Quick info on herbal supplements
Since they're over the counter and "natural" products, it's safe to take them, right? Wrong! Always make sure with your provider that it's ok for you to take over the counter products.
Here are couple reasons why:
- herbal supplements do not need an FDA approval. Typically this agency approves prescription drugs prior to placing them on the market, but it isn't so in a case of herbals.
- some herbal supplements have drug-like effects, for instance, Valerian root that is often used for insomnia, can have very sedative effects and it may be too much for an elderly person!
- many herbal supplements interact with prescription medications. St Johns Wort is commonly used for its antidepressant properties but can be dangerous when taken along with certain classes of antidepressants.
If in doubt, you can do your own research through websites recommended by the Mayo Clinic as legitimate patient resources. One of the sources is National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (click on the name to check out the website) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I was able to find easy to understand information regarding many herbal supplements patients often have questions about.
Any herbal supplement you take could potentially interact with your medications. Next time you see your provider, bring a list of what you take or better yet, bring the bottles!
Here are couple reasons why:
- herbal supplements do not need an FDA approval. Typically this agency approves prescription drugs prior to placing them on the market, but it isn't so in a case of herbals.
- some herbal supplements have drug-like effects, for instance, Valerian root that is often used for insomnia, can have very sedative effects and it may be too much for an elderly person!
- many herbal supplements interact with prescription medications. St Johns Wort is commonly used for its antidepressant properties but can be dangerous when taken along with certain classes of antidepressants.
If in doubt, you can do your own research through websites recommended by the Mayo Clinic as legitimate patient resources. One of the sources is National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (click on the name to check out the website) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I was able to find easy to understand information regarding many herbal supplements patients often have questions about.
Any herbal supplement you take could potentially interact with your medications. Next time you see your provider, bring a list of what you take or better yet, bring the bottles!