HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can 5-HTP Be Taken Instead Of Citalopram Hydrobromide For Depression?

default
Posted on Mon, 6 Feb 2017
Question: I am currently on 20 mg of Citalopram Hydrobromide daily for depression. My therapist says I will probably have to take this the rest of my life. Can 5HTP which is also a serotonin reuptake substance replace the prescription drug?.


Thank you Dr. Balliu for your answer. I am making a personal effort to change my lifestyle. Specifically, eating more fruits and vegetables. Which is supposed to boost seratonin levels. The drug is very expensive. Basically, I am trying to wean myself off ALL prescription drugs. I have all ready succeeded in getting completely off my high blood pressure meds. My blood pressure today is 121 over 85 w/o high blood pressure meds. Yesterday it was 104 over 76. Also, a blood test last year revealed that I was prediabetic. My reading was 5.9. I have all ready lowered this to 5.7. Right now I am trying to do a Digestive Cleanse which requires that I do not use dairy, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, red meat etc. I the end of 2 weeks I would then start reintroducing foods back into my diet. So my question to you Sir, is if I am diligent about making lifestyle changes can I change prediabetes, high blood pressure, and the use of anti-depressants?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rudina Balliu (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Good thing about the lifestyle.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
I'm happy to know about all these things you are doing , let me congrat you about that .

These lifestyle changes , yes will help you to control you blood pressure and to prevent prediabetic stage to develop real diabetes.

I would suggest to check regularly your blood pressure (every day ) and your blood sugar while you keep following this diet.

About depression, it's good to consume foods that boost serotonin level, will help but I can't say if it is enough . They may increase serotonin levels but sometimes, is not enough to prevent the symptoms that's why you need the medications .

I understand that they are expensive but this is something that only your treating doctor should decide because he /she aving the exclusive privilege to examine you . So please discuss with your doctor about making any changes in the therapy.

I would encourage you to follow the changes in diet and do exercises ( at least 30minutes walk every day).

Feel free to get back to me in case of any further queries
Take Care !
Dr Balliu .



Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rudina Balliu

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 420 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can 5-HTP Be Taken Instead Of Citalopram Hydrobromide For Depression?

Brief Answer: Good thing about the lifestyle. Detailed Answer: Hello again. I'm happy to know about all these things you are doing , let me congrat you about that . These lifestyle changes , yes will help you to control you blood pressure and to prevent prediabetic stage to develop real diabetes. I would suggest to check regularly your blood pressure (every day ) and your blood sugar while you keep following this diet. About depression, it's good to consume foods that boost serotonin level, will help but I can't say if it is enough . They may increase serotonin levels but sometimes, is not enough to prevent the symptoms that's why you need the medications . I understand that they are expensive but this is something that only your treating doctor should decide because he /she aving the exclusive privilege to examine you . So please discuss with your doctor about making any changes in the therapy. I would encourage you to follow the changes in diet and do exercises ( at least 30minutes walk every day). Feel free to get back to me in case of any further queries Take Care ! Dr Balliu .