Vascepa is a prescription drug used to lower high levels of triglycerides in the blood, and it contains the active ingredient icosapent ethyl [1]. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. While there are no known drug interactions between Vascepa and antidepressants, there are potential side effects to consider.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, some antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can increase triglyceride levels in the blood [2]. This is the opposite of what Vascepa is intended to do. Therefore, if you are taking an antidepressant that increases triglyceride levels, it may counteract the effects of Vascepa.
Another potential side effect of Vascepa is bleeding. Vascepa can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other medications that also increase the risk of bleeding, such as blood thinners [3]. Some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also increase the risk of bleeding [2]. Therefore, taking Vascepa and an antidepressant that increases the risk of bleeding may increase your risk of bleeding even further.
Other potential side effects of Vascepa include joint pain, stomach upset, and allergic reactions [3]. Antidepressants can also cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction [2]. If you are taking Vascepa and an antidepressant, it is important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects and how to manage them.
In conclusion, while there are no known drug interactions between Vascepa and antidepressants, there are potential side effects to consider. Some antidepressants can increase triglyceride levels in the blood, which may counteract the effects of Vascepa. Additionally, both Vascepa and some antidepressants can increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects and how to manage them.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. Vascepa. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VASCEPA
[2] Papakostas, G. I. (2014). Antidepressants and the risk of cardiovascular events: a review. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology, 34(1), 78-83. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000071
[3] SingleCare. Vascepa side effects. Retrieved from https://www.singlecare.com/blog/vascepa-side-effects/