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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cellocarly on May 16, 2001, at 20:51:35
This may seem like a bizarre question,but has anyone heard if meds such as antidepressants or lithium affect ones white blood cell count? I know that there are certain drugs that do, I don't know which ones.
Mine has been low and I am trying to figure out why. I am new to this board although i have been taking meds for 10 years - trying to figure out what is going on with my body in relation to the meds.
thanks,
cellocarly
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 17, 2001, at 0:01:34
In reply to meds and white blood cell count, posted by cellocarly on May 16, 2001, at 20:51:35
I searched through the literature and found that most references to altered-WBC count in psychiatry were of persons treated with 1) clozapine, or 2) lithium + risperidone. Only one report suggested that a conventional antidepressant may alter WBC counts _significantly_.
Freeman, Marlene P. MD. Stoll, Andrew L. MD. Mood Stabilizer Combinations: A Review of Safety and Efficacy. Am J Psychiatry. 155(1):12-21, January 1998.
"In contrast to the relative safety observed by Tohen et al. [72], cases of fever, high creatine phosphokinase levels and WBC counts, and delirium have been reported by others [74,75]. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using lithium and risperidone in combination."Swanson, Charlie L. Jr.. Price, William A.. McEvoy, Joseph P.. Effects of Concomitant Risperidone and Lithium Treatment. American Journal of Psychiatry. 152(7):1096, July 1995.
Also: FINKEL, BORIS MD. LERNER, ARTURO G. MD. OYFFE, IGOR MD, PHD. SIGAL, MIRCEA MD. Risperidone-Associated Agranulocytosis. American Journal of Psychiatry. 155(6):855-856, June 1998.
Vallone, Doris C. MSN, RN, C. Pharmacology in Practice: Antidepressants and anxiolytics. RN. 60(7):27-33, July 1997 -- "Bupropion may cause seizures, and drinking alcohol can increase that risk... Also keep in mind that certain diagnostic and lab test results may be affected in patients taking this drug. You may see premature beats and nonspecific ST changes on a patient's EKG. White Blood Cell count may also drop by up to 14%."
Posted by loosmrbls on May 17, 2001, at 12:51:29
In reply to meds and white blood cell count, posted by cellocarly on May 16, 2001, at 20:51:35
1) Clozaril (novel antipsychotic) -- can affect red cells, white cells, and platelets (agranulocytosis) -- blood samples are followed very closely
2) Depakote (mood stabilizer) -- can lower platelets (thrombocytopenia) -- blood samples followed periodically
3) Remeron (antidepressant) -- very rarely can cause same as Clozaril -- blood usually not followed
4) Tegretol (mood stabilizer) -- aplastic anemia (same as Clozaril) -- blood followed closely
These were all I could find on a quick look. Almost all go away once the drug is stopped.
Posted by cellocarly on May 17, 2001, at 14:11:18
In reply to Re: meds and white blood cell count, posted by loosmrbls on May 17, 2001, at 12:51:29
>Thanks Sal and loosmrbls (great name :-)) for the info - maybe this is tied into that tired thing that I also posted?!?
Where does one find this information? On the web? I get a little overwhelmed trying to find a good medical site.
cellocarly1) Clozaril (novel antipsychotic) -- can affect red cells, white cells, and platelets (agranulocytosis) -- blood samples are followed very closely
>
> 2) Depakote (mood stabilizer) -- can lower platelets (thrombocytopenia) -- blood samples followed periodically
>
> 3) Remeron (antidepressant) -- very rarely can cause same as Clozaril -- blood usually not followed
>
> 4) Tegretol (mood stabilizer) -- aplastic anemia (same as Clozaril) -- blood followed closely
>
> These were all I could find on a quick look. Almost all go away once the drug is stopped.
Posted by loosmrbls on May 18, 2001, at 8:18:07
In reply to Re: meds and white blood cell count, posted by cellocarly on May 17, 2001, at 14:11:18
There are several good web sites. Some I recommend are:
www.psycom.net (Dr. Ivan Goldberg's Depression Central)
www.psycheducation.org (Dr. Phelp's site on Bipolar II)
This is the end of the thread.
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