Zelboraf and antidepressants HELP!!!!

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Zelboraf and antidepressants HELP!!!!

  • Post
    • July 19, 2012 at 7:42 am
    shannonwittgruber
    Participant

      Quick history: Dad has Stage IV melanoma in his spine, lungs, breast and kidney. This is dad's 3rd recurrence since his original DX in 2007. Currently severe compression in the spine. Surgery last week to reduce the size of the tumor that was fairly unsuccessful because of perfuse bleeding once they got to the tumor.

      My Father had zelboraf delivered to his home today and the instructions say to start taking it….
      Dad Is on Paxil (antidepressant) and we have been warned of the interactions with these 2 meds. The withdrawal from paxil is just awful and dad is really scared and lost as far as what to do now. Been trying to get ahold of the Family DR and Pharmacist all day and we have gotten no answers.
      Wondering if anyone has been through a similar situation or knows what to do here. Also wondering if Dad can be put on another Anti depressant that wont interact with the Zelboraf and lessen the withdrawal symptoms of the paxil.

      I already tried the manufacturer and got nowhere because im not in the USA, the Canadian rep has no answers.

      Please respond if you know the answer or know how I can find out the answer. Also what Antidepressants can be taken with zelboraf?

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 19, 2012 at 8:27 pm
        Fen
        Participant

          I hope by now you've gotten some good answers from your dr. or pharmacist.  I googled it and everything said to "tell your dr."  but didn't really say why.  I also looked through some med journals and everything was over my head – way over.  Again, the info suggested avoiding those meds, but didn't give the least clue if you could take lower anti-depressant doses and get away with it.  

          Please post an answer if you get one.  I'm sure there will be other mpip-ers with the same question.

          I'm hoping your dad gets a good response and feels better soon.

          Fen

          • July 19, 2012 at 8:27 pm
          Fen
          Participant

            I hope by now you've gotten some good answers from your dr. or pharmacist.  I googled it and everything said to "tell your dr."  but didn't really say why.  I also looked through some med journals and everything was over my head – way over.  Again, the info suggested avoiding those meds, but didn't give the least clue if you could take lower anti-depressant doses and get away with it.  

            Please post an answer if you get one.  I'm sure there will be other mpip-ers with the same question.

            I'm hoping your dad gets a good response and feels better soon.

            Fen

              • July 21, 2012 at 8:23 am
              shannonwittgruber
              Participant

                After numerous phone calls and waiting for answers the oncologist called and said Dad is safe to start the meds and stay on his paxil. Although there is a risk of a heart attack with the combination of the 2 the benefits outweigh the risks. Dad will be send monthly for an EKG to make sure everything is well.

                • July 21, 2012 at 8:23 am
                shannonwittgruber
                Participant

                  After numerous phone calls and waiting for answers the oncologist called and said Dad is safe to start the meds and stay on his paxil. Although there is a risk of a heart attack with the combination of the 2 the benefits outweigh the risks. Dad will be send monthly for an EKG to make sure everything is well.

                  • July 21, 2012 at 8:23 am
                  shannonwittgruber
                  Participant

                    After numerous phone calls and waiting for answers the oncologist called and said Dad is safe to start the meds and stay on his paxil. Although there is a risk of a heart attack with the combination of the 2 the benefits outweigh the risks. Dad will be send monthly for an EKG to make sure everything is well.

                  • July 19, 2012 at 8:27 pm
                  Fen
                  Participant

                    I hope by now you've gotten some good answers from your dr. or pharmacist.  I googled it and everything said to "tell your dr."  but didn't really say why.  I also looked through some med journals and everything was over my head – way over.  Again, the info suggested avoiding those meds, but didn't give the least clue if you could take lower anti-depressant doses and get away with it.  

                    Please post an answer if you get one.  I'm sure there will be other mpip-ers with the same question.

                    I'm hoping your dad gets a good response and feels better soon.

                    Fen

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