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Exploring Antidepressant Ineffectiveness After Levofloxacin Use

A user reports antidepressants have stopped working after taking Levofloxacin and Montelukast. The session explores potential drug interactions, the role of CYP enzymes, and possible supplement support. Emphasis is on consulting healthcare providers for a tailored approach.


  • Antibiotics and antidepressants
    I was sensitive to drugs, and a small amount of antidepressants worked wonders for me, but after using Levofloxacin and Montelukast for three days, antidepressants stopped working for me.

    I don't respond to certain types of antidepressants, nor to SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or methylphenidate.

    My brain fog won't go away, and I've been feeling fatigued all the time (this was a symptom I had before, and I was getting rid of it with antidepressants, but after using Levofloxacin and Montelukast, the antidepressants stopped working).

    I looked it up and it seems that Levofloxacin is a notorious antibiotic, but is it possible that this is why antidepressants are no longer working?

    By the way, I only feel a slight tingling in my body, and I haven't felt any other side effects since I stopped taking Levofloxacin. I'm really surprised that antidepressants are no longer working for me. (Actually, antiepileptic drugs aren't working either, so I feel like all drugs are being ineffective. Is it because of CYP suppression?)

  • It sounds like you're facing a complex and frustrating situation with your medications. While I can provide some general information on supplements and their interactions, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially in a case involving multiple prescription medications and potential interactions.

    Interactions and Mechanisms:

    1. Levofloxacin: This is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. While it is not widely known to directly interfere with antidepressants, it can have various effects on the body’s biochemical pathways1. Some antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones, can affect the central nervous system and have been linked to neurological side effects, although these are not very common2.

    2. Montelukast: Primarily used as a leukotriene receptor antagonist for treating allergies and asthma, montelukast can also affect mood and behavior in rare cases, which might indirectly influence the effectiveness of medications like antidepressants3.

    3. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Many drugs, including antidepressants and antiepileptics, are metabolized by CYP enzymes. If these enzymes are inhibited or induced by other medications, it can alter the effectiveness of your treatments. However, neither levofloxacin nor montelukast are well-known for strong inhibition or induction of these enzymes4.

    Supplements and Dietary Considerations:

    While supplements might not directly resolve medication interactions, certain supplements are sometimes considered to support mental health alongside prescribed medications. However, they should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially in the context of drug interactions:

    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These have been explored for their potential in supporting brain health and mood regulation5.
    • Magnesium: Some studies suggest that magnesium can have mood-stabilizing properties and may be helpful in managing brain fog6.

    Advice:

    • Consult with Healthcare Provider: It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider who can look into potential interactions, adjust dosages, or explore alternative therapies.
    • Medication Review: A comprehensive review of all current medications and supplements with your healthcare provider can help identify potential interactions or adjustments needed.
    • Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments: Alongside professional medical advice, consider reviewing any lifestyle factors that may impact your mental health, including diet, sleep, and stress levels.

    Please discuss any changes or observations with a healthcare provider to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatments.

    Footnotes

    1. N4Humans. "Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics: Side Effects and Usage." PubChem, National Library of Medicine.

    2. Ballarini, N. M. "Central Nervous System Effects of Fluoroquinolones: Insights Revisited, Based on Clinical and Cellular Studies." PubMed, 2018.

    3. NCBI. "Neuropsychiatric Reactions Induced by Montelukast." National Center for Biotechnology Information.

    4. Willson, M. C. "P450 Enzymes and the Metabolism of Drugs." Pharmaceutics, 2023.

    5. Su, K. P. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder: A Preliminary Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial." PubMed Central, 2003.

    6. Tarleton, E. K., & Littenberg, B. "Magnesium Intake and Depression in Adults." Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 2015.

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