Drug Interactions between esomeprazole / naproxen and Lexapro

GENERALLY AVOID: Theoretically, proton pump inhibitors may decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of enteric-coated naproxen, which requires an acidic environment for dissolution. The proposed mechanism is an increase in gastric pH (i.e. decreased gastric acidity) induced by proton pump inhibitors. In patients treated with proton pump inhibitors, the possibility of a reduced or subtherapeutic response to enteric-coated naproxen should be considered.

MANAGEMENT: Concomitant use of these drugs is generally not recommended.

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MONITOR: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) may potentiate the risk of bleeding in patients treated with ulcerogenic agents and agents that affect hemostasis such as anticoagulants, platelet inhibitors, thrombin inhibitors, thrombolytic agents, or agents that commonly cause thrombocytopenia. The tricyclic antidepressant, clomipramine, is also a strong SRI and may interact similarly. Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis, thus SRIs may alter platelet function and induce bleeding. Published case reports have documented the occurrence of bleeding episodes in patients treated with psychotropic agents that interfere with serotonin reuptake. Bleeding events related to SRIs have ranged from ecchymosis, hematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages. Additional epidemiological studies have confirmed the association between use of these agents and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and concurrent use of NSAIDs or aspirin was found to potentiate the risk. Preliminary data also suggest that there may be a pharmacodynamic interaction between SSRIs and oral anticoagulants that can cause an increased bleeding diathesis. Concomitant administration of paroxetine and warfarin, specifically, has been associated with an increased frequency of bleeding without apparent changes in the disposition of either drug or changes in the prothrombin time. Bleeding has also been reported with fluoxetine and warfarin, while citalopram and sertraline have been reported to prolong the prothrombin time of patients taking warfarin by about 5% to 8%. In the RE-LY study (Randomized Evaluation of Long-term anticoagulant therapy), SRIs were associated with an increased risk of bleeding in all treatment groups.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if SRIs or clomipramine are used in combination with other drugs that affect hemostasis. Close clinical and laboratory observation for hematologic complications is recommended. Patients should be advised to promptly report any signs of bleeding to their physician, including pain, swelling, headache, dizziness, weakness, prolonged bleeding from cuts, increased menstrual flow, vaginal bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding of gums from brushing, unusual bleeding or bruising, red or brown urine, or red or black stools.

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MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2C19 may increase the plasma concentrations of escitalopram, which is primarily metabolized by the isoenzyme. The interaction has been studied with omeprazole, a potent CYP450 2C19 inhibitor. In study subjects, administration of a single 20 mg dose of escitalopram on day 5 of treatment with omeprazole 30 mg once daily for 6 days resulted in increases of escitalopram peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 10% and 50%, respectively. High plasma levels of escitalopram may increase the risk of serious side effects such as QT prolongation, which may lead to arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death, as well as serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5-HT1A and 2A receptors. Symptoms of the serotonin syndrome may include mental status changes such as irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, hallucination, and coma; autonomic dysfunction such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, shivering, blood pressure lability, and mydriasis; neuromuscular abnormalities such as hyperreflexia, myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, and ataxia; and gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when escitalopram is used concomitantly with CYP450 2C19 inhibitors. Pharmacologic response to escitalopram should be monitored more closely whenever a CYP450 2C19 inhibitor is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the escitalopram dosage adjusted as necessary. This may be particularly important in patients receiving escitalopram at the upper end of the dosage range. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitation, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or syncope. Patients should also be closely monitored for symptoms of the serotonin syndrome during treatment.

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