Depression affects millions of people at any given time worldwide. When it comes to managing the condition, there are a couple of main approaches. Traditional school medicine often encourages individuals turn to antidepressant medications to treat depression. While others seek out natural herbal or plant remedies such as St. John’s Wort, Valerian or Maca Root.
If you belong to the first group and are considering using maca alongside antidepressants, it's essential to understand the potential interactions and ensure your overall wellness remains your top priority. In this article, we will explore the topic in-depth so that you and your trusted health care professional can make an informed decision.
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed medications that may help alleviate some symptoms of depression and related conditions. They work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Different classes of antidepressants, including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are available, each with its own mechanisms of action. The downside of some of these medications are potential side effects which range from insomnia to anxiety, to indigestion to dizziness, weight gain, heart problems and more. It is these types of side effects that lead many people to seek alternatives such as therapy, lifestyle changes and remedies like maca.
Maca root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a plant native to the Andes Mountains in Peru and Bolivia. It has been used for centuries as a food source and as a natural form of medicine. Over the recent decades, maca root has gained popularity outside of Peru as a natural functional food that can offer various health benefits. These include increased energy, enhanced libido, improved mood, fertility, skin health and more. Maca works on the endocrine system to help balance hormones and also contains a wide variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, along with bioactive compounds that contribute to its potential therapeutic effects.
Maca root has been used safely for a very long time and it has no known contraindications. A contraindication is defined as “a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question because it may be harmful to the person.” It’s important to understand that maca is a food and not a drug or even a supplement. As such it simply does not cause harm. The worst that happens to people who take maca is temporary indigestion if they take too much raw maca or temporary “jitters” if they take too much maca at one time. And these resolve quickly when discontinuing use. The only well-known case in which people are advised to proceed with caution when taking maca is when an individual also takes blood pressure medicine. People taking blood pressure medicines shoud watch their blood pressure readings and consult with their healthcare professional when taking maca since it has been shown to support lower blood pressure.
Although maca root is generally considered safe, it's important to consider potential interactions when used alongside antidepressants. The primary concern is the potential for maca to affect neurotransmitter levels, which could potentially interfere with the intended effects of antidepressant medications. This may not be a concern since recent research suggests that maca actually has “neuroprotective” effects but more research is necessary to make any definitive conclusions. Beyond published research, our experience in selling maca for over 2 decades suggests that most people on antidepressant medications tolerate maca without any issue. That said, it’s still important to check with a competent and knowledgeable health care professional for any specific questions you may have in this regard.
Maca indeed has been associated with having mood uplifting characteristics. We have published an extensive article on maca for depression that outlines how maca works for this condition and which maca is most indicated for it. We’ve also had some customers say that their use of antidepressants decreased or even ended after they started taking maca. In our opinion, maca is certainly worth a try for most people who suffer with low levels of depression.
Since maca root works on the endocrine system it can indeed help to balance energy and uplift mood, both of which are related to hormone levels. As a superfood maca is generally considered quite safe and has no known contraindications. Results do vary from person to person as do specific reactions. So, in the end, “is it safe to take maca with antidepressants?” Generally, there is no evidence to suggest any danger in combining the two. However, it is important to seek out the advice of a knowledgeable and trustworthy health care professional to give more personal advice if you have more specific questions. We hope this helps answer your question. Please let us know if you need further support.Enjoy the day!
I shop around a lot for my supplements and health foods, and I have to say you guys at The Maca Team are light years ahead of anyone else selling maca out in the marketplace. Thanks for all you do!
By Jim Price, The Green Marketing Guru
Loving the red maca from themacateam. I can tell the difference from my usual store-bought brands. It really tastes so fresh and sweet compared to others. I really love this product. Thanks for sourcing it for us to enjoy
By Michelle Gebbia
I LOVE Maca Team Maca...this was my first purchase with the Maca Team and I have no need to try any other Maca-producer. The Maca tastes fresh and flavorful, the Kilo bag is a great price, and I feel so much more at ease (Maca is such powerful medicine :) )
By Lizzie Thompson
I take 24 products from five to six times a week to increase my well-being and sensual and sexual delights. ;D The Maca Team’s organic maca is one of them—nine grams in my smoothie, Monday to Saturday. The Maca Team is a small business run by a family who cares about its customers, its Peruvian maca growers, and the environment. It's vital to know the source of everything we put in our mouths. Physical and mental health are precious treasures. :D
By Jerry Montero
By Milt Thompson
This product is amazing! I have used other cheaper brands of white maca with fairly good results, but after trying the Maca Team maca, I noticed within two weeks all of my menopausal symptoms had completely vanished. Others described a bad taste and smell, but I have tried the black and the red and find them both to be mild tasting. I use a tablespoon in my daily smoothly
By Joy
Maca first came to us by our vitamin supplier. Then we ordered from the Maca Team. Comparison? Think fire-fly, then think mid-day sun. At 76 and 73 years respectively, that is a big deal; and at comparable cost too. We never have we had such speedy delivery and the packaging is the strongest, most protective we've seen, ever, at all ... anywhere. Further, the Mrs. no longer takes hormone supplements. And Mr. scans the morning want ads for steady P/T work.
By George & Sherri
I had been using another brand of maca powder and decided to try The Maca Team's. The difference in freshness is night and day, and better tasting . I'm 6 foot 250 lbs. and take 4 teaspoons every day w/ my protein shake. Great energy boost and just feel great all day. I can tell a difference when I do not take it. best price that I have found {36oz}. I will be buying more as needed.
By J.D.
I've tried various maca brands over the last 20 years and The Maca Team brand is very special. There is definitely a difference when it comes to the quality and colors of the maca. This red maca does seem to nourish certain parts of my body while the black maca nourishes something else. I know I've been missing the nutrition these maca provide. I'm 75 years old and bodies wear out, but I'm finding I'm regaining a functioning body. How wonderful is this?!?!!!
By Janis Ihrig
I just wanted to thank you for your excellently constructed website. I am a physician and I recently started learning about Maca. I get a very good sense of it, and I expect I will try it out myself and possibly be recommending it to patients in the future. If so, your website will be the first place to send people. Thanks again.
By Adam Holt
Love the Maca team, In an earlier comment I said I was on the fence about where to buy Maca .Not anymore .You shouldn’t be either. The team has answered any questions I’ve had promptly. I feel like I’m dealing with friends, not some company far away out for my money only. The Maca is fresh, prices are good, the people are nice. If you’re on the fence, don’t be, you won’t be sorry.
By Bob
My Maca came in today and it has all the information on it! I must say this is the best tasting Maca I have tried!! Thank you again for a great product!! I will only order from you in future as well!
By Stormi Evans
First I would like to say I love this product. I was very skeptical about a natural product with so many benefits but this stuff really works. Second, I love this company. From the web site to the way they run their company this a top-notch team. I will be ordering from The Maca Team from now on. Great job guys keep doing what you are doing.
By Darren Rivers Sr.
We love this product. I own a store and work with clients holistically. We have recommended maca for years however, this is the highest quality product we have ever carried. I am proud to offer it in my store.
By Mellissa Gage, Infinity and Beyond
I am really happy that I chose the Maca Team, today you can find many distributors selling Maca powder, however quality of the powder is impossible to compare. Moreover, the results after 2 weeks I could feel. Before I was taking maca powder and I did not feel any changes. But since I started taking Maca from Maca Team the changes are incredible. So, I did a test.:) I gave the powder to my partner ... and after 2 weeks he was impressed and told me that he has more energy, feeling happy... Thank you The Maca Team!!!!
By Olga
I do want to say that I have done quite a bit of research on different companies that offer Maca and The Maca Team definitely is the most reputable. Thank you again for your kindness and professionalism :)
By T.C.
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