Supplements That Interact With Antidepressants
Many people taking antidepressants also use supplements for sleep, stress, or general wellness. Some combinations are perfectly safe. Others can cause serotonin syndrome, excessive sedation, or reduce your medication's effectiveness. Understanding which supplements interact with SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, and MAOIs can help you have more informed conversations with your prescriber.
Ashwagandha & Antidepressants
Low risk with most SSRIs. Additive sedation with tricyclics. MAOIs are the real concern, plus a thyroid angle.
St. John's Wort Interactions
Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs. Reduces effectiveness of many drugs through CYP3A4 induction.
Melatonin & Antidepressants
Safe with most, but fluvoxamine raises melatonin levels 12-fold. Additive sedation with trazodone.
Valerian Root for Sleep
Additive sedation with any CNS depressant. GABAergic mechanism similar to benzodiazepines.
CBD Oil Interactions
Inhibits CYP2C19 which metabolizes citalopram and other SSRIs. Can raise antidepressant blood levels.
Chamomile & Medications
Apigenin acts on GABA receptors. Additive sedation with sedating antidepressants like trazodone.
Check your specific combination
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Open Interaction Reference