Can antidepressants interfere with birth control?

Let’s face it, there are some things people don’t like to talk about – Donald Trump’s comb-over, Kanye West’s ego or whether Raisin Bran really does have two scoops of raisins. Of course, given the choice between discussing those topics and facing an unplanned pregnancy due to a birth control failure, most would probably choose the former.

But wait. Before you start practicing that acceptance speech for “World’s Worst Parent,” let us pose one question: Are you taking antidepressants?

Two-out-of-three ice cream enthusiasts aren’t aware of interaction-between-antidepressants-and-birth-control.
Sadly though, research shows that nearly two-thirds (!) of women who take antidepressants aren’t fully aware of this potential medical mix-up either. Which means statistically speaking – if three women were happily munching on a carton of Chunky Monkey right now; one is potentially at risk.

Antidepressants and Birth Control – A Complicated Relationship

Okay first off all imagine a science-fiction rom-com where Murtaugh (a wry space captain), falls in love with Sally-Anne (an endearing space cadet). But their love is impossible because every time they get close enough to kiss sparks fly out from both parties because Murtaugh emits pheromones that interfere with Sally-Anne’s oxygen supply thereby making her dizzy and throwing up…Alright alright we know its weird but bear with us here…the point being kids ‘where these particular elements meet’ trouble always brews.

Wait….you thought we meant romantic complications happen when humans fall in love? Wrong! We’re talking about drugs silly!

Accordingly to research conducted by Women’s Health Magazine certain antidepressants can make hormonal birth control useless/less effective/yeah baby no-contest such as:

Hormonal contraceptives affected by various forms of antidepressants

  • Condoms
  • Diaphragms
  • Cervical Caps
  • IUDs (intrauterine devices)
  • Birth control pill

Now before you freak out and decide the rhythm method is a much more convenient option, let’s explore this topic in greater depth.

How Antidepressants Interfere with Birth Control – The Science Bit:

Alright brace yourselves – once again we are going ‘Science Fiction Rom-com’ on ya! Meet Cytochrome-superhero-CYP450 a fancy name for an enzyme found in your liver. This superhero metabolizes hormones located inside your hormonal birth-control pills enabling them yo successfully infiltrate your bloodstream thereby keeping pregnancy at bay.
Seems like just another tedious scientific process to have to remember right? WRONG!

Why you ask?
Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil three of the most common antidepressants hindering effective delivery by said enzymes therefore traumatizing efficacy of hormone-based birth control.

We aren’t positive what occurred during their first meeting, maybe one cut in front of the other at LuluLemon or didn’t recycle properly – either way scientists named Fluoxetine (Prozac) specifically as one-of-the-worst-culprit regarding unstinted battle between antidepressant use & un-interfered-with hormonal contraceptives. More so than others due to its specific properties qualities within blood which tangle up tightly alongside good ol’ CyP 450 superhero–what happens here is similar to when Linda Hamilton shaved her head all those decades ago because she was freaking out that Arnie might try and steal it: they get too close to each other causes interference/ hindrance preventing sperm-blocking estrogen from reaching targeted endowments of immune system territory needed for successful inhibiting-baby-production…or something along these lines. Don’t worry about every nuance of ‘how things work’, basically creating unexpected bouts between couples ending with hospital visits!

Here are the antidepressants, which studies have shown to specifically interfere with hormonal contraceptives;

Antidepressant medications likely to irritate pregnancy prevention by hormonal methods

  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)

Important Note: Research indicates these dramatic interactions can happen within just TWO weeks of starting either or both treatments leaving women exposed and vulnerable to unexpected pregnancies faster than a roll of cling-film exposes a sandwich.

The Risk vs. Benefit Poses an Interesting Conundrum:

Understandably; birth control is not primarily taken for fun – there’s usually something deep and meaningful prompting people’s use of it e.g. an unplanned pregnancy could threaten family planning complications, legal rights etc – especially people struggling with depression need this particular medication as they’ll trying to manage illness some countries according-to-statistics-rates are roughly 20% if not higher affecting millions upon millions internationally whereby taking anti-depressants regularly improves mood deviating from symptoms like sadness/lack-of-enjoyment/meaningful fatigue/self-hatred and severe mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts/tendencies/other seriously harmful behaviours/problems.

So we understand that determining increased risk vs weighing opportunity cost on whether or NOT should one stop using their birth-control depends largely on what type of contraceptive you currently utilize & sizeable risks related with becoming pregnant following non-use oft-this form medicine:

Our plea folks? Reach out touch your healthcare professional….

We must all channel our inner-village-androgynous eccentric fashionista ‘Don’t be afraid! Go ahead reach out!’ See how easy it was?

Okay let’s…ahem Focus…

Having frank discussions about potential consequences minimize multiple uncertainties present whilst ensuring those who need contraception aren’t haphazardly cutting corners putting themselves at danger.basically its like home alone don’t leave without a plan or the Wet Bandits will get ya’!

What’s Next?

So whether you choose to abstain (aka listen to your inner choir boy), opt for another form of birth control, or continue using hormonal contraceptives while taking antidepressants – make sure you are aware of the risks and taking precautions.

To recap: Antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil can interfere with hormonal birth control leading to potential pregnancy. The solution is simple – have open conversations with your healthcare provider about different options that may be available to you.

Remember; pregnancy prevention isn’t exactly rocket science, but figuring out how certain medications interact requires a degree in Advanced Thesaurus.

Before we conclude this conversation why don’t we take our ‘intermission-time’, pause up for some Fancy-schmancy tables providing potentially useful advice. We always have been fans of Jane Austen; sense before sensibility!

Recommended Forms of Birth Control When Taking Antidepressants:

Contraceptive Method Score Explain
Condoms 10/10 Offers the highest effectiveness score through preventing STIs alongside pregnancy
Copper IUDs 9/10 Similar results statistically speaking vs those who are not utilizing an antidepressant medication But chances remain higher than normal so always practice additional carefulness
Diaphragms And Cervical Caps 6-7/10 “depressing news” sorry folks more inconvenient due added side-effect-list complications alongside lower efficacy ratings/
Hormonal IUDs ,Birth-Control Pills? “Reliable versus reliable…” Discussion remains ongoing as study findings seem individualized for each kind hinging particular frequency reaction one might experience!

…andddd Scene! Now that’s it from us tonight on drug interactions hitting right where we don’t want em’ to be – Join us next week when our topic will shift towards Strange But Alluring Bedding Options available globally er…just joking!

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