun especially in winter.
Yes. I did saw your comment. But did I said something wrong? I also live in New York State as well.
No, you didn't. You said you had a theory about the sweating and Vitamin D and I posted that excerpt that proves you are right.
Take care, my friend!
Thanks Wildcat
I’m feeling better on Paxil with BuSpar. But still suffering from chronic insomnia. I went to my psychiatrist today and He put me on Remeron for insomnia. Tonight will be my first dose. So hopefully I’ll get some zzz. By any chances do you know any other prescription medication to treat insomnia?
I'm glad you're feeling a little better!
Remeron (mirtazapine) should do the trick for you as one of it's common side effects is sedation/drowsiness.
I use a low dose of Seroquel (quetiapine) but it's a pretty heavy duty antipsychotic that also treats my Bipolar ll depressive episodes.
There are quite a few prescription medications... you can read up on insomnia, medications, and user reviews at:
https://www.drugs.com/condition/insomnia.html
Hoping you get your Zzzz's!
Hello, friend!!
I am feeling fantastic. You was right =), Remeron has done the trick to treat my insomnia. I still wake up a few nights. But fall right back to sleep immediately. I am so happy I found the perfect combination to treat my symptoms. Paxil, BuSpar and Remeron. :)
Great news! Hooray!
Take care, my friend.
WC
PS, You've been posting some very good comments recently.
Thank you so so much Wildcat.
I am in need for desperate help. I’m still dealing with this bloating of mines. It’s been approximately 1 month since I’m bloated. I tried Gas-x, magnesium citrate and Docusate but neither help. My doctor had recommended a gastroenterologist.
In the meantime,
Do you know any OTC medication to help with bloating and gas? I just ordered peppermint capsules, I did some research and saw peppermint is effective for bloating and gas. I’ll try those and see what happens.
"Natural remedies for gas include:
Peppermint tea
Chamomile tea
Anise
Caraway
Coriander
Fennel
Turmeric
Over-the-counter gas remedies include:
Pepto-Bismol
Activated charcoal
Simethicone
Lactase enzyme (Lactaid or Dairy Ease)
Beano"
I don't know if any of these will be helpful for you but they're worth a try. Peppermint is a good place to start... I used to get severe stomach/gut issues because of anxiety and peppermint tea did help.
Be careful with Pepto though... it can cause an interaction with some antidepressants. Use the Checker or ask your pharmacist.
A referral to a gastro may be in order if none of the above work out.
Good luck, my friend.
Thanks. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing.
I also just ordered Organic Activated Charcoal from Amazon. I’m happy neither of my medication doesn’t interact with it. I heard it’s really effective trying intestinal gas.
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