Is Coricidin Cough & Cold Safe To Take With Lexapro?

Answer

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Coricidin Cough & Cold HBP contains two drugs:

• Chlorpheniramine
• Dextromethorphan

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, somewhat similar to Benadryl (diphenhydramine), but is less sedating and lasts longer, around 6-8 hours per dose.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and it is this drug that does have an interaction with Lexapro (escitalopram) that is important to be aware of.

Lexapro With Coricidin Interaction Details

Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It works by changing the levels of a chemical called serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to control mood and emotion, in the brain.

Dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant in Coricidin Cough & Cold, while it doesn't directly work by affecting serotonin levels, can enhance the serotonergic effects of other drugs that work on this neurotransmitter, potentially increasing the risk of a rare, but serious, condition known as serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome is a condition that occurs when there's an excess of serotonin in the brain. It is relatively uncommon but has been reported in individuals taking multiple drugs that affect serotonin. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

• Confusion and agitation
• Rapid heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Headache
• Muscle rigidity or spasms
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Shivering or goosebumps
• Diarrhea
• Seizures

If you are taking multiple serotonergic drugs and experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention right away, as serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening.

Pharmacist Thoughts

Again, serotonin syndrome is relatively uncommon, but it is so important to be aware of it when taking multiple drugs that affect serotonin.

Dextromethorphan doesn't affect serotonin to the level that many other drugs do, so it's generally considered to be low on the list of dangerous drugs to combine with other serotonergic agents.

Nevertheless, there have been several published case reports where dextromethorphan was thought to be a culprit in individuals diagnosed with serotonin syndrome, including one case report where someone was thought to have experienced serotonin syndrome after taking dextromethorphan and Lexapro.

It must be said that cases of serotonin syndrome that include dextromethorphan typically involve someone taking doses of the drug that are higher than recommended.

How To Manage The Interaction

Overall, there are many drugs that can increase the activity of serotonin in the brain. When someone takes two or more of these drugs at the same time, it increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. The risk is often considered to be low, but several factors can influence this risk, such as the drugs and dosages being taken, and individual factors, like age, sex, and organ function.

Most individuals can safely take dextromethorphan with a drug like Lexapro, but I recommend first speaking with your doctor to make sure it is safe for your particular medical situation, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

Final Words

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