Can I safely take chromium with MAOIs and 5-HTP?

Dear Dr. McLeod,
I stumbled across your site today and am very glad! :-)
I have over the last 2 years suffered panic attacks while in an abusive and violent relationship (but have always had a nervous disposition) and only a few weeks ago was advised I take 5HTP (with magnesium and B6) and it was suggested I may be deficient in B12and folic acid. Amazingly taking the 5HTP helped enormously with my anxiety and my IBS vanished!
However, I still find I am depressed... yet atypically I eat too much and sleep too much! I am also incredibly sensitive and when I stumbled across this site it all clicked! I may have atypical depression.
I am addicted to sugar and starchy foods and now weigh over 10 stone,
I need to nap in the day or else I can't cope and I still sleep over 9hours a night (though 5HTP has helped and I sleep much deeper), I think there must be something wrong with me that I am so tired and achy (like lead!) and I have severe phobias about social engagement, incredible fear of rejection that I have to "act" so that they won't be rejecting the real me (and when of course they do reject me because I am acting strange it only instils a greater fear of other people and more of a desire to be a hermit). My ex thought I must have Hysterical Personality Disorder.
Do you think that I would benefit from Chromium. I understand from one of the articles on here that MAOI also helps. I don't wish to discontinue 5HTP. Is it possible to take all three together?
Many thanks and I look forward to your response.
H

ANSWER:
Dear Ms. H:
Chromium is safe, in my experience, when taken with 5-HTP. I would advise you to take chromium and an MAOI only after consultation with your individual healthcare provider. I'm not sure, but I'm concerned that chromium and an MAOI might negatively interact.
Thank you for your question.

Malcolm N. McLeod, MD

Efficacy and safety of chromium picolinate

Dear Dr. McLeod,
Thank you for your book about the atypical depression. I am fifty fiveand I have been taking 400 mcg of chromium picolinate daily since 2weeks and it has been successful as I feel really better, less lightheaded, less daytime sleepiness, much more open to my relatives and relationships and mainly less tired. My cravings for starches us blunted ! I can't believe it !

What is your opinion about the risk to take chromium for the long time at this dosage ?

Best regards, A. C.
Paris, France

Answer: I'm delighted that chromium has helped you. I have received many letters lilke yours. On to your question: Chromium is safe in the dosage you are taking. Several of my patients (and me as well) have taken 800 mcg of Chromax chromium picoliate per day for over a decade.

Thank you for contacting me.
Malcolm McLeod, MD