Herb-Prescription INTERACTIONS
People are buying herbal remedies for everything from migraines to memory preservation to depression . Where once you had to see an herbalist or naturopath to get the daily dose of herbs for what ails you , herbal products are now widely available on the Internet , drugstores and health food stores , making the ability to self-medicate greater than ever . But with opportunity comes a warning : mixing herbal remedies and prescription drugs could be harmful to your health . Just like drug-drug and drug-food interactions , herb-drug interactions are very common . Some herbal medicines may cancel the effect of a prescription drug , while others may reduce or exaggerate it .
Many fail to mention to their physician or pharmacist they are taking an herbal medicine and this can create problems with their prescription medication routine . Some of the more common products used and their effects follow .
By Dr . Donna Barsky , PharmD
man who ’ d been taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack and had spontaneous bleeding into the eye from the iris within a week of taking a daily dose of ginkgo .
56
Dong Quai is taken for menopausal symptom control . Do not mix Dong Quai with warfarin ( anti-coagulants ), St . John ’ s Wort and some antibiotics such as sulfonamides , quinolones .
Echinacea is mostly taken as an immune boost to prevent cold and flu . Do not mix Echinacea with some heart medications , antifungal medications , HIV medications and antianxiety medications .
Ephedra is a powerful decongestant that contains ephedrine , which can open up bronchial passages . It is controversial because it ’ s a powerful stimulant that can raise blood pressure , cause insomnia and high blood pressure . Do not mix with heart medications or if you are being treated for high blood pressure , glaucoma or thyroid problems .
Feverfew is taken to reduce the severity of migraines . Do not take with other migraine medications , as it may raise the heart rate and blood pressure . Feverfew has the potential to react with warfarin anti-coagulants , increasing the thinning of blood .
Ginkgo increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body , can also help improve memory . May interact with anti-coagulant medications such as aspirin , coumadin , heparin and warfarin , causing the blood to thin too much , and provoke a serious bleeding disorder . A report in the New England Journal of Medicine describes a case of a
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017
Garlic is thought to help lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of blood clots that could lead to heart attacks . Garlic capsules may increase blood thinning if you are already on anti-coagulants . Do not take with diabetes medication because it may cause decrease in blood sugars .
Ginseng is used to help reduce stress , boost energy and improve stamina , and may also help lower cholesterol . Can cause nervousness and excitation , and overuse can lead to headaches , insomnia and heart palpitations . Can increase blood pressure . Should not be used if you are taking prescriptions for high blood pressure or coumadin .
Hawthorn is claimed to be effective in helping reduce angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels . Should not be taken with digoxin , a heart medication . The mix may lower heart rate too much .
Kava is used to treat anxiety . It is also used to relieve insomnia and nervousness . Do not take Kava if you have a history of liver problems . Also , do not mix with antidepressants , sedatives , and do not mix Kava with alcohol .
Licorice is used to treat coughs , cold and peptic ulcers . High doses can lead to increased blood pressure , water