Peach asked
Hi, so I recently just got back on Lexapro. I just recently bought It Works “Thermofight” (dietary supplement). Is it safe to take those pills on top of Lexapro?
Answer
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not there is an interaction between a prescription medicine, like Lexapro (escitalopram), and dietary supplements as there is generally a lack of available data. Most interaction studies are done between prescription/over the counter FDA approved medicines only.
Further adding to the difficulty is that dietary supplements after contain numerous ingredients. The supplement that is in question here, is Thermofight (by It Works!), which contains:
- Vitamin B12
- Chromium
- Capsicum Fruit Extract
- Raspberry Ketones
- Acai Fruit
- Green Tea Leaf Extract
- Bitter Melon Fruit Extract
- Dandelion Fruit Extract
- Gymnema Leaf Extract
There are no known (or documented) interactions between Lexapro and any of the ingredients contained in Thermofight. The only potential interaction may be with the green tea extract.
Evidence suggests that green tea may inhibit or induce cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) liver enzymes, which are responsible for the metabolism of a many different drugs. Lexapro is extensively metabolized CYP3A4. Theoretically, a change in this liver enzyme could alter how quickly Lexapro is metabolized.
However, in addition to CYP3A4, Lexapro is thought to be metabolized by other enzymes as well. Because it is metabolized by multiple enzymes, inhibition of a single enzyme, such as CYP3A4, most likely does not significantly affect Lexapro metabolism. In fact, many studies have shown this to be true.
Aside from the potential interaction with green tea (and even that isn't likely), there doesn't appear to be an issue with Lexapro and Thermofight. Nevertheless, since most dietary supplements aren't well studied, it is important to discuss the use of it with your doctor so you can be monitored appropriately.
