کریٹین · creatine monohydrate
Mixed evidence
The gym supplement with a real, if small, mood literature — particularly in women.
This is information, not medical advice. This page is information, not medical advice. Nothing here is a prescription, a diagnosis or a recommendation to take anything, and none of it replaces a doctor who knows your history. Supplements are not harmless because they are natural: they interact with prescription medicines, some are unsafe in pregnancy, and a few can cause real damage. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything here, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, have a liver, kidney or heart condition, or take any regular medication. Never stop a prescribed antidepressant to try a supplement instead.
A compound stored in muscle and brain that helps cells recycle energy. Found in meat and fish, and made by the body.
Several trials, some in women who had not responded fully to an SSRI, found creatine added to treatment improved depression scores faster than the antidepressant alone. The proposed mechanism - brain energy metabolism - is plausible and studied. Trials are small, and this is an add-on finding, not a standalone treatment.
Trials used 3 to 5 g daily of monohydrate, taken continuously for several weeks.
Recorded because a person who has decided to try something will find a number somewhere, and a forum's number is worse than a trial's. It is not a recommendation, and the right amount for you depends on things only a doctor who knows your history can weigh.
Well studied and safe in healthy people. Causes some water retention and mild weight gain. Anyone with kidney disease should ask a doctor first. Drink enough water. Buy plain monohydrate rather than expensive "advanced" forms with no added evidence.
Cheap and easy to find in any sports nutrition shop. Counterfeits exist - buy sealed from an established seller.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take, prescription and herbal both. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a liver, kidney, heart or thyroid condition, ask first. And if what brought you here is that you have been feeling low or frightened for weeks, that deserves more than a supplement — ask us anything, anonymously, or talk to us on WhatsApp.