SSRIs and interaction with other medications

[Phoenyx]

Hello OCD community!

I’ve been handling my OCD symptoms and episodes pretty well for the last year. However, I got the flu two days before Christmas and I was very sick three days in a row. I was prescribed a cough syrup which later on I read online it was an antihistamine. I started taking the syrup in the morning and by the evening I was having massive panic attacks, anxiety and of course intrusive thoughts. It look me few days to realize there is a possibility negative interaction between the SSRIs I was taking and the antihistamine.

I wanted to give you heads up because I’ve never known of any meds that interact with SSRIs and I wasn’t warn by the pharmacist nor by the physician either.

I am aware that we shouldn’t consume grapefruit and St. John’s Wort while on SSRIs.

I will be happy to hear your thoughts on the matter and your experience.

[NovaOllie]

Antihistamines such as hydroxizine are given to lessen anxiety. It is a common addition to SSRI’s for help with severe OCD symptoms. I have not heard of an antihistamine causing anxiety or making symptoms worse. SSRI’s can interact with some medications. Some antipsychotic medications can be metabolized differently if you are on certain SSRIs. Luvox can cause blood serum clozapine levels to be higher than what they would normally be if not on Luvox.

[aparente001]

Gosh. Did your prescriber know about your SSRI?

I've noticed that some over the counter medications for respiratory symptoms can cause a paradoxically reverse effect in some individuals.

For example, many people take Benadryl as a sleep aid, but for my son (has OCD), Benadryl keeps him awake.

[Phoenyx in reply to aparente001]

I went to urgent care but I gave them the name of my antidepressant so they were aware. I actually found some information on the internet stating SSRIs and antihistamines are not the best match. Please keep that in mind for your son.

peoplespharmacy.com/article...

[aparente001 in reply to Phoenyx]

Thanks. I never give him antihistamines because of his prior experience with Benadryl. Also, he is no longer taking the SSRI. He's come a long way.

[Phoenyx in reply to aparente001]

although I don’t know him, I’m very happy for his success 👏🏻

[aparente001]

Thanks. Still some progress to be made, but he's come a long way from the days of not allowing anyone to throw out a used bandaid or bit of toe lint.