DRUG INTERACTIONS

 

Many herbs and food items can cause adverse reactions when combined with antidepressants, tranquilizers or other prescription drugs. Very often, herbs, foods and even over-the-counter medications may interact with prescriptions, resulting in a range of symptoms like headaches, flu-like symptoms, increased anxiety, insomnia and many others. 

As a result, some people feel as if they have increased or decreased their medication too quickly, when their symptoms are actually being caused by an interaction between items they have ingested with their prescription. 

Whether an individual is using POINT OF RETURN to taper off their medication or not, our handy Interaction Pocket Guide may help prevent unwanted interactions and discomfort.

A FEW EXAMPLES:

1. 5HTP - should not be taken with any antidepressant as it can enhance the drug and increase the risk for Serotonin Syndrome, a life threatening condition. 1, 2
2. BARLEY - can dramatically lower blood sugar and over-stimulate the nervous system, causing increased anxiety, panic and insomnia. It should not be combined with benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, asthma, diabetes or heart medications, stimulants, many antidepressants, anti-psychotics. 3, 4, 5
3. GRAPEFRUIT - increases the effects of most medications, causing a dangerous risk for serious side effects. 6, 7
4. PASSIONFLOWER - can cause a dangerous lowering of blood pressure when combined with any central nervous system agent, including benzodiazepines, anxiety medication, sleeping pills, or antidepressants, as it enhances the effects of medications, including the risk of serious side effects. 8, 9, 10
5. ST. JOHN'S WORT - may cause any medication to pass more rapidly through the body, causing withdrawal symptoms. 11, 12

References:
1. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/5-htp-000938.htm
2. http://altmedicine.about.com/od/druginteractions/p/5HTP.htm
3. http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsInteractions/0,3926,4018%7CHordeum+vulgare,00.html
4. http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/PrintablePages/herbMonograph/0,11475,4018,00.html
5.http://www.ajc.com/health/altmed/shared/health/alt_medicine/ConsSupplements/Interactions/BetaCarotenecs.html
6. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN00413
7. http://www.fhma.com/grapefruit.htm
8. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/passionflower-000922.htm
9.http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer/display.cfm?id=0b8ed029-a6b4-4224-8345a0c82e8af08a&method=displayfull&pn=6eb86a59-ebd9-11d4-810100508b603a14
10. Professional’s Handbook of Complimentary & Alternative Medicines
11. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/stjwort.htm
12. http://www.herbological.com/images/SJW_table.pdf

*While great care has been taken in organizing and presenting the material throughout this website, please note that it is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as Medical Advice. MORE...

WHAT WE OFFER

Drug Interaction Pocket Guide
Only $10 and includes Antidepressants, Anti-Anxiety medications, Sleeping Pills and Anti-Psychotics. It is small enough to be carried in a purse or jacket pocket for easy referencing.