Tricyclic Antidepressants (amytriptyline, Pamelor, etc) deplete coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2. SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc) deplete iodine, and MAOs deplete vitamin B6. Each nutrient is essential for energy production and mood stability, the very thing that the drugs are prescribed for.
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.
John's wort, garcinia cambogia, L-tryptophan (or 5-HTP) and SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) supplements with your antidepressant. Consumer Labs says they can increase your risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome.
Alternatively, antidepressants may interfere with biological processes that affect uptake or metabolism of Vitamin D resulting in low levels of the vitamin D that may have detrimental effects on bone turnover and muscle function.
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].
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.
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.
Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression. Low levels of a vitamin can result from eating a poor diet or not being able to absorb the vitamins you consume.
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.
But since psychiatric medications alter these neurotransmitters, vitamin B6 levels can be affected as well. When I was taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication, I learned that I should be supplementing with vitamin B6.
Vitamin B12 supplementation with antidepressants has significantly improved depressive symptoms in our group.
Omega-3 fish oil is a useful addition to antidepressants in patients with clinical depression, an analysis of scientific studies has found.
Current research studies have shown that there may be a link between zinc deficiency and depression, and that zinc supplements can be used alongside antidepressant medication to alleviate symptoms of depression.
Driving and operating machinery. Some SSRIs can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, particularly when you first start taking them. If you do experience these symptoms, you shouldn't drive or use heavy tools and machinery. The symptoms should be temporary, but speak to your doctor if you're unsure.
Certain nutritional supplements can increase the effectiveness of antidepressants for people with clinical depression, an international evidence review has found. Omega 3 fish oils, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), methylfolate (bioactive form of folate) and Vitamin D, were all found to boost the effects of medication.
Magnesium glycinate is often used for its calming effects to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
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.
People with clinical depression often have increased levels of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), an enzyme that breaks down key neurotransmitters, resulting in very low levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Folate (vitamin B9)
It's involved in cell division, DNA, and other important biological processes. Deficiency in this nutrient is associated with depression, and supplementing with this vitamin has been found to be beneficial for people with depression, especially for those with treatment-resistant depression.
The majority of research reports immunosuppressive effects of SSRIs such as decreased lymphocyte proliferation and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion [5], [7].
Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids. Take your antidepressant at bedtime if your doctor approves.
To conclude, both depression and antidepressant intake were associated with lower hemoglobin level. In particular, as SSRI or SNRIs intake was also related to lower hemoglobin level, these classes should be used with caution in depressed individuals at risk for anemia.