“Drug interactions?”
I take Lexapro and have been taking Mucinex DM for Covid for almost 3 weeks now. I just read that those two drugs can be very dangerous together and I didn’t know that.. What do I do?
Female | 28 years old
Medications: Lexapro , Mucinex DM
2 Answers
PharmaceuticalMedicinePharmacist
Taking Lexapro (escitalopram) and dextromethorphan (DM) together can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain. This is especially a risk when taken together over long periods or at high doses.
Some symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome to watch for according to the Mayo Clinic and NIH include: Agitation or restlessness, confusion, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity or twitching, heavy sweating or shivering, headache, diarrhea, fever.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms right now, seek immediate medical attention — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What you can do now is stop taking Mucinex DM if you haven't already.
Then contact your healthcare provider ASAP even if you’re not having symptoms, and let them know about the combination and how long you've been taking both. Discuss your current health status and symptoms and get a recommendation for a safe alternative cough or cold remedy while on Lexapro. Monitor your symptoms. Keep a close eye on your health for the next 24–48 hours. If anything unusual arises, go to urgent care or the ER immediately.
Don’t abruptly stop Lexapro!
Unless directed by a physician, do not discontinue Lexapro suddenly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and destabilization of your mental health.
Some symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome to watch for according to the Mayo Clinic and NIH include: Agitation or restlessness, confusion, rapid heart rate and high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity or twitching, heavy sweating or shivering, headache, diarrhea, fever.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms right now, seek immediate medical attention — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What you can do now is stop taking Mucinex DM if you haven't already.
Then contact your healthcare provider ASAP even if you’re not having symptoms, and let them know about the combination and how long you've been taking both. Discuss your current health status and symptoms and get a recommendation for a safe alternative cough or cold remedy while on Lexapro. Monitor your symptoms. Keep a close eye on your health for the next 24–48 hours. If anything unusual arises, go to urgent care or the ER immediately.
Don’t abruptly stop Lexapro!
Unless directed by a physician, do not discontinue Lexapro suddenly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and destabilization of your mental health.
There's no known interaction between Lexapro and Mucinex (guaifenesin). Mucinex is a type of drug called an expectorant. It's used to treat chest congestion and cough. Delsym (dextromethorphan), a different treatment for cough, is known to interact with Lexapro.
Always check with your pharmacist if you have any questions, especially drug interactions.
Always check with your pharmacist if you have any questions, especially drug interactions.
