I'm taking a multi, b complex, probiotic, and fish oil. I'm on 20 mg citalopram. My main side effect is the tired lethargic feeling so I'm hoping the supplements will help a bit.
What supplements to take along with ssri?
Question posted by Secret12 on 21 Sep 2013
Last updated on 2 January 2019
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4 Answers
Inactive
22 Sep 2013
Can't give you specifics, but don't ask your doctor! Every doctor I've ever asked about herbs and supplements has said Oh, don't take them - they may cause interactions. They don't know! I had a doctor at Johns Hopkins fret over my long medication list. I asked him what would he advise I go off? Oh, all these herbs and supplements. He didn't even know what they were! Medical people are not trained at all regarding natural healing. Go see an herbalist, or an alternative health advisor - or a nutritionist - and ask questions. Use that time with them to train yourself. I wouldn't be alive today had I not done this. My liver was doing badly from the then 25 meds I was on. I started using Milk Thistle - now my liver enzymes are well within the normal range - and I'm still on 19 meds, am 100 pounds overweight and in a wheelchair. Yes, seeing an alternative practitioner costs money - but so does having ever-increasing health problems.
Use your time with one wisely - educate yourself to where you just need a twice-a-year evaluation. I've done that and do quite well. Also the Internet is a great way to learn - use it. Regards - EJ23
WildcatVet
23 Sep 2013
You must also be careful though, because nutritionists and herbalists are very unlikely to be trained in traditional pharmacology.
Tytan
3 April 2015
My GP and Naturalpath doctor are on the same way of thinking, my GP just said to make sure that anything I get will not counteract or cause problems with my celexea, in fact they both want to consult with each other, they are both young and open minded. I keep on getting relapses on Celexea and I needed some advise. My GP said go ahead, it never hurts to get another opinion. I had a shot of Vitamin B Complex, take 3 Stresst aday, omega 3 and 6 drops a day of vitamin D, I am on my 3rd day, Naturalpath said it will take 6 to 7 days to notice a change, I have anxiety and depression.
RonMan
22 Sep 2013
Please be careful with supplements. Some, including vitamins in high dosages, can cause problems with SSRIs. Another example St. John's Wart, is specifically called out as problem with many SSRi.
Make use of the interaction checker here on drugs.com, and if you have any doubts contact your doctor.
RonMan
Secret12
22 Sep 2013
Thanks already did that and def knew about sjw interaction.
Kim Boggess
3 Jan 2019
I just started taking a B12 complex supplement. My niece told me about this supplement so I thought I would try it, sure glad I did. Like I already said, I just started taking it and I'm hoping it will help my concentration and focus. I researched online before I started taking it just in case of interaction possibilities. Fortunately there are no known interactions with my meds (Prazosin, Wellbutrin and Zoloft).
The only thing I would recommend is that you research any possible interactions with other meds that you take on a daily basis. I understand other people's concern due to the possibility of an interaction. At the very least, do a little research and/or ask your family physician before taking it. You may be endangering your health otherwise, better safe than sorry. Best of luck to you!
Kim Boggess
3 Jan 2019
I just saw your last comment after I posted mine. I'm glad that you researched it and didn't just start taking the supplement. Some people take anything and everything anyone suggests without even researching it, causing other medical issues in their future.
kaw06
21 Sep 2013
Hi! Its good to know you want to take care of yourself! Personally, I take a womens multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, with the liquid under the tongue B complex drops. Seems to work for me.
Secret12
21 Sep 2013
Thanks. Are you also on an ssri?
kaw06
22 Sep 2013
I started out on ssri, (Prozac, then celexa) went off my Meds for several years, i've since been put on abilify, effexor, & wellbutrin, yes, together lol.
Secret12
22 Sep 2013
Aw okay. I'm in celexa now. Going on about 4 months. Just feel super sluggish ( the usual ssri tiredness I hear). I don't feel like I'm over doing the supplements. My doc told me to take the b complex because it helps with energy. I decided to take the fish oil on my own. Thanks for the info.
Inactive
22 Sep 2013
Ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level. It can cause depression and body aches/pains if it is low - and a lot of people are low. Does your depression increase during the winter months? You might benefit from a light box. You sit it next to you for 30 minutes a day and it helps with Seasonal Affective Disorder - a type of depression caused by less sunlight in the winter. Regards - EJ23
WildcatVet
22 Sep 2013
Good stuff, EJ! Also thyroid levels and a check for anemia. The light box is an incredible help for me ~ I rent one from my psych's office for $5mo.
Thanks for your input! WCV
Secret12
22 Sep 2013
I should have also added that I am on .75 synthroid
WildcatVet
21 Sep 2013
Hi, Secret! I'm not a real fan personally of taking supplements. A multi-vitamin provides all the vitamins and minerals that you need, and you're also taking in these nutrients from the food you eat through the day. Lean beef, turkey, organ meats, and whole grain products are excellent, natural sources of the B complex vitamins and your body is better able to utilize them than artificially produced pills.
It's not too common, but you can take TOO much of some of the B's ~ B6, folates, and niacin, in particular, can cause some very unpleasant and a little dangerous symptoms.
I'd ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice rather than adding this or that. It's
too easy to upset the balance and interactions of all your vitamins and other nutrients.
Avoid too much caffeine, sugar, energy drinks. They'll perk you up ~ until your blood sugar crashes. Get plenty of sleep. If you can, when you start feeling sluggish take a quick walk around the block or just deep breathe some
fresh air. It'll get oxygen pumping to your brain and that's a natural waker-upper.
Best wishes to you!! WCV
Justdarlie
30 Sep 2016
I respect your opinion but it is not accurate. Many people who suffer from mental/ behavioral illness or autism also have genetic mutations which ( as science is discovering) is the root of the cause. Indeed specific supplements geared toward the remedy of these gene mutations can help. Examples are MTRR mutations where B12 is severely suppressed from intracellular/ mitochondrial uptake leading to anxiety, depression and a host of other illnesses. MTHFR mutation hampers natural forms of folate ( not the bad "Folic acid" added to out processed foods and vitamins) from reaching mitochondria. I recommend a geneticists, integrated family doctor ( Cleveland Clinic has an Integrated Medicine Clinic or generic/ mental health research testing clinic such as UPMC ( University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) where ground breaking research is being made. A mere 3 years ago, science did not know that the largest neuron to the brain was from the gut.
Now we see the true power of probiotics is aiding in the resolution of depression! Best wishes to all who suffer. Ours is not an easy battle.
Justdarlie
30 Sep 2016
Note: Should read " find an Integrative Medicine Doctor or Genetic/ Research hospital, such as UPMC. The word " generic" is an error. ALWAYS refer to these specialist. Your typical serum blood work can show high levels of B12 or folate. This dosent mean you are fine, it simply may mean these vitamins are building up in your blood stream because they are unable to get inside your cells membrane to the mitochondria where they are sorely needed to correct your illness. Typical family doctors and even hematologist are not yet well versed in these phenomenon. Again, Cleveland Clinic has an Integrated Medicine Specialty Clinic and you can Google for other Integrated physicians near you.
WildcatVet
30 Sep 2016
What is *inaccurate*?
Hopefrog23
30 Sep 2016
I agree I take vit d3, fish oil, b complex, b12, probiotic, and multigreens each day and magnesium at night to help me sleep. I believe they help me feel better and help my ADs work better. I also use essential oils to help calm my moods and brighten them up. I also try to stay away from sugar and gluten. Which I'm not the best at but trying! I also see a counselor and am trying to exercise more (still working on that one). I believe in a whole integrated approach. Counseling helps me to understand why I have these issues in the first place (panic, anxiety,depression) and teaches me how to cope. I may be on meds for the rest of my life but I'm not going to rely soley on those for my well being. Also praying and connecting to God asking for his help helps me. And just trying to live one day or one moment at a time.
Inactive
1 Oct 2016
Amen, Hopefrog! You sound so positive, and so much better than you did a couple of months ago - Yay! I love your current regimen - very balanced and well rounded. You know I take similar supplements and it has made a significant difference for me. My Dr. just did some blood work and all my results came back in normal range. I used to be deficient in Vit. B12 and Vit. D3, and now they are in normal range! I attribute that to my vitamins/supplements. Especially my probiotics, because it keeps a good balance between the good flora and the bad bacteria, and has made a tremendous difference in my whole digestive system (from beginning to "end") Excuse the pun! ; ) Go Dawgs and Roll Tide
Inactive
1 Oct 2016
Hi again Hopefrog!
I have to add one more thing about your last comment. You stated in your last comment the following statement: "I believe they help me feel better and help my ADs work better". Awesome comment and very insightful. I totally agree with you that the SUPPLEMENTS HELP OUR ANTIDEPRESSANTS TO WORK BETTER. You hit the nail on the head!
Hopefrog23
1 Oct 2016
Yeah G! I do feel a lot better. Getting there each day! One day at a time! Thanks friend. Roll tide!
Hopefrog23
1 Oct 2016
G glad your supplements are working! I'm gonna have to up my d3 with the winter months coming and less sunlight. But you prob don't have that prob?!
Inactive
1 Oct 2016
Yes Hopefrog, I have the same problem when I'm not taking bupropion. I am much better this fall, looking forward to each day. I used to always dread the fall time of year, and it was depressing to me to go shopping for the holidays. Winter was depressing and I would sleep in all the time. I haven't had that problem for the last couple of years though. I am enjoying life! I do believe that taking the supplements has really added to the effectiveness of my wellbutrin.
I am so glad to see that you are feeling so much better. You have a good plan and it's working for you!
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fish oil, depression, citalopram, supplement
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