Can I take Herbal Tablets with my meds?

Question

I'm on Venlafaxine, Tramadol Hydrochloride, Diclofenac, Metaclopromide, Pantoprazole, Paracetamol and Iron for various health problems. I know I can't take some herbal pain relief and anti-depressants because of the meds I am on from the docs such as st johns wort as they can conflict with the ingredients in the tablets. I mainly want to reduce my depression and pain.
Any ideas?

I'm on Venlafaxine, Tramadol Hydrochloride, Diclofenac, Metaclopromide, Pantoprazole, Paracetamol and Iron for various health problems. I know I can't take some herbal pain relief and anti-depressants because of the meds I am on from the docs such as st johns wort as they can conflict with the ingredients in the tablets. I mainly want to reduce my depression and pain. I am seeing a psychiatrist already and have asked my doctor, chemist and a herbilist, all who did not know what would and wouldn't interfere with my meds.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

I really wish that people with absolutely no medical or pharmaceutical training or knowledge would stop answering questions like these, just to get a few points! Take all of your prescribed meds and any herbal remedies and sit down with a pharmacist or your doctor and insist they be reviewed for interactions. I had a patient scheduled for surgery who was specifically asked about all prescription, over-the-counter and herbal meds. She told us about the aspirin she took daily (which we stopped), but neglected to mention the excessive amounts of garlic and ginkgo biloba herbal supplements that she took daily (both are natural blood thinners). She almost bled to death during surgery! Please do not think that you can figure this out yourself, unless you are a licensed physician and/or pharmacist - not with the number of meds you are taking. I congratulate you for asking for assistance. What you don't know can kill you.

Answer 2

Herbal remedies are totally non-regulated. There is no way of telling exactly what is contained in the tablets. And, yes, there are some drastic and harmful side-effects documented between herbals and prescription drugs. Be very careful. NEVER believe what someone at an herbal store tells you about possible interactions and dangers. Always ask a pharmacist. They are the experts on drugs, not your doctor.

Answer 3

well i have suffered from a disorder my self and have educated myself well over the last 20 years... St johns wart is only for mild depression and should never be taken if you are bi-polar (aka) Manic Depression.. Yes it can reduce the efectiveness of other medicines. There are too few studies in herbal medicine to know the risks of mixing them... you could have a mild side effect or a sever effect such as a heart attack ..the problem is knowone realy knows.
(other methods)

* ( Acupuncture ) many people have reported significant positive effects and it can be used to treat many conditions from
depression to high bloood presure.

* (color therepy ) sounds wacky but it is a scientific fact that our surroundings have a real impact on moods . so if your place looks like a dark dunjeon brighten it up with lighter colors.

* ( Deep breathing) The American Vetrans center advises there vetrans suffering from stress, PTSD, and depressive conditions to take 10 very deep slow breaths with exhaling as much as u possibly can before each breath. This increases flow of oxygen to the brain and entire body helping you to be rejuvenated.relaxed,sleep better and rid your self of anxieties.

there are many other things that can be done as well but i listed the top 3 in my opinion.

I hope this will help you.

Answer 4

I've worked in the mental health field for years and can tell you that you need to sit with your doctor and discuss the use Herbal tablets and meds. Some combinations and give you negative results. So pleas talk to your doctor or mental health provider.

Answer 5

You need to check with the physician who prescribed the medication before you throw herbals into the mix. Some think that just because herbals are "natural" that they cannot cause problems, but they can...especially when mixed with other medications. It is only fair that your doctor be involved with any decision you make to take other medications --he has the liability here.

Answer 6

There are herbs that aid in fertility. There is Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), vitex/chasteberry, and the fertilitea is good for fertility. I haven't tried it yet, but I do plan to purchase some. I now the EPO can be purchased @ Wal-mart or Target and the chasteberry @ a vitamin store Good luck

Answer 7

This is absolutely a question that you should be asking your doctor!! If you need antidepressants, then you should see a psychiatrist because that is their specialty. They will know what is safe to take with the other meds, and what is potentially very dangerous. Please go see a doctor and get a referal to a psychiatrist.
Hope you feel better!

Answer 8

You really need to check with your Dr. because mixing pharmaceutical meds with herbal meds could be a potential living threatening situation..
Before you do anything check with Dr.

Answer 9

Yes you can but all depends on what medical condition you have.But if i was you i would ask my doctor first as some herbs can interfere with perscription meds

Answer 10

you need to take this up with your pharmacist. pack up everything you are taking and/or want to add, and go to the pharmacy. The pharmacist really wants to help you with this - they get bored just filling bottles all day, and for the most part they really do care.