Vitamin C has many potential benefits when used as a supplement, including treating colds and lowering blood pressure. However, in supplement form, the vitamin can interact with many medications. An interaction between the vitamin and antidepressants has not been documented, MedlinePlus reports. You should, though, consult with a doctor before using vitamin C supplements if you also take other drugs because of the potential for an interaction.
Warfarin
The drug thinner warfarin, used to help prevent blood clotting, may become less effective when taken with vitamin C supplements, so you should avoid using the two together, according to Medline Plus. If you need to take both, your doctor may have to change your warfarin dosage, and you also may need to undergo regular blood tests to have your clotting ability checked.
Estrogen-Containing Medications
Because vitamin C can affect how your body breaks down estrogen, it can affect how the medications that contain estrogen work, including oral contraceptives and drugs used for hormone-replacement therapy. In particular, you may experience more side effects of the medication because the amount of estrogen in your body may increase.
Antacids Containing Aluminum
Antacids that contain aluminum -- and many of them do -- should be avoided with vitamin C because it can increase the amount of aluminum your body absorbs. Because of this effect, you may experience the side effects of the antacids more intensely.
Barbiturates
Common barbiturates, including phenobarbital, penobarbital and secobarbital, are not as effective when taken in conjunction with vitamin C, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. You should not take a vitamin C supplement while taking a barbiturate unless you are under the care of a doctor.
Protease Inhibitors
Protease inhibitors used to treat HIV and AIDS may be less effective when taken with large doses of vitamin C. Because of how critical these drugs are in preventing how quickly the infection can progress, this combination should always be avoided unless you are specifically directed to by your doctor.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy medications used to treat and cure cancer can interact with vitamin C because both are antioxidants. When used together, it may make the chemo drugs less effective, although research continues into whether this is a significant concern, MedlinePlus reports.
Common Pain Reliever
The common over-the-counter pain relievers acetaminophen, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be broken down in the body more quickly when you use a vitamin C supplement. When taken together, it can alter the effectiveness of the medications and increase the likelihood of side effects.
Nitrates
Nitrates used to treat heart disease should only be used with vitamin C if your doctor advises you to do so. When you take both, your body may not have its normal ability to build up a tolerance to the medication.
Fluphenazine
If you take fluphenazine with large amounts of vitamin C, it may alter the amount of the drug that is in your body. This means the drug may become less effective when used with the vitamin.
Tetracycline
More of the antibiotic tetracycline may stay in your body when taken along with a vitamin C supplement. It also may make vitamin C less effective in the body.
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