Can I Replace an Antidepressant Drug with Holy Basil?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Betty
Posted on: October 15, 2004

I take Ultram, Prozac, and Neurontin for a chronic pain condition. Can I take holy basil? Or can I drop the Prozac and take holy basil. I read that it is very effective in treating depression and the Prozac effect has worn off.

Holy basil has anti-depressant, mild sedative and adrenal stimulant actions. All of the drugs that you mention above come with warnings that they may increase the effect of other sedatives. So there is a potential of an interaction with basil.

You cannot just stop taking antidepressant drugs, like Prozac. If you do, you will probably experience major side effects. The dose of antidepressants must be decreased very gradually over a period of months. If you want to replace your antidepressant drug with natural products, you should visit a medical or clinical herbalist who is experienced in helping people withdraw from drugs. A wihdrawal program can be designed for you, along with a program of natural remedies that are suitable for your individual health picture and the drugs that you are taking drugs.

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