Prednisone and Antidepressants

[Sunnyd7]

My GP recently increased my antidepressant (Generic Wellbutrin) from 150 mg to 300 mg.

I usually take my prednisone, antidepressant and Lansoprazole at the same time every morning.

From the 3rd day of the increase of my antidepressant I have had terrible gastro problems, stomach cramps, burning and cramping in my lower abdomen. Whatever I eat goes through me.

The best way to combat this so far is to not eat solid food. But that is not practical. For the last couple of days I have increased my Lansoprazole from 15 mg to 30 mg. Contacting my GP for other advice.

Should I be taking my prednisone (8/7mg taper going on right now, succesfully so far) and my antidepressant at the same time?

Thanks for any advice!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Really don't know - but have you had any problems before since being on lansoprazole? What you describe are typical side effects many people suffer with PPIs (that group of drugs) and they can appear at any time.

But in my book - when something happens soon after a change in medication - you blame that medication until proven otherwise!

There aren't listed interactions I can find - but they are always derived from 1-1 mixes. Once you get multiple mixes, then it is anyone's guess what can happen.

I would go to a pharmacist and ask about possible problems with that set of drugs. And I wouldn't keep on with the reduction for now.

[Sunnyd7 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your response. No I didn't experience any issues until after the increase in my antidepressant. I am waiting for my doc to call me to see what he suggests.

Why would I stop the reduction?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sunnyd7]

Because your body is under stress. Stress and PMR don't mix well. a few days here or there doesn't matter.

[Sunnyd7 in reply to PMRpro]

Oh ok, I can see that. Thanks.

[AMG38]

It is recommended that lansoprazole to be taken 30 mins before breakfast. I keep mine by my bedside and take it before I get up, then take my pred after breakfast ( yogurt and berries). I’ve been fine doing it like that. Hope this helps you

[karools16 in reply to AMG38]

Ditto.

[Sunnyd7 in reply to AMG38]

Thank you. I thought about taking my lansoprazole at night. I wonder if that is to long before breakfast?

[AMG38 in reply to Sunnyd7]

On the leaflet I’ve got ( and consultants instructions) it says best 30minutes before food,if twice a day the second one in the evening, again I presume 30 mins before food.

[Sunnyd7 in reply to AMG38]

Ok. Thank you.

[ValFF53 in reply to AMG38]

I have been advised to take my Omeperazole an hour before breakfast and then I take my Prednisolone and antidepressant with it.

Hope you can find a solution soon.

[Lanakay in reply to AMG38]

I do the same thing I have it on my nightstand and take it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before I have breakfast and take my prednisone. Those are the doctors directions.

[ipsidipsy]

when I started to take Prednisolone 4+ years ago I was given omeprazole (same type of drug to Lansoprazole) to combat the gastro effects of Prednisolone - this seems to be standard practice. It was only after reading something on this site that I realised Prednisolone comes in a coated form. Since taking the coated ones I do not have to take Omeprazole and have no gastric problem relating to Prednisolone. Perhaps you should talk to your doctor about taking coated tabs. If they use the excuse that they are too expensive this isn't so, I bought some with a private prescription and for 100 they cost £7 something.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ipsidipsy]

Only available in the UK though.