Certain herbal supplements, such as St. John's wort and Garcinia cambogia (HCA), may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome associated with SSRIs. Other supplements, like 5-HTP, and SAMe, may also increase this risk.
The combination of SSRI antidepressant medications with supplements can be especially dangerous. If you have an anxiety disorder or depression, your healthcare provider may prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
It is perfectly ok to take a multi-vitamin while taking prescription medications for depression and anxiety. But never take more than the recommended daily allowance of any vitamin.
Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids. Take your antidepressant at bedtime if your doctor approves.
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) root extract is statistically efficacious at 1 gram per day after 2 weeks and even more so after 6 weeks of treatment. It has also been found to be safe to use while on SSRIs.
Ashwagandha helps to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. It is a wonderful herb to take both on its own and in combination with other herbs to get a “multiplier effect”. It is also incredibly non-toxic.
The results of the present study indicate that zinc supplementation together with SSRIs antidepressant drug improves major depressive disorders more effectively in patients with placebo plus antidepressants (SSRIs).
People who had been taking an antidepressant saw a bigger jump, which the researchers argue suggests that the magnesium boosted its effect. If your current antidepressant isn't working well enough, their research suggests you might add magnesium rather than increasing the dose or adding a second drug.
Multiple factors can change the way your body responds to an antidepressant, including: Drug or alcohol use. Illicit drug use and alcohol can cause strong mood changes, which can make antidepressants ineffective. Pregnancy.
SSRIs may not be suitable if you have: bipolar disorder and you're in a manic phase (a period where you're extremely excitable), although they can be useful for depressive phases. a bleeding disorder. type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
No interactions were found between sertraline and Vitamin C.
Central Nervous System Drugs:
Tricyclic Antidepressants (amytriptyline, Pamelor, etc) deplete coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2. SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc) deplete iodine, and MAOs deplete vitamin B6.
B12 deficiency and low normal B12 levels are common and may be associated with depression and the inadequate response to antidepressant treatment in patients with depression. Vitamin B12 supplementation with antidepressants has significantly improved depressive symptoms in our group.
It is reported that many of the published studies assessing vitamin D supplementation included patients who were already receiving antidepressant medication. Vitamin D is, in fact, recommended for use with antidepressant medications in effectively treating depression [61].
If you're taking antidepressants or other medication, talk to your doctor before adding turmeric, curcumin, or piperine supplements to your routine. Any supplement runs the risk of interacting with your medication. You should also talk to your doctor before use if you: are pregnant.
For people with chronic or severe depression, medication may be needed on a long-term basis. In these cases, antidepressants are often taken indefinitely. That is, in part, because depression is not an illness that can be cured.
If the symptoms develop later or gradually, they may constitute a relapse of the depression. Ultimately, these withdrawal symptoms will improve with time, but they can be unpleasant for days and possibly even weeks. In time, the brain readjusts and people should experience a return to their normal state.
The fact is, you don't need pills to reduce depressive symptoms or even to recover from depression. By making a few lifestyle changes at home, your symptoms may decrease significantly or disappear altogether.
Steroids and Antidepressants
Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, and Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) deplete magnesium. In brain and mood health, if you do not have enough magnesium, serotonin levels in your brain suffer.
Can I take probiotics with antidepressants? Yes! But as with anything else you choose to put in your body, you should speak with your doctor or nutritionist before adding probiotics or any other dietary extracts to your daily habits.
Research suggests that supplementing with magnesium may help to increase serotonin levels. In fact, low serotonin levels have been observed in patients with a magnesium deficiency. The study that discussed raising serotonin with magnesium reported success.
Preclinical and clinical studies showed that zinc interacts with the serotonergic system and therefore enhances antidepressant-like effects. Joint administration of zinc with SSRIs such as fluoxetine or citalopram (all in subeffective doses) produced an antidepressant-like effect in the FST [52].
Vitamin B-3 and Vitamin B-9 can help people with depression because B vitamins help the brain manage moods. Vitamin D, melatonin and St. John's Wort are recommended for seasonal depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin C may also help with depression.
No interactions were found between ashwaganda and Zoloft.
Some supplements have been found to increase serotonin in clinical studies. Among these, 5-HTP, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, St. John's wort, and certain probiotics have some of the strongest evidence. Many other supplements may also increase serotonin, but the evidence supporting their use is significantly weaker.