Best Supplements to Take with Amitriptyline (and Which Ones to Avoid)
Quick Answer
Yes, most people can safely take supplements while taking amitriptyline.
Amitriptyline isn't known to routinely cause vitamin or mineral deficiencies. However, some supplements can interact with amitriptyline or increase side effects such as drowsiness. Many people also look for supplements to support their overall wellbeing, cognitive performance or nutritional intake while taking the medication.
That doesn't mean everyone taking amitriptyline needs supplements. The right choice depends on why you're taking amitriptyline, your diet, lifestyle, overall health and any other medicines you're taking.
In this guide, we'll explain:
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Which supplements may be worth considering.
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Which supplements should be avoided or used with caution.
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How to choose high-quality supplements that complement a healthy lifestyle.
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When it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist.
Pharmacist's Verdict
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I take supplements with amitriptyline? | ✅ Yes, in most cases. |
| Does amitriptyline cause vitamin deficiencies? | ❌ Not routinely. |
| Are there supplements that may support overall wellbeing? | ✅ Yes, depending on your individual needs. |
| Are there supplements that should be avoided? | ✅ Yes — particularly supplements that may increase drowsiness or interact with amitriptyline. |
Where Should You Start?
The best supplements to take with amitriptyline depend largely on why you've been prescribed it.
For example, someone taking amitriptyline for migraine prevention may benefit from considering different supplements to someone taking it for nerve pain or depression. Rather than choosing supplements because you're taking amitriptyline, it's better to focus on products that support your individual health needs.
| Supplement | When to consider it | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium | People taking amitriptyline for migraine prevention or those with a low dietary intake | Magnesium contributes to normal nervous system function and has been studied for its role in migraine prevention. |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | People looking to support migraine prevention | Riboflavin is commonly discussed as part of a migraine management plan. |
| Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) | People interested in additional migraine support | Some studies suggest CoQ10 may help reduce migraine frequency in certain people. |
| High-quality multivitamin | Anyone looking to support their overall nutritional intake | Can help support your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals as part of a balanced diet. |
| Functional mushrooms | Those looking to support focus and cognitive performance | Lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga are popular choices for supporting everyday wellbeing as part of a healthy lifestyle. |
The next section explains who may benefit from each of these supplements, what the evidence says and which supplements should be avoided or used with caution while taking amitriptyline.
Supplements That May Be Worth Considering
Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the supplements most commonly discussed alongside migraine prevention. If you're taking amitriptyline to help prevent migraines, magnesium may be worth considering as part of your wider management plan. It also contributes to normal nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
(Magnesium Complex contains magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium taurate with no magnesium oxide.)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) has been studied for migraine prevention and is included in some clinical guidelines as an option to consider. It's not a replacement for prescribed treatment but may be appropriate for some people after discussing it with their healthcare professional.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 has also been investigated for migraine prevention. Although the evidence isn't definitive, some people choose to include it as part of their migraine management strategy alongside lifestyle measures and prescribed medication.
A High-Quality Multivitamin
If your goal is broader nutritional support rather than targeting a specific symptom, a well-formulated multivitamin is often the simplest place to start. Look for one that uses bioavailable nutrient forms, avoids unnecessary fillers and provides comprehensive nutritional support.
(TRINITY is pharmacist formulated, uses bioavailable nutrient forms and separates nutrients across Morning, Day and Night formulations.)
Functional Mushrooms
Some people taking amitriptyline, particularly those who experience daytime drowsiness, look for ways to support their focus and cognitive performance. Functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga aren't a treatment for migraine, nerve pain or depression, but they may complement an overall wellbeing routine as part of a healthy lifestyle.
(MYCO Morning contains organic lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga mushroom extracts, with no fillers or unnecessary additives.)
Supplements to Avoid (or Use with Caution)
Most supplements can be taken safely with amitriptyline. However, some may increase drowsiness or interact with the medication.
| Supplement | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Valerian | ⚠️ Use with caution | Valerian may increase drowsiness when taken alongside amitriptyline. |
| Kava | ⛔ Avoid unless advised | Kava may increase sedation and has been associated with liver toxicity. |
| St John's wort | ⚠️ Avoid unless advised | St John's wort may interact with amitriptyline and affect how the medicine works. |
| Cannabidiol (CBD) | ⚠️ Use with caution | CBD may increase drowsiness and can affect the enzymes that metabolise amitriptyline. |
If you're considering supplements to help with sleep, relaxation or anxiety, speak to your GP or pharmacist first. Combining several products with sedative effects may increase daytime drowsiness, dizziness and reduce alertness, particularly when you first start amitriptyline or after a dose increase.
When Is It Worth Seeking Advice?
Most people can take supplements safely alongside amitriptyline. However, it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist if:
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You're considering supplements for migraine prevention, nerve pain, sleep or mood.
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You're planning to take several supplements alongside amitriptyline.
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You've developed increased drowsiness, dizziness or other new side effects after starting a supplement.
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You're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
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You have liver disease, heart disease or another long-term medical condition.
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You're taking other medicines that can cause drowsiness or affect the central nervous system.
If you experience excessive drowsiness, confusion, palpitations or other unexpected symptoms after starting a supplement, seek medical advice promptly.
Your healthcare professional can help you choose supplements that fit your individual health needs while minimising the risk of interactions or unwanted side effects with amitriptyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take supplements with amitriptyline?
Yes. Most supplements can be taken safely with amitriptyline. However, supplements with sedative effects or those that may interact with the medication should be discussed with your GP or pharmacist first.
What are the best supplements to take with amitriptyline?
That depends on why you're taking amitriptyline. Magnesium, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and CoQ10 are commonly discussed for migraine prevention, while a high-quality multivitamin may be appropriate for general nutritional support.
Can I take magnesium with amitriptyline?
Yes. Magnesium can generally be taken safely with amitriptyline. It's often discussed by people taking amitriptyline for migraine prevention and also contributes to normal nervous system function.
Can I take vitamin B2 (riboflavin) with amitriptyline?
Yes. Riboflavin can generally be taken safely with amitriptyline and is commonly used as part of a migraine management plan.
Can I take CoQ10 with amitriptyline?
Yes. There are no well-established interactions between CoQ10 and amitriptyline. Some people choose to take it as part of their migraine prevention strategy, although the evidence isn't conclusive.
Can I take functional mushrooms with amitriptyline?
Yes. There are no well-established interactions between amitriptyline and functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, cordyceps or chaga. They aren't intended to treat migraine, nerve pain or depression, but some people use them to support focus and overall wellbeing.
Can I take valerian with amitriptyline?
Use caution. Valerian may increase drowsiness when combined with amitriptyline, so it's best to speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking both together.
Can I take St John's wort with amitriptyline?
Not usually. St John's wort may interact with amitriptyline and affect how the medication works, so it should only be taken if recommended by a healthcare professional.
Should I stop taking amitriptyline if I want to take supplements?
No. Continue taking amitriptyline exactly as prescribed. If you're unsure whether a supplement is suitable, speak to your GP or pharmacist before starting it rather than stopping your medication.
