2. Opinion regarding medication
June 15, 2013 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann
Hello,
I have been taking LAIF 900 1-0-0 for about 1 year due to depression and anxiety, as well as Abilify 5mg 1-0-0 for about 1/2 year. I am also currently taking Pantoprazol 20mg 1-0-0 for stomach problems. Soon, the LAIF 900 is supposed to be replaced by Venlafaxine. My questions are: 1. Do Abilify, Venlafaxine, and Pantoprazol interact with each other? 2. How long do I need to taper off the LAIF 900? I have slowly tapered off the LAIF 900 over 12 days and have not taken it for the past 5 days. Is this enough time before starting Venlafaxine?
Many greetings.
Hello, I am happy to help you further.
The break of 5 days after stopping LAIF is sufficient to start with Venlafaxine.
The tapering off process over 12 days seems too fast to me after long-term use. Personally, I consider a period of 3-4 weeks or even longer to be advisable. However, I'm sure you have discussed this with your treating neurologist, who knows you better.
Combining antidepressants with Pantoprazole (acid blocker) is largely safe and common in many cases. No effects on potential side effects are expected.
Do you have any questions about this? I am happy to help you further.
All the best and speedy recovery!
Best regards,
Dr. K. Hamann
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