Are there known interactions between antidepressants and birth control pills?

By mfs April 26, 2012 - 2:22pm

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I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety. One of the main things that make me go insanely and irrationally anxious is birth control and fear of pregnancy. I'm on a low-dose monophasic combined pill - Mercilon - that I take religiously because of my fears (I also take on account medication I take, which is only ibuprofen, vomiting and diarrhea to monitor). I've been prescribed an antidepressant, Paxil, and an anti-anxiety medicine, bromazepam, because I'm getting out of control without a reason for such. My doctor, the one who prescribed these, told me that they do not interfere with the pill and I should make an effort to relax and stop being an hypochondriac because this will destroy me.

I went to my gynecologist today and she agreed that I'm being irrational and I should trust the pill (my partner and I can't make it work with condoms - I'm not going into details with this) and live my life normally. I haven't got other contraceptive options basically (the IUD, that I really wanted, is out of question). However, she said that, while not directly reported, the antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicine have a risk of interfering with the efficacy of the pill, but she didn't attribute much importance to that.

My mom took the pill and antidepressants for years and only got pregnant when she wanted to. I don't know which doctor to be believe. I really want to relax and enjoy my life because anxiety is destroying me. Does anyone have any experience to share or word of advice?

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Maryann Gromisch RN Guide

Hi mfs,
Drugs.com posts this warning, " There were no interactions found in our database between Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Paxil
However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist."

I did not find any warning regarding a negative interaction between birth control pills and bromazepam.

If your gynecologist feels that it is safe for you to take birth control pills, Paxil and bromazepam, and you trust your doctor, then I think you should continue.

Maryann

April 26, 2012 - 4:37pm