Which supplements should I avoid with maoi antidepressants?

L-Tryptophan, Mucuna Pruriens, St. John's Wort, Yohimbe / Yohimbine — see the severity-grouped list above. Always confirm with your pharmacist, who can check your exact regimen.

Is it safe to take supplements while on maoi antidepressants?

Some supplements are fine, but 5 have a documented or theoretical interaction ranging from 'monitor' to 'avoid'. Never start, stop, or combine a supplement with maoi antidepressants without checking with the clinician who manages your medication.

Supplement–drug interactions

Supplements That Interact with MAOI antidepressants

5 supplements in NutriDex have a known or theoretical interaction with maoi antidepressants, including 4 best avoided entirely. Grouped by severity below; each links to its full evidence, dosing & mechanism. This is educational and not exhaustive — always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every supplement you take before combining it with medication.

Avoid — do not combine 4

L-Tryptophan

High risk of serotonin syndrome; combination can be dangerous. Do not combine.

Mucuna Pruriens

Risk of hypertensive crisis (dangerous blood-pressure spike); levodopa is contraindicated with MAOIs.

St. John's Wort

High risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions; do not combine.

Yohimbe / Yohimbine

With MAOIs/stimulants can cause dangerous hypertension, anxiety and arrhythmia.

Caution — use only with medical guidance 1

L-Tyrosine

Theoretical risk of raised blood pressure; monitor when combined with MAOI antidepressants.

Each supplement links to its full evidence, dosing, mechanism & citations. See also all medication interaction guides →

Supplements That Interact with MAOI antidepressants

⛔ Avoid — do not combine 4

⚠ Caution — use only with medical guidance 1

Avoid — do not combine 4

Caution — use only with medical guidance 1