Regular readers have heard me say it lots of time – please don’t self prescribe yourself natural supplements, as some of them interact negatively with prescription medication. Some natural remedies ‘potentiate’ (increase the power) of medications, others slow down the action of medications. Some may bring on unpleasant or dangerous side effects when used together.

 

Here are some of the more common interactions:

 

· Warfarin is a prescription medication designed to thin blood, often prescribed to elderly people with heart disease. It reacts with a multitude of natural remedies, too many to list here. Recently the Therapeutic Goods Administration issued a warning about a possible interaction between warfarin and glucosamine, a nutritional supplement for joint health.

 

· The effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill may be altered by high doses of vitamin C.

 

· Fish oils are a great source of essential fatty acids, but they also increase the time it takes for blood to clot, an important consideration if you’re about to undergo surgery.

 

· Psyllium husks are a great fibre supplement – but they may also absorb prescription medications in your gut, reducing their effectiveness. This is particularly so with lithium, a prescription medication for mental health.

 

· Slippery elm bark may also slow or reduce absorption of prescription drugs, as this herb puts a protective lining on the digestive tract.

 

· St Johns Wort is a popular over-the-counter anti-depressant herb, but it can potentially cause problems if you are undergoing chemotherapy, taking oral contraceptives, Simvastatin, or some of the SSRI anti-depressants.

 

· Korean Ginseng may cause problems if you are also taking the MAO type of anti-depressants.

 

· Bugleweed and Bladderwrack (kelp) should not be taken alongside medications that affect the thyroid gland.

 

· Ginkgo may affect the action of Haloperidol, a prescription medication for mental health.

 

If you’re taking prescription medication and natural supplements, its important that both your doctor and your natural health professional know what you’re taking. This is particularly important if you are about to undergo surgery or chemotherapy. Often its easier for everyone if you take your supplements or medication with you to your consultation rather than trying to remember what you’re taking and the dose.

 

Fortunately there are many natural therapies available, including homoeopathics and acupuncture, which won’t cause problems when used alongside prescription medications. But to stay safe, make sure all your health professionals know what you’re taking.

 

 

 

 

Article © Olwen Anderson, 2008

Natural Remedies And Medication—Are You Safe?