Taking Zoloft with either 5-htp or Vitamin B complexes, or L-Tryptophan?


Question:
I am going to take an SSRI called Zoloft.

I was wondering, if it is okay (or safe) to take either 5-htp or Vitamin B complexes (Vitamin 1,3,. 12, etc) or L-Tryptophan.

Can I take them all together, or should I take one of them, or should I just take nothing except the Zoloft?

I wish to do so because I want to make my serotonin making rich.

thankx

Answers:
Zoloft whose generic name is sertraline is serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor (s.s.r.i.). manufactured by Pfizer. by inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, more is available because the concentration between nerve cells is enhanced. More serotonin usually lessens depression. The Compendium of Pharmaceuticals & Specialties (C.P.S.) is the "bible" for Canadian physicians. (which is the equivalent of the American Physicians Desk Reference (P.D.R.)) has the following to say about taking amino acid precursers. (more specifically serotonin (5 hydroxy tryptophan), precursers.) together with the drug zoloft.
"Coadministration with tryptophan may lead to a high incidence of serotonin-associated side effects.
There is no experience with the concomitant use of sertraline (zoloft) and tryptophan in depressed patients or patients with panic disorder."
The C.P.S. zoloft entry, (monograph) was prepared by Pfizer. And I am fairly certain that the P.D.R. says the same thing.
In other words, the manufacturer pharmaceutical company does not recommend taking the supplements that you have listed in your question.
A vitamin B complex tablet or multivitamin, should be o.k. because the tryptophan concentration, in that pill, should not be so great as to cause serotonin overload.
You may notice that taking zoloft, takes several weeks to settle down in your system as your body adjusts.
Also, if you are switching from some other drug to Zoloft, your doctor should consider a cross-over regimen for the taking of both drugs. Going cold turkey with your "old" drug, (abrupt cessation of use), & abruptly starting zoloft may not be a good idea.
Dan the Answers-Man.


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