Medications
Supplements and Antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs
SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics, triptans, tramadol
Critical
5-HTP + antidepressants: serotonin syndrome. 5-HTP raises serotonin directly. With SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans or tramadol it can cause serotonin toxicity. Do not combine.
St. John's wort + antidepressants. Risk of serotonin syndrome, and it weakens some antidepressants such as amitriptyline and bupropion.
Note
Tyrosine with MAO inhibitors. Only relevant to MAO inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline). In theory, tyrosine could add to their blood-pressure effects; this hasn't been studied. Avoid unless your doctor agrees.
- 01No direct human interaction studies found in PubMed (searched 2026-09-30) — theoretical, based on mechanism
Rhodiola may affect serotonin and MAO. Lab studies suggest MAO-inhibiting activity. Check with your prescriber before combining.
Tell your prescriber about saffron. Saffron is studied as a treatment for depression, including alongside SSRIs, so its effects may add up. Don't use it to replace or stop an antidepressant on your own.
Common questions
Can I take 5-HTP with Antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs?
5-HTP + antidepressants: serotonin syndrome. 5-HTP raises serotonin directly. With SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans or tramadol it can cause serotonin toxicity. Do not combine.
Can I take St. John's Wort with Antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs?
St. John's wort + antidepressants. Risk of serotonin syndrome, and it weakens some antidepressants such as amitriptyline and bupropion.
Can I take L-Tyrosine with Antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs?
Tyrosine with MAO inhibitors. Only relevant to MAO inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline). In theory, tyrosine could add to their blood-pressure effects; this hasn't been studied. Avoid unless your doctor agrees.
Can I take Rhodiola with Antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs?
Rhodiola may affect serotonin and MAO. Lab studies suggest MAO-inhibiting activity. Check with your prescriber before combining.
Can I take Saffron with Antidepressants or other serotonergic drugs?
Tell your prescriber about saffron. Saffron is studied as a treatment for depression, including alongside SSRIs, so its effects may add up. Don't use it to replace or stop an antidepressant on your own.