Can You take Nootropics With Anti-Depressants?

Can you take nootropics and anti-depressants at the same time?

This is a really important question, but it unfortunately gets very little attention on the major nootropics websites and forums. I don’t need to tell you what a shame this is when you consider how much nootropics and anti-depressants overlap; people who benefit from using anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication are often the same people seeking out natural nootropics for anxiety, energy and motivation.

Mixing anti-depressants with cognitive enhancers can have serious consequences. It is tempting to think of natural nootropics as 100% safe all of the time. But even natural nootropics can interact with prescription medications like anti-depressants.

So is it safe to take nootropics with anti-depressants? In the article below, we will attempt to answer this question in as much detail as possible. We’ll explain which nootropics can interact with anti-depressant medications, and which nootropics can help you deal with depression and control its symptoms.

Do nootropics interact with anti-depressants?

Nootropics can potentially interact with anti-depressants. You should consult with your doctor before beginning any new supplementation regimen, but there is usually a safe amount of overlap. Antidepressants and nootropics each have a different mechanism of action. These compounds may affect the body as a whole or an individual’s chemistry in varying degrees. The most important thing is to consult with your physician before you begin taking any new supplementation regimen.

The long-term effects of nootropics are unknown, but if you take both medications, the risk of a negative interaction is minimal. Most interactions are additive, meaning they increase one effect while reducing the other. However, some nootropics may interact with SSRI antidepressants or other medications and cause serotonin syndrome. Always talk to your doctor before mixing a new supplement regimen with an anti-depressant.

Taking nootropics while on an anti-depressant is dangerous, since it can increase the risk of suicide. In fact, 15% of people with clinical depression are at risk of suicide. Psychotherapy is the first line of defense, but nootropics aren’t completely harmless. It’s always best to check with your doctor before beginning any new supplement regimen. When used properly, they may have positive effects on your mental health and may even complement your anti-depressant treatment.

Can you take nootropics with SSRIs?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – or SSRIs for short – are a class of prescription drugs typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. These drugs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin between your neurons, raising overall serotonin availability in the brain.

It is safe to take some nootropics with SSRIs, but unsafe to take others with these drugs. Nootropics which work by raising serotonin levels (such as Rhodiola rosea) should be avoided completely if you are already taking SSRIs. Mixing SSRIs and nootropics which raise serotonin can have drastic negative consequences.

Can nootropics help with depression?

Can nootropics help with depression?

Some nootropic compounds are able to elicit powerful antidepressant effects in a very acute situation. Many more nootropics can provide ongoing daily support by promoting levels of “feel good” neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

There are also commonly used pharmaceutical study drugs which also have anti-depressant effects. For example, D-amphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are stimulants used to treat depression. They can be used alone, but they may also be used in combination with antidepressant medications.

Although some people use nootropics to combat depression, you should consult a doctor before trying a nootropic supplement. The reason is that the hippocampus, the part of the brain that stores memory, is also responsible for regulating the production of cortisol. This hormone goes into overdrive during depression, leading to a shrinkage of the hippocampus and a subsequent deterioration of memory. Another factor underlying the connection between depression and nootropics is that the amygdala is overactive during negative emotions. The overactive amygdala is thought to be part of the negative cognitive bias in depressed people.

One of the best nootropics for depression is Gingko Biloba, a supplement that originates from a very ancient tree in China. Gingko Biloba has been associated with depression, as a mouse study found a strong correlation between taking Gingko and being depressed. Other benefits of Gingko Biloba include the relief of migraines, reducing symptoms of PMS, and improving sexual dysfunction. It is important to note, however, that Gingko Biloba does not naturally occur in many foods, which makes it an ideal supplement for those suffering from depression.

Nootropics may have a mild effect on people who are on prescription anti-depressants. This is due to the fact that they are generally well tolerated by the body. It is best to consult a physician before adding a nootropic to your regular regimen. If you are unsure of whether you should take your anti-depressant alongside a nootropic, it is important to consult your doctor to ensure that your dosage and duration are appropriate.

What are the best nootropics for depression?

In today’s modern society, nootropics and other smart drugs are becoming increasingly popular. However, more research is needed to prove their effectiveness.

But for now, there are a few supplements that have already proven to be helpful for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. NooCube, for example, has scientifically researched ingredients and impressive customer satisfaction rates. The product comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. It’s also affordable, and you can learn about celebrity interviews through exclusive videos.

Nootropics & Anti-Depressant FAQs

Can I take Mind Lab Pro and Anti-depressants?

The ingredients of Mind Lab Pro are not safe to take with your anti-depressant. The product contains ingredients that have been used for centuries to treat depression, but that does not mean they are safe to use in conjunction with modern anti-depressant medications.  Rhodiola rosea, for example, is a popular adaptogenic herb that increases levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Combining Rhodiola rosea with an SSRI antidepressant can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.

Can I take Alpha Brain and Anti-depressants?

There is one obvious question that often arises from this conversation: can I take Alpha Brain and anti-depressants? While this is a valid question, the answer is no. Although anti-depressants and Alpha Brain do not interact with one another, there are some considerations you should keep in mind. First, you need to know what your anti-depressant is. Anti-depressants are drugs that affect serotonin levels, which are responsible for regulating your mood. While Alpha Brain and anti-depressants work on the same mechanism, these medications are quite different.

Can I take Magnesium and Anti-depressants?

The combination of magnesium and anti-depressants isn’t new, but the question is, can you take both at the same time? In a recent study, researchers concluded that taking a magnesium supplement significantly improved symptoms of mild depression in two weeks, whereas common depression medications take a long time to have an effect. According to the study, 100 people took the magnesium supplement and saw a marked improvement in their depressive symptoms.

Brian Johnson, PhD

Brian Johnson is current Editor of Vagarights.com and a long-time writer for VAGA. A former psychologist, Brian is passionate about improving mental health and finding ways to stave off cognitive decline. He is an expert on nootropics, cognitive enhancement and biohacking more broadly. You can see his work on Google scholar.