David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Watch for alternative medicine side effects during depression treatment
By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D., Mayo Clinic
May 2, 2009
This is the first in a series that will briefly highlight some alternative medicine (also referred to as complementary medicine) therapies, especially alternative medicine side effects or interactions. It's important to emphasize that these therapies are not meant to substitute for what your health care provider has recommended for you, including prescription medication, talk therapy, exercise, weight loss, etc.
A lot of people think of herbs or supplements when alternative or complementary medicine is mentioned. These are just one kind of a whole host of alternative therapies. I'll be focusing on depression at this time in relationship to herbs or supplements.
Always tell your provider about everything that you take, prescribed or not. Multivitamins are generally safe; ask your provider if you're unsure. Watch for vitamins or supplements that contain herbs such as St. John's Wort, ginseng, ginkgo, etc. These substances can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
For example, St. John's Wort can interfere with the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Ginseng may raise blood pressure and estrogen levels in women. Ginkgo can also interfere with clotting, so don't take it when you're on blood thinners, including aspirin.
Ginkgo can increase blood pressure when on a thiazide diuretic (water pill). This is a small list, but shows there are some potentially dangerous side effects. Make sure to talk with your health care provider about any supplements, herbs, etc. you are considering taking. Share with the group your experience in using alternative medical treatments for depression, especially the use of herbs or supplements.
By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D., Mayo Clinic
May 2, 2009
This is the first in a series that will briefly highlight some alternative medicine (also referred to as complementary medicine) therapies, especially alternative medicine side effects or interactions. It's important to emphasize that these therapies are not meant to substitute for what your health care provider has recommended for you, including prescription medication, talk therapy, exercise, weight loss, etc.
A lot of people think of herbs or supplements when alternative or complementary medicine is mentioned. These are just one kind of a whole host of alternative therapies. I'll be focusing on depression at this time in relationship to herbs or supplements.
Always tell your provider about everything that you take, prescribed or not. Multivitamins are generally safe; ask your provider if you're unsure. Watch for vitamins or supplements that contain herbs such as St. John's Wort, ginseng, ginkgo, etc. These substances can cause side effects or interact with other medications.
For example, St. John's Wort can interfere with the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Ginseng may raise blood pressure and estrogen levels in women. Ginkgo can also interfere with clotting, so don't take it when you're on blood thinners, including aspirin.
Ginkgo can increase blood pressure when on a thiazide diuretic (water pill). This is a small list, but shows there are some potentially dangerous side effects. Make sure to talk with your health care provider about any supplements, herbs, etc. you are considering taking. Share with the group your experience in using alternative medical treatments for depression, especially the use of herbs or supplements.
