Does Higher Dosage Of Keppra Help Better Metabolism Of Lexapro?

Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 30 Aug 2014 Answered on

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on Kepra 1000mg, Klonopin 3mg, Lexapro 7,5 mg and Amisulpride 100 mg for anxiety, some phobia and some OCD symptoms. My psychiatrist decided to give me a higher dosage of Lexapro, but i would like to know also if a higher dosage of Keppra can help to a better metabolism of Lexapro, even if these meds don't follow the same route in the liver, as far as i know.
Thanks beforehand,

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Will not help in better metabolism of Lexapro.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query.

Generally, drugs affect each other's metabolism by means of influencing a system of liver enzymes called the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450). When these CYP45O enzymes are either induced or inhibited by one drug, then the other drug's levels and effects get altered. But Kreppa (Levetiracetam) does not significantly influence any CYP450 liver enzymes.

Also, like you have mentioned, the actual mechanisms of metabolism of these two drugs in the liver are different. Kreppa (Levetiracetam) is metabolised through a mechanism called Hydrolysis wheras Lexapro (Escitalopram) is metabolised through a mechanism called Methylation.

So, considering the above two reasons, a higher dose Kreppa will not help in a better metabolism of Lexapro.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar