diff --git a/api/main.py b/api/main.py
index 491b215..e076a32 100644
--- a/api/main.py
+++ b/api/main.py
@@ -8,8 +8,9 @@ import openai
 import pickle
 import requests
 
-from dotenv import load_dotenv
-load_dotenv()
+if os.path.exists('.env'):
+    from dotenv import load_dotenv
+    load_dotenv()
 
 app = Flask(__name__)
 cors = CORS(app)
diff --git a/api/requirements.txt b/api/requirements.txt
index b455304..a0f4e56 100644
--- a/api/requirements.txt
+++ b/api/requirements.txt
@@ -17,4 +17,3 @@ openai==0.27.2
 numpy==1.24.2
 tenacity==8.2.2
 tiktoken
-dotenv