Sertraline, better known as the brand-name drug Zoloft, is an antidepressant medication available by prescription only. Lysine is an essential amino acid that you obtain by eating protein-rich foods. Lysine is also available in supplement form. Because some supplements have negative interactions with sertraline, it's important to know which ones to avoid while taking this medication. Taking lysine shouldn't be a problem, but consult your health care provider before combining the two.
Lysine
Sometimes, combining a nutritional or herbal supplement with a medication can be particularly helpful for a certain health condition. This isn't the case with sertraline and lysine, however. Taking lysine as a supplement is mainly helpful for preventing cold sores and outbreaks of genital herpes. Research indicates that its antiviral effects work for this purpose, but it may not be useful for reducing the duration or severity of an outbreak, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Side Effects
Another reason people combine supplements with a medication is to help counteract side effects of that medication. While sertraline has numerous possible side effects, lysine supplements aren't likely to relieve any of them. Sertraline can cause unpleasant digestive effects, such as lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating. It also may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness and tiredness. Lysine generally doesn't cause side effects, but high doses have been associated with gallstones. Lysine supplements may not be safe if you have any sort of kidney dysfunction.
Lysine Interactions
Authoritative websites do not show any interactions between lysine and sertraline. Another amino acid -- arginine -- and aminoglycoside antiobiotics are the only substances that have negative interactions with lysine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Taking arginine supplements may reduce the effects of lysine supplements. Taking antibiotics such as neomycin and streptomycin with lysine may increase the risk of kidney dysfunction.
Sertraline Interactions
Sertraline interacts with numerous substances, so tell your health care provider about any other medications and any dietary supplements you take before combining them with this antidepressant. Some substances that interact with sertraline include other antidepressants; drugs with blood-thinning effects; sedatives; and medications that treat diabetes, seizure disorders and irregular heartbeat. Interactions may involve an increase in side effects or a decrease in the desired effects.
