When taking Lexapro (escitalopram), you should definitely avoid St. John's Wort due to high risk of serotonin syndrome, and discuss supplements like 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, SAM-e, and Garcinia Cambogia with your doctor, as they can also raise serotonin levels, plus be cautious with blood thinners, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) and valerian/ashwagandha due to increased bleeding or drowsiness risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining Lexapro with any supplement to ensure safety.
It's possible for Lexapro to interact with the herbal supplements St. John's wort and tryptophan. Taking Lexapro with these supplements could increase your risk of serotonin syndrome as a side effect of the drug.
Diet, Supplements, and Antidepressants
Herbal supplements likes St. John's wort and garcinia cambogia are much more likely to affect the functionality of your antidepressants than vitamin or mineral tablets.
Possible Nutrients Depleted
Antidepressants (SSRI's like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc.) Cholesterol Lowering Drugs (Statins like Lipitor, pravastatin, simvastatin, etc.) Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, and CoQ10.
While many patients safely take Lexapro and buspirone together, certain individuals face higher risks: People taking MAO inhibitors (must wait 14 days after stopping) Those with a history of serotonin syndrome. Patients on multiple medications that affect serotonin.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) interacts with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other antidepressants, and St. John's wort. It also interacts with blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and alcohol.
Can you take ashwagandha with antidepressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, or Wellbutrin? One study looked at combining ashwagandha and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The combination was better at treating symptoms of anxiety than an SSRI alone, and no significant side effects were reported.
Interactions between your drugs
There were no interactions found between Lexapro and Vitamin D3.
Lexapro often stops working because it adjusts serotonin levels, not the neural connectivity issues that drive depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. When the underlying pathways remain disrupted, symptoms return, even if the medication worked at first.
Some of the more common supplements that might be an effective alternative to Lexapro for anxiety or depression may include: Vitamin D or Vitamin B. CBD. Magnesium.
For most people, Lexapro-related fatigue begins to improve after 2-4 weeks of consistent treatment. As your brain adapts to the medication, energy levels typically start to normalize, and many people find their fatigue resolves completely by the 6-week mark.
Interactions between your drugs
There were no interactions found between Lexapro and magnesium glycinate.
Analysis of herb–drug interactions has shown that the concomitant use of ashwagandha with antidepressants can lead to several dangerous side effects. Interaction with reboxetine may result in testicle pain and ejaculatory dysfunction, while interaction with sertraline can cause severe diarrhea.
Combining Wellbutrin can help diminish fatigue and sexual problems experienced as side effects of Lexapro. Additionally, the Lexapro and Wellbutrin combination may benefit individuals who struggle with both depression and anxiety or who have not fully improved from one medication on its own.
If you're wondering how to tell whether Lexapro is beginning to help, here are six common signs to look out for: You feel calmer or less overwhelmed by daily stress. Sleep patterns become more regular or restful. Negative thoughts feel less intense or constant.
Yes—many people take Lexapro for years. Some even stay on it for most of their lives. Medical research shows that SSRIs are safe for long-term use when monitored by a healthcare provider. There is no official time limit that says you must stop the medication after a certain number of years.
Here are 11 signs that the antidepressant you are taking may not be right for you.
Avoid driving or operating machinery. Avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Drink plenty of fluids. Take your antidepressant at bedtime if your doctor approves.
Common Lexapro side effects include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. It can also cause trouble sleeping and sexual problems. Some of these side effects eventually go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious Lexapro side effects include abnormal bleeding and suicidal thoughts.
Although taking SSRI antidepressants alone can reduce depressive symptoms, adding Mg supplements to the treatment regimen for at least 6 weeks can significantly improve MDD symptoms.
Interactions between your drugs
There were no interactions found between Lexapro and Vitamin B12. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Some studies suggest ashwagandha may help increase serotonin levels, thus improving symptoms of stress and anxiety. Other research suggests ashwagandha can reduce stress by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone. Ashwagandha appears to be safer than some herbs, like St. John's wort.
Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're being treated with escitalopram as this will increase your risk of side effects.
Interactions between your drugs
There were no interactions found between l-theanine and Lexapro.