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by Lauren Chars<\/p>\n
The use of supplements has become very popular as a way to promote well-being and prevent deficiencies.\u00a0 However, using certain prescription medications concurrently could lead to dangerous consequences that may cause more harm than help. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before starting or stopping a supplement. \u00a0The following are some common combinations to watch out for:<\/p>\n
Fish oil<\/strong><\/p>\n Common uses<\/em>: High cholesterol, cholesterol imbalance, prevention of heart disease<\/p>\n Interactions<\/em>: Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets), some blood pressure medications, certain oral contraceptives<\/p>\n Fish oil has been shown to decrease platelet aggregation and can thin your blood more than desired, increasing the risk of bleeding when taken with other blood thinners.\u00a0 In addition, certain blood pressure medicines and birth control pills may be prevented from working properly when taken with fish oil.<\/p>\n CBD Oil (Cannabidiol)<\/strong><\/p>\n Common uses<\/em>: Epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, pain, and many others!<\/p>\n Interactions:<\/em> benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax, Klonopin), sedatives (i.e. Ambien), warfarin, topiramate, valproic acid, and several others<\/p>\n Although CBD is the hot topic recently and is too new to have all of the data we need to assess its safety, there are some medications known to increase your risk of an interaction.\u00a0 Before starting CBD, be sure to check your medication list with a pharmacist to make sure you will stay safe!<\/p>\n Ginkgo: <\/strong><\/p>\n Common uses<\/em>: Alzheimer\u2019s Disease, dementia, memory support<\/p>\n Interactions<\/em>: Benzodiazepines\/anti-anxiety medications, warfarin and other blood thinners, cholesterol medications (i.e. atorvastatin).<\/p>\n Commonly used to aid memory, ginkgo can interact with blood thinners, sedatives and some cholesterol medications if used inappropriately.<\/p>\n St. John\u2019s Wort<\/strong><\/p>\n Common uses<\/em>: Depression, mood disorders<\/p>\n Interactions<\/em>: Other antidepressants, migraine medications, dextromethorphan cough syrup, warfarin, oral contraceptives, and many others!<\/p>\n There are few medications that St. John\u2019s Wort does not interact with and it is very important to check with a health care professional before you start this supplement!<\/p>\n Melatonin:<\/strong><\/p>\n Common uses<\/em>: insomnia, jet lag, other sleep disorders<\/p>\n Interactions<\/em>: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, some antihistamines (i.e. Benadryl), opioids, muscle relaxers<\/p>\n Other medications that cause drowsiness can interact with melatonin, so it is always good to check with a pharmacist before you take more than one medication before bed.<\/p>\n Ginger<\/strong><\/p>\n Common uses<\/em>: treatment and prevention of motion sickness, vertigo, morning sickness in pregnancy<\/p>\n Interactions<\/em>: warfarin, aspirin, blood thinners<\/p>\n Like fish oil, ginger may increase the risk of a bleed if not used with caution when taking blood thinners.<\/p>\n Supplements can improve your health in many ways, but it is essential to assess the benefits versus the risks before taking them along with other medications.\u00a0 A good rule of thumb is let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know each time before you start or stop a new supplement!<\/p>\n Sources:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Lauren Chars The use of supplements has become very popular as a way to promote well-being and prevent deficiencies.\u00a0 However, using certain prescription medications concurrently could lead to dangerous consequences that may cause more harm than help. Be sure … Continue reading \n