Zoloft and herbel remedies

[katie865]

Hello,

I take 50 mg Zoloft daily but I still have such bad anxiety/stress/depression...my doctor prescribed ativan to me for 2 weeks but no longer after that due to its addictive side effects...I have been reading up alot about Kava Kava, Valerian Root, 5-HTP, Catnip, Etc....but I was just wondering If any of you know if these are safe to be taking while on Zoloft....or if there is something I can be taking while on zoloft that can help with the anxiety that is non-prescription that wont cause problems with my zoloft...

thanks,
Katie

[GLSheridan]

Originally Posted by katie865

Hello,

I take 50 mg Zoloft daily but I still have such bad anxiety/stress/depression...my doctor prescribed ativan to me for 2 weeks but no longer after that due to its addictive side effects...I have been reading up alot about Kava Kava, Valerian Root, 5-HTP, Catnip, Etc....but I was just wondering If any of you know if these are safe to be taking while on Zoloft....or if there is something I can be taking while on zoloft that can help with the anxiety that is non-prescription that wont cause problems with my zoloft...

thanks,
Katie

It's difficult to know what herbals interact as they aren't regulated by the FDA, and thorough analysis and research isn't conducted on these products.

Anyway, here's some info I know:

Zoloft and 5-HTP have a major drug-drug interaction and can cause serotonin syndrome, which is rare but fatal.

I'd advise you not to use any herbal supplements. Tell your doctor that you're still suffering from anxiety-- there are plenty of prescription anti-anxiety drugs that aren't addictive.

[katie865]

Thank you for the reply...anyone have any ideas...cant get into the doctor for a couple weeks...????

Thanks so much!
Katie