Is Collagen Safe To Take With Antidepressants?

Answer

Hello and thanks for reaching out to us! We are happy to help out here.

Collagen peptides are perfectly safe to take with Effexor. There is no interaction to be concerned about. In fact, there are no known interactions between collagen peptides and any antidepressant, including:

• Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Paxil (paroxetine)

I do want to point out that some people who take collagen peptides and utilize it as their sole (or primary source) of protein, sometimes supplement their diet with a tryptophan-containing dietary supplement since collagen is an incomplete protein (i.e. does not contain all of the amino acids). It does not contain the amino acid tryptophan.

Tryptophan is partially converted in the body to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and is commonly used as an over-the-counter supplement to treat depressive symptoms and anxiety. There is a potential interaction between antidepressants that affect serotonin (such as SSRIs drugs, like Zoloft) and tryptophan since they both have serotonergic effects.

Now, again, collagen peptides don't interact with antidepressants, I just mention tryptophan as it comes up often when talking about what kind of protein collagen is.

What Are Collagen Peptides?

Collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen and collagen hydrolysate, are small protein molecules and the primary protein constituent in ligaments, tendons and skin.

Collagen peptides are generally more absorbable than larger protein molecules (studies suggest collagen peptides are more than 90% absorbable).

A very popular dietary supplement, studies suggest that supplementing with collagen peptides can improve skin hydration and elasticity. They are also used to support wound healing and bone health. It is very well tolerated, and reported side effects from supplementation are generally limited to mild nausea and gas (if they occur at all).

Collagen peptides are soluble in water, and tend to mix easily, unlike gelatin (which is also derived from collagen).

What Is Effexor?

Effexor (venlafaxine) is used to treat depression. The extended-release (long-acting) capsules are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worrying that is difficult to control), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks).

It is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question! You can feel safe combining collagen peptides and Effexor as they are safe together.