Antidepressants with birth control

[louisaoooo]

Hi,

I have just been prescribed antidepressants for my anxiety, panic attacks and emetephobia as well as birth control for my bad menstrual pain. I am scared to start taking both as I'm not sure what side effects both cause together. Has anyone else ever had this?

[Doolhof]

Hi louisa,

Welcome to the forum! I'd like to suggest that you return to your Dr and ask him or her this question. Or you could take your medications to the chemist and ask the pharmacist. The chemist can also provide you with a print out about the medication when you have your scrips filled if you ask for it.

If you have been prescribed the medications all from the same Dr than the Dr would know what the risks were of the combination if there are any and would have considered this.

All medications do come with a list of any possible side effect, some of them may only happen to one person in a million, the company still needs to write it down as a possible side effect. Each person reacts to medication differently, some have no reaction at all.

Chat to your Dr or Chemist and see what they have to say.

Cheers from Dools

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi louisaoooo,

Thank you for your post.

This is a great question but not one that we can answer because it depends specifically on the type of medication and the dosage which we aren't able to talk about here.

Was both of your medications prescribed by the same person? That can usually give you an idea as they would have had to consider other medication you are on before prescribing things - just as Dools (Doolhof) mentioned.

A couple of ways to find out -

- Chat to your GP or prescribing Doctor. If it was a specialist often you are able to leave a message with their personal assistant (since it's only a quick question) and they can get back to you.

- Chat with your pharmacist.

- Have a read of the CMI. This is the little leaflet that comes with the medication. There is almost always a section that says 'Do not take the medicine if' - which includes other medications.

I hope this helps,

[Anonymously_Me]

As said above, you should always check prescriptions with your GP, personally speaking though, I was told it was perfectly fine to have antidepressants and birth control at the same time. And there were no side effects for me at all from taking them at the same time. That said, I didn't start taking them at exactly the same time I had the antidepressant for a few years first so it's still best to check with your GP first.