Amitryptyline, or Elavil, is a tricyclic antidepressant drug. Its primary function is to decrease symptoms of depression. It is imperative to consult a licensed medical doctor or psychiatrist before attempting to use an herbal complementary or alternative medicine. Herbs may be contraindicated with medications due to the ability to increase or decrease the drug's availability.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe, or Corynanthe yohimbe, is an herbal supplement used in the treatment of depression, impotence, diabetic neuralgia, adrenal exhaustion and high blood pressure. While the herbal form of yohimbe is available without a prescription, there is also a prescription medication of the active ingredient yohimbine that is used to counteract the sexual dysfunction that antidepressant drugs can cause. According to the Summit Medical Group, not all antidepressants tolerate the addition of a yohimbe/yohimbine supplement. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline used in combination with yohimbe products can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is an herbal supplement often used to treat depression symptoms alternatively to prescription medications. When used in conjunction with amitriptyline, the University of California-San Diego Health Library reports that St. John's wort should not be used. Preliminary research findings from clinical trials showed that the combination of amitriptyline and St. John's wort caused blood levels of the tricyclic antidepressant medication to drop. It is believed that St. John's wort canceled out the amitriptyline dose due to the activation of liver enzymes required for the elimination of medications.
Black Tea
Black tea, or Camellia sinesis, is a popular drink produced by dried tea leaves served both iced and hot. In research trials involving test tubes, black tea precipitated levels of amitriptyline, which could lead to a decreased absorption rate of the medication in the human body. On the advice of the University of California-San Diego Health Library, it would be wise to avoid drinking black tea for the first few hours after the initial dose of amitriptyline.
Valerian Root
Valerian root, or Valeriana offininalis, is a calming herb used to treat anxiety and related disorders. Valerian, along with catnip, chamomile and lemon balm, can have a sedating effect. University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that valerian can increase the effectiveness of amitriptyline thereby causing the individual to become over-sedated, which could be life-threatening.
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