Can I take Levothyroxine and Venlafaxine together?

Perché succede

La levotiroxina è un sostituto dell'ormone tiroideo, e la venlafaxina è un antidepressivo (SNRI). Non interferiscono con l'assorbimento o il metabolismo reciproco nel fegato. Tuttavia, una tiroide iperattiva (o troppa levotiroxina) può aumentare il rischio di effetti collaterali legati al cuore (come un battito cardiaco accelerato) che anche la venlafaxina può causare. Inoltre, l'ipotiroidismo non trattato può rendere più difficile trattare la depressione con gli antidepressivi.

Puoi assumere questi farmaci insieme in sicurezza. Assicurati di prendere la levotiroxina a stomaco vuoto, almeno 30-60 minuti prima della colazione o di qualsiasi altro farmaco (incluso venlafaxina), per garantire che venga assorbita correttamente. È importante effettuare regolarmente esami del sangue per assicurarsi che i livelli della tiroide siano stabili, poiché questo aiuta il tuo antidepressivo a funzionare più efficacemente. Se noti un battito cardiaco molto veloce o irregolare, palpitazioni o un aumento dell'ansia, riferiscilo al tuo medico.

Mental health worsening

Venlafaxine can cause an increase in suicidal thoughts or self-harm, particularly when first starting treatment or changing doses. Monitor your mood closely and seek urgent medical help if you notice any distressing changes.

Sindrome serotoninergica

Combining venlafaxina with other medicines that affect serotonin (such as certain painkillers, St John's Wort, or other antidepressants) can cause a life-threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include high fever, agitation, and muscle twitching.

Rischio di sanguinamento

Venlafaxine can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you are also taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood-thinning medicines like warfarin. Seek medical advice if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding.

Heart conditions (e.g. angina, heart failure)

If you have a heart condition, your dose must be started very low and increased slowly. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or palpitations, as levothyroxine increases the workload on your heart.

Interaction with supplements (Calcium/Iron)

Do not take calcium tablets, iron supplements, or multivitamins at the same time as levothyroxine. You must leave a gap of at least 4 hours between these supplements and your levothyroxine to ensure the medicine works.

Diabete

La levotiroxina può aumentare i livelli di zucchero nel sangue. Se hai il diabete, devi monitorare più attentamente la glicemia quando inizi o cambi la dose, poiché potrebbe essere necessario aumentare la tua terapia per il diabete.

Alcol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking levothyroxine. While there is no direct chemical reaction, alcohol can affect thyroid function and may worsen symptoms like tiredness or mood changes.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking venlafaxine. Combining the two can increase side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, and may worsen your underlying condition.

Timing of dose and food/drink

Take your levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast or any caffeine. Food, milk, and coffee prevent the medicine from being absorbed properly.

Caffeina (Caffè/Tè)

Caffeine can significantly reduce the amount of levothyroxine your body absorbs. You should wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking your tablet before drinking coffee or tea.

Prodotti lattiero-caseari (Latte, Yogurt, Formaggio)

Avoid consuming dairy products at the same time as your levothyroxine. Calcium found in dairy can interfere with how your body absorbs the medicine, making it less effective. It is best to wait at least 4 hours between taking levothyroxine and consuming dairy.

Prodotti a base di soia

Soya can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. If you regularly eat or drink soya products, your doctor may need to monitor your thyroid levels more closely. Avoid consuming soya at the same time as your dose.

Kelp and Seaweed

These foods are naturally high in iodine. Too much iodine can interfere with your thyroid treatment and make your condition worse.

Alimenti ricchi di fibre

A diet very high in fibre can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine. If you significantly change your fibre intake, inform your doctor as your dose may need adjusting.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Controllo Interazioni Farmaci helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare, e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.