Best Supplements to Take with Sertraline (and Which Ones to Avoid)
Quick Answer
Yes, most people can safely take supplements while taking sertraline (Zoloft).
However, some supplements can interact with sertraline or increase the risk of side effects, so it's important to choose them carefully. At the same time, many people taking sertraline look for supplements to support their overall wellbeing, energy levels, focus or sleep alongside their prescribed treatment.
That doesn't mean everyone taking sertraline needs supplements. The right choice depends on your symptoms, diet, lifestyle and any other medicines you're taking.
In this guide, we'll explain:
-
Which supplements may be worth considering.
-
Which supplements should be avoided or used with caution.
-
How to choose high-quality supplements that complement a healthy lifestyle.
-
When it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist.
Pharmacist's Verdict
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I take supplements with sertraline (Zoloft)? | ✅ Yes, in most cases. |
| Does sertraline 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 — some supplements can interact with sertraline and should be used with caution. |
Where Should You Start?
If you're taking sertraline (Zoloft), the first step is choosing supplements that fit your health goals without increasing the risk of interactions. For most people, the focus is on supporting overall wellbeing rather than replacing nutrients lost because of the medication.
| Supplement | When to consider it | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality multivitamin | If you're looking for general nutritional support | Helps support your overall intake of essential vitamins and minerals. |
| Functional mushrooms | If you're looking to support focus, mental performance or everyday wellbeing | Lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga are popular choices for people wanting to support cognitive performance and energy as part of a healthy lifestyle. |
| Magnesium | If your dietary intake is low or you're looking to support muscle and nervous system function | Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. |
| Omega-3 | If you don't regularly eat oily fish | Omega-3 fatty acids support normal heart function and are an important part of a balanced diet. |
| Vitamin D | If you have limited sun exposure or are at risk of deficiency | Supports normal immune function, muscle function and bone health. |
The next section explains which of these supplements may be appropriate, what to look for when choosing one and, just as importantly, which supplements should be avoided while taking sertraline.
Supplements That May Be Worth Considering
Functional Mushrooms
Many people taking sertraline look for ways to support their focus, mental performance and overall wellbeing alongside their prescribed treatment. Functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga are becoming increasingly popular for this reason.
While they aren't a treatment for anxiety or depression, some people choose to include them as part of a healthy lifestyle.
(MYCO Morning contains organic lion's mane, cordyceps and chaga mushroom extracts, with no fillers or unnecessary additives.)
A High-Quality Multivitamin
If you're looking for general nutritional support, a well-formulated multivitamin is often a sensible place to start. Look for one that uses bioavailable nutrient forms, avoids unnecessary fillers and provides comprehensive nutritional support rather than focusing on a single nutrient.
(TRINITY is pharmacist formulated, uses bioavailable nutrient forms and separates nutrients across Morning, Day and Night formulations.)
Magnesium
Magnesium isn't routinely recommended because you're taking sertraline, but it may be worth considering if your dietary intake is low or you're looking to support normal psychological function, nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
(Magnesium Complex contains magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium taurate with no magnesium oxide.)
Omega-3
If you rarely eat oily fish, an omega-3 supplement may be worth considering. It supports normal heart function as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle and is often included as part of a general wellbeing routine.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK. If you have limited sun exposure, have been advised your levels are low or are at increased risk of deficiency, supplementation may be appropriate.
Supplements to Avoid (or Use with Caution)
Most supplements can be taken safely with sertraline (Zoloft). However, a few deserve extra caution because they may increase the risk of side effects or interact with your medication.
| Supplement | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| St John's wort | ⛔ Avoid | St John's wort can increase serotonin levels and should not be taken with sertraline due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| 5-HTP | ⛔ Avoid | 5-HTP increases serotonin production and shouldn't be combined with sertraline unless specifically advised by a specialist. |
| L-Tryptophan | ⚠️ Avoid unless advised | Like 5-HTP, L-tryptophan may increase serotonin levels and isn't routinely recommended alongside sertraline. |
| High-dose serotonin-boosting supplements | ⚠️ Use with caution | Products marketed to support mood may contain ingredients that aren't suitable to combine with SSRIs. Always check the label. |
Before starting any supplement marketed for mood, anxiety or depression, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Many products contain ingredients that can interact with sertraline, even if they're labelled as "natural."
Supplements that support your general health—such as multivitamins, magnesium or functional mushrooms—are usually a more appropriate place to start than products designed to alter serotonin levels.
When Is It Worth Seeking Advice?
Most people can take supplements safely alongside sertraline (Zoloft). However, it's worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist if:
-
You're considering a supplement marketed for mood, anxiety or depression.
-
You're taking several supplements alongside sertraline.
-
You've developed new or worsening side effects since starting a supplement.
-
You're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
-
You have liver disease or another long-term medical condition.
-
You're taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels.
If you experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, a high temperature, muscle stiffness, tremors or severe diarrhoea after combining sertraline with another medicine or supplement, seek urgent medical attention, as these may be signs of serotonin syndrome.
Your healthcare professional can help you choose supplements that support your overall wellbeing while reducing the risk of unwanted interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take supplements with sertraline?
Yes. Most supplements can be taken safely with sertraline. However, supplements that affect serotonin levels should be avoided unless recommended by your healthcare professional.
What are the best supplements to take with sertraline?
A high-quality multivitamin, functional mushrooms, magnesium, omega-3 and vitamin D may be worth considering depending on your diet, lifestyle and health goals.
Can I take functional mushrooms with sertraline?
Yes. There are no well-established interactions between sertraline and functional mushrooms such as lion's mane, cordyceps or chaga. They aren't a treatment for anxiety or depression, but some people choose to take them to support focus, cognitive performance and overall wellbeing.
Can I take magnesium with sertraline?
Yes. Magnesium can generally be taken safely alongside sertraline. It may be appropriate if your dietary intake is low or you're looking to support normal psychological function, nervous system function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Can I take omega-3 with sertraline?
Yes. Omega-3 supplements can generally be taken safely with sertraline and may be worth considering if you don't regularly eat oily fish.
Can I take St John's wort with sertraline?
No. St John's wort should not be taken with sertraline because it can increase serotonin levels and raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Can I take 5-HTP with sertraline?
No. 5-HTP isn't recommended alongside sertraline because it may increase serotonin levels and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Can I take vitamin D with sertraline?
Yes. Vitamin D can generally be taken safely with sertraline and may be appropriate if you have low vitamin D levels or an increased risk of deficiency.
Should I stop taking sertraline if I want to take supplements?
No. Continue taking sertraline 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.
