Check supplements when on other drugs

Q: I’m taking the serotonin-reuptake inhibitor sertraline (Zoloft) for depression. I feel so much better, and I assumed it was OK to keep taking my vitamins. But are there supplements I should watch out for? — Cecilia H., Ossining, New York

A: Yes, there are certain supplements that interfere with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS), and with serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIS) too.

Since we don’t know your exact dosage or the supplements you are taking, we can’t directly answer your question.

You should talk to your doctor about all the supplements and herbal preparations you may be using. When you do, here are some specifics to discuss:

Ask your doctor about the risks of taking St. John’s wort, garcinia cambogia, L-tryptophan (or 5-HTP) and SAME (S-adenosyl-methionine) supplements with your antidepressant. Consumer Labs says they can increase your risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome.

Also ask about the potential benefits of these supplements: A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that omega-3 fish oil (specifically EPA) in combo with SSRIS caused a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. It was also true to a lesser extent for vitamin D and methylfolate, a form of folic acid.

Q: I was on a plane, and the person next to me was watching one of the latest action movies. I won’t single it out, but it was nonstop violence — and rated PG-13! How can this not negatively affect impressionable youngsters? — Jesse J., Sioux Falls, South Dakota

A: The Motion Picture industry has eroded standards so that the PG-13 rating (parents strongly cautioned, for children under 13) means next to nothing. The Harvard School of Public Health warned that a “ratings creep” (it’s a voluntary system) has allowed more violent and sexually explicit content into films that are seen by young teens. So our advice to parents:

1. Do diligent research when your teen wants to see a movie. Find out how much and what type of violence a film contains, and check out Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia.org).

2. Ask around and find out what other parents have to say. If you’re not sure about the content, watch the movie first or watch with your youngster.

3. Talk to your kids about violence in the media. Help them evaluate what is gratuitous and reject its message.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.