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Is It Safe To Take Celexa Along With Maca?
Question: Hi, I'm a 32 year old female who has been taking Celexa for a long time now, 30mg currently. Recently I started taking a little bit of Maca everyday (half a teaspoon) because it raises my libido which Celexa completely destroys. I've also noticed that Maca has been helping with memory and makes my mind less foggy. So I'd like to continue taking it. By the way, i take the Celexa for intrusive thoughts, depression, and anxiety and panic attacks. Someone mentioned on a forum that Maca and other "high-vibrational" foods can accentuate any problems that one currently has. Like if you have OCD or anxiety, it can make it worse? So this had me worried a little bit, even though the Celexa works wonders for me but I don't want to jeopardize its effects with the Maca although I haven't felt any counteractions yet. Is it safe to take these two together long term? Will it prevent the Celexa from working as well? Or will it have no negative effect at all as long as I take my medication also? I just really enjoy the return of my sex drive and mental clarity from it!
Brief Answer:
You can take them together for long term with break in schedule
Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam,
Maca is a herbal product and used for many conditions.Being a herbal product it has no significant side effects on its own as well as no drug interaction likely.
No studies or case report noted of any significant interaction between these two. As well as no information that maca jeopardize effects of celexa.
It will not worsen your depression ,anxiety or OCD.
It is good that you are feeling well.You should continue its use as it is adding to positive effects of Celexa. In my opinion you can take it together.
Dose of Maca recommended is maximum 3 gram daily. No studies fond out of long term use of Maca. But better to give a break in between of constant use.Like 1 week break(do not take Maca) every 3 week or so. As you do not feel any counter interaction to celexa till now, in future also you likely do not have such.Still I request you to inform your treating doctor also regarding this issue and take opinion also about the frequency,dose and break schedule.Any problem arises by chance your treating doctor can help you immediately.
Note: Maca itself acts on body and hormonal system specifically it may act like estrogen.It should be taken with doctor's supervision only if there are hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.For this just take your treating doctor's opinion.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
You can take them together for long term with break in schedule
Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam,
Maca is a herbal product and used for many conditions.Being a herbal product it has no significant side effects on its own as well as no drug interaction likely.
No studies or case report noted of any significant interaction between these two. As well as no information that maca jeopardize effects of celexa.
It will not worsen your depression ,anxiety or OCD.
It is good that you are feeling well.You should continue its use as it is adding to positive effects of Celexa. In my opinion you can take it together.
Dose of Maca recommended is maximum 3 gram daily. No studies fond out of long term use of Maca. But better to give a break in between of constant use.Like 1 week break(do not take Maca) every 3 week or so. As you do not feel any counter interaction to celexa till now, in future also you likely do not have such.Still I request you to inform your treating doctor also regarding this issue and take opinion also about the frequency,dose and break schedule.Any problem arises by chance your treating doctor can help you immediately.
Note: Maca itself acts on body and hormonal system specifically it may act like estrogen.It should be taken with doctor's supervision only if there are hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.For this just take your treating doctor's opinion.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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