12 December 2007
watch drug interactions
Many people think that taking an herb or an over-the-counter (OTC) medication is 100% safe. But it's simply not true. Aside from the potential for allergic reactions (which can happen with anything that you put into your body, though some people are more prone than others to such things), there is a risk of the herb, supplement or OTC medication interacting badly with a medication you are already taking. For example, St. John's Wort, which is a very popular supplement among people with mild depression, can have an unwanted effect if it's combined with certain medications.
If you are on any type of medication, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take an OTC medication, herbal remedy or supplement.
Being aware of the potential for serious drug interactions helped me to avoid taking a supplement that might have caused a serious complication when combined with a medication I was already taking. 5-HTP is commonly used to help alleviate depression and some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and someone had recommended a product that would help me feel better. No problem, until I read the label and discovered that the supplement contains 5-HTP. Since I'm already on an antidepressant medication, the addition of the supplement with 5-HTP might cause too much of an increase in serotonin levels. Fortunately, I knew this and I knew to read the label before I even bought the supplement.
Don't assume that someone who works at a vitamin or health food store knows everything about the medications your doctor has prescribed for you. Herbalists may know a lot about herbs, vitamins and supplements and how they affect the human body, but they may not know about the various medications that you are already taking. It's your responsibility to check out everything before you put it in your mouth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions before you start taking any supplements or OTC medications (such as antihistamines, sleep preparations, pain relievers etc.).
Life can be stressful enough without having to deal with side effects and bad drug interactions.
Take care of yourself.
--Mary
If you are on any type of medication, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take an OTC medication, herbal remedy or supplement.
Being aware of the potential for serious drug interactions helped me to avoid taking a supplement that might have caused a serious complication when combined with a medication I was already taking. 5-HTP is commonly used to help alleviate depression and some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. I have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and someone had recommended a product that would help me feel better. No problem, until I read the label and discovered that the supplement contains 5-HTP. Since I'm already on an antidepressant medication, the addition of the supplement with 5-HTP might cause too much of an increase in serotonin levels. Fortunately, I knew this and I knew to read the label before I even bought the supplement.
Don't assume that someone who works at a vitamin or health food store knows everything about the medications your doctor has prescribed for you. Herbalists may know a lot about herbs, vitamins and supplements and how they affect the human body, but they may not know about the various medications that you are already taking. It's your responsibility to check out everything before you put it in your mouth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions before you start taking any supplements or OTC medications (such as antihistamines, sleep preparations, pain relievers etc.).
Life can be stressful enough without having to deal with side effects and bad drug interactions.
Take care of yourself.
--Mary
Labels: drug interactions, medication side effects, OTC medications, supplements
