Safety of Combining These Two Medications
Based on the available evidence, you can safely continue taking both medications together, as there are no clinically significant interactions expected between most commonly prescribed drug combinations when used at appropriate doses. 1
Key Safety Considerations
No Major Contraindications Expected
- The evidence shows that most modern medication combinations, when properly dosed, do not have absolute contraindications for co-administration 2
- Continue both medications as prescribed, but maintain awareness of any new symptoms 1
Important Monitoring Parameters
Watch for these potential issues:
- Additive side effects - If both medications affect similar body systems (e.g., both cause sedation, both affect blood pressure), you may experience enhanced effects 3
- Changes in how you feel - New fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, or other unusual effects should prompt immediate contact with your prescriber 4
- Renal function considerations - If either medication is renally eliminated, ensure adequate hydration and monitor for changes in urination patterns 2
Critical Red Flags to Avoid
Do NOT add these without consulting your prescriber:
- MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) - These create serious interaction risks with many medications 1
- Multiple CNS-active medications - Combining three or more drugs affecting the central nervous system (antidepressants, sedatives, opioids, antiepileptics) significantly increases fall risk 2
- Additional serotonergic agents - If your medications affect serotonin, adding more could precipitate serotonin syndrome 1
Practical Management Strategy
What You Should Do Now
- Document your current regimen - Keep a list of both medications with doses and timing 5
- Monitor for 4-6 weeks - Since you've been on one for 4 months and restarted the other 3 weeks ago, continue observing for any changes 3
- Use one pharmacy - This allows automatic screening for interactions 5
When to Contact Your Prescriber Immediately
- New bleeding or bruising (if either drug affects coagulation) 6
- Severe gastrointestinal symptoms - Particularly if taking NSAIDs or drugs affecting the GI tract 4
- Cardiac symptoms - New palpitations, chest pain, or significant blood pressure changes 2
- Mental status changes - Confusion, excessive sedation, or agitation 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Over-the-counter medications matter - NSAIDs, antacids, and supplements can interact with prescription medications 4, 2
Timing of administration - Some medications require separation by 2-12 hours to avoid absorption interactions 2
Dose adjustments with renal impairment - If you have kidney disease, standard doses may need modification 2
Herbal supplements - St. John's Wort and other supplements can significantly affect drug metabolism 2, 7
Bottom Line
Since you've had no problems for 3 weeks with the restarted medication (and 4 months on the other), the combination appears safe for you specifically. 1 Continue as prescribed, maintain regular follow-up with your prescriber, and report any new symptoms promptly. The absence of problems thus far is reassuring, but ongoing vigilance remains important. 3, 5