Whether it’s ashwagandha to ease stress or melatonin to help with sleep, supplements are increasingly a go-to for folks in need of support for their mental health. In fact, according to Mintel , an agency that conducts consumer research, almost half of millennials use some type of vitamin or dietary supplement to support their mental health. But everything isn’t for everyone.
Always consult with your doctor before you start taking a supplement, especially if you are on prescribed meds. “Supplements can interact with medications, sometimes enhancing or diminishing its effects,” says psychiatrist Dr. Mena Mirhom, assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
For instance, L-methylfolate, a popular supplement known for boosting mood and energy , may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications like Lexapro or Zoloft. On the other hand, when mixed with antidepressants, St. John’s wort, another mood-boosting supplement, can increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as shivering, diarrhea, or seizures.
St. John’s wort may also decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives when mixed with antidepressants. It’s also important to note that supplements are designed to help you along your mental health journey; they are not a cure.
“Supplements should not replace prescription medications because although they can be a helpful additive, they often do not adequately address the symptoms that pre.
