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Our Members Asked:

I take fluoxetine (Prozac), a SSRI drug to treat depression. Are there supplements I should avoid, or be taking, due to this drug?

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 11/16/2022 | Initially Posted: 11/29/2013

Answer:

Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) and other selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs can be affected by taking supplements and can affect your ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals. 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.

On the other hand, the B vitamin folate in the form of methylfolate may be beneficial for some people taking an SSRI.

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