Psychotropics vs. dietary supplements

Psychotropics are psychoactive drugs that are prescribed by a psychiatrist. These are not drugs, personality-changing drugs or poisons that destroy the kidneys and liver. Dietary supplements are not medicines, they can be bought at a pharmacy or supermarket without a prescription. These are products with low active doses, which only after long use affect mood, health or mood.

There are no clear contraindications to taking dietary supplements during treatment with psychotropic drugs, however, it is always necessary to consult the attending physician. Regardless of your psychiatric condition or the psychotropic you are taking, you should be particularly careful and consider other medications and supplements with caution. Forget the shame! Tell your GP or pharmacist about the psychiatric treatment - they'll fit the right supplements, especially those that will help you fight the side effects of psychotropic drugs.

Preparations containing magnesium and vitamin B6 can be used most often without much concern, also in antidepressant therapy. However, be careful and ask your doctor for advice during the control visit. However, most attention should be paid to supplements with plant extracts, which promise similar effects to those of psychotropic drugs. Sleep problems, fatigue, and even anxiety disorders - in the wide range of supplements you will find preparations for many symptoms, but without consulting your doctor do not replace drugs with supplements. They have much smaller doses of active substances, but can be used to supplement and support.

Psychotropics vs. dietary supplements - the most common complications

Haemorrhagic complications may occur as a result of taking antidepressants and dietary supplements containing ginkgo biloba, ginseng, mountain rosary and thistle. Therefore, it is better to avoid memory or potency-enhancing supplements during antidepressant treatment.

Abnormal consciousness and cognitive disorders occur when sleeping pills and sedatives are combined with ginseng, mountain rosary, ginkgo biloba and thistle. Popular memory, concentration and strengthening supplements often contain extracts from these plants, so read them carefully!

Ventricular arrhythmias, pancreatitis and hepatotoxicity are possible effects of combining antipsychopathic drugs with ginseng, spotted thistle and mountain rose. Therefore, avoid teas with spotted thistle and heart strengthening supplements with ginseng.

It is worth noting that dietary supplements are not only tablets and syrups, but also teas bought at a pharmacy and herbal mixtures for brewing or adding to dishes. Dietary supplements are sold not only in pharmacies, but also often we buy them in a supermarket, at a gas station, in a traffic kiosk or in a convenience store. However, the place of purchase should not affect the awareness of what we are taking and how it may affect the medicines prescribed by the doctor - not just psychotropic ones.