Answer Summary

Members discussed the risks of combining 5HTP (a dietary supplement that increases serotonin) with Prozac or other SSRIs, with the... Read more

Members discussed the risks of combining 5HTP (a dietary supplement that increases serotonin) with Prozac or other SSRIs, with the overwhelming consensus being that taking both together can lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome, which causes severe illness, confusion, and disorientation. Several members shared their own experiences, with one successfully using 5HTP while weaning off Effexor, another experiencing debilitating symptoms from combining 5HTP with Paxil, and others emphasizing the importance of consulting a pharmacist or doctor before combining these treatments. A recurring theme was frustration that doctors prescribe SSRIs without first testing serotonin levels, though one member explained that neurotransmitter function is more complex than simple blood levels and mentioned a newer genetic test that can predict how the body will metabolize certain medications.