Zoloft is an antidepressant medication used to raise the mood in depressive disorders. Vitamin B actually refers to an entire family of related vitamins, which are essential for many activities in the body, including maintenance of the nervous system. Although there are no specific recommendations about taking Zoloft and vitamin B together, many people feel this is helpful. However, talk to your health professional about all medications and supplements that you may be taking. Zoloft is the brand name for the antidepressant medication sertraline and is also available as a generic. It is a member of the serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) group of antidepressants, which work to raise levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the mood centers of the brain. Raising serotonin levels can help reduce depression in some people with chronic depressive disorder, but may take several weeks to begin working. The most common side effect of Zoloft is stomach upset and nausea, which usually go away after taking it for a few weeks.
Others may have anxiety and nervousness or headache, which are usually mild and may also go away as you become used to the medicine. More severe side effects may include suicidal thoughts or actions and increased risk for seizures, especially if you have bipolar disorder or a history of seizures. Zoloft can also cause allergic reactions such as rash, swelling of the mouth or tongue and difficulty breathing. You should report any suicidal thoughts, seizures or allergic reactions to a medical professional immediately, as they may be life threatening. The vitamin B family includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. Folic acid is also often included in this family. B vitamins are needed for maintenance of the nervous system, eyes, hair, liver, mouth and muscle tone. They are also important for brain functioning and energy production. B vitamins are important in times of stress and help with enzyme activity in many areas of the body. According to Lois Balch, author of “The Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” B vitamin deficiency has caused symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease, and B vitamins are often deficient in the American diet.
A 2004 article published in “Psychology Today” suggests that a deficiency of vitamin B, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid, may increase the risk of depression. The article also suggests that taking B vitamins may increase the effectiveness of the treatment for depression, including medications such as Zoloft. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that other B vitamins, such as vitamin B6, may be helpful. Taking a balanced B-complex vitamin, which includes the entire family of B vitamins, may help with treatment of depression. Ask your mental health professional about B vitamin therapy and all of your medications before making a change in your regimen. What Vitamins Can You Not Take With Anti-Depressants? Zoloft & Vitamin D Deficiency Zoloft & Vitamin B12 Absorption Herbs to Stay Away From on Zoloft Zoloft & Weight Gain or Loss How to Stop Weight Gain From Zoloft Causes of Pain in the Back Below the Right Shoulder Blade The Effect of L-Glutamine on Zoloft
Can You Take Zoloft With Diet Pills? Zoloft & Iron Deficiency Anemia What Causes Left Back & Shoulder Pain? The Best Vitamins for Women in Their 20s How to Safely Combine 5-HTP and Zoloft Vitamin B12 & SSRIs Are Over-the-Counter Diet Pills as Effective as Phentermine? Is it Safe to Take Inositol With an SSRI? Can You Take Zoloft & Chantix Together? Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide Possible Interactions with: Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) InteractionsIf you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use vitamin B6 supplements without first talking to your health care provider.Drugs that reduce levels of B6 in the body -- If you take any of these medications, be sure to get enough B6 in your diet:Cycloserine (Seromycin), used to treat tuberculosisHydralazine (Apresoline), used to treat high blood pressureIsoniazid, used to treat tuberculosisPenicillamine, used to treat rheumatoid arthritisTheophylline (TheoDur), used to treat asthmaAntibiotics, Tetracycline -- All B complex vitamins, including vitamin B6, interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of antibiotic tetracycline.
You should take tetracyclien at different times from vitamin B6 and other B vitamins.Antidepressant Medications -- Taking vitamin B6 supplements may improve the effectiveness of certain tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline (Pamelor), especially in elderly people. Other tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and imipramine (Tofranil).On the other hand, antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may reduce blood levels of vitamin B6. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).Chemotherapy drugs -- Vitamin B6 may reduce certain side effects of 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin, medications used to treat cancer, without reducing the effectiveness of the chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement if you are undergoing chemotherapy.Erythropoietin (EPO) -- Erythropoietin therapy, used to treat severe anemia, may decrease vitamin B6 levels in red blood cells and may require B6 supplementation.
Levodopa (L-dopa)-- Vitamin B6 reduces the effectiveness of levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. However, your doctor may be able to determine a dose of B6 that can help reduce side effects of levodopa without interfering with the drug's action. Taking vitamin B6 along with levodopa should be done only under the strict guidance of a physician.Phenytoin (Dilantin) -- Vitamin B6 reduces the effectiveness of phenytoin, a medication used to treat seizures.Drug InteractionsAlternative NamesVersion InfoLast reviewed on 9/4/2007Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy.