Can I take 5-HTP, SAMe, tyrosine, l-carnitine and CoQ-10 together?
I have been suffering from on and off depression for most of my young adult life (i’m 19 years old at the moment), and am getting a number of possible organic causes tested for. I have had diabetes, celiac disease and nutritional deficiencies ruled out, and am next attempting to rule out allergies, mineral imbalances, toxicity, and hypto-thyroidism. If these don’t result in any breakthroughs i’m resorting to self- medicating for depression.
I plan to take SAMe and tyrosine in the morning, l carnitine and CoQ-10 a few hours later, and 5-HTP right before I go to sleep. Is there a possibility of any negative reactions among these drugs?
In almost all vitamin stores and health food stores, I have seen sections of the store devoted to “brain supplements” or “mood enhancers.” Many of the ingredients in the brain and mood products are in combination form. In other words, a product in the Vitamin Shoppe, for example, might contain the amino acids L-carnitine and L-tyrosine plus herbs like ginkgo biloba and St. John’s wort, and possibly CoQ10, phosphatidyl serine, 5-HTP, etc.
Research on St. John’s wort suggests it can be helpful for mild (or maybe moderate) depression. However, what many people don’t know is that it can take at least 3 weeks to start working. This herb can also interact with some medications. So you should ask a health care professional about any possible bad interaction if you are taking any prescription medication.
I suggest you start with St. John’s wort since it has been researched more methodically than the other products you mentioned.
The products you mentioned may or may not be helpful for you. There is not a lot of scientific proof that they work. There is only speculation and “testimonials.”
I suggest you avoid SAMe. I go to a weekly mood support group for people with depression, bipolar disorder, etc. SAMe is very expensive and I have never heard anyone report that it helped them.
Finally, I doubt there would be negative interactions in the products you mentioned. Most of them have been sold in combination forms for years.
For myself, I found exercise to be a very potent antidepressant. I also practice relaxation techniques like meditation. Psychotherapy has also been helpful for me.
Diabetes Breakthrough