Prozac Drug Interactions

When we wrote the Guide to Deadly Drug Interactions population, we included a section on herb-drug combinations. We were concerned by the possibility that many people take their medication with herbs without realizing that there might be a risk of incompatibility.



We became even more concern about this potential danger that we have collected the information for this book. Many herbs impact a variety of biochemical systems and could have a profound effect on how drugs exert their activity. Unfortunately, drug companies have little incentive to do the research tell us about these interactions. And manufacturers of herbs rarely have the resources or the inclination to explore this crucial area themselves. With 60 million people now regularly take herbal and dietary supplements and also using prescription and nonprescription drugs, the possibility of harmful interactions is large.



Each summary herbs in the last section of this book contains information on interactions. We encourage you to consult this information before combining any drugs with herbal remedies. Please recognize that not all interactions have been discovered or reported in the literature. Knowledge in this field is constantly changing, so there may be interactions that we have not been able to understand. Some combinations more alarming:



Licorice and LANOXIN

Licorice may seem like a sweet harmless, but the grass was very powerful hormone like effects. Regular use of this herbal drug can deplete the body of potassium. In combination with the heart medication Lanoxin, a low potassium level can disrupt the steady rhythm of the heart. This interaction is particularly dangerous if a person is also taking diuretics such as Lasix or hydrochlorothiazide that cause potassium loss. Strong herbal laxatives like senna cascara sagrada or aloe may also throw electrolytes like potassium body out of balance and make the combination of liquorice and Lanoxin threatening. Even without Lanoxin, taking licorice with aloe or Senna could trigger a potentially fatal arrhythmia.



Kava and XANAX

Kava-kava is one of those herbs most sedatives can use to help them sleep or cope with anxiety. Someone thought it would go down this plant, but started using kava, as he was taking Xanax (alprazolam). He had an episode like a coma following the combination and ended up in hospital. Kava may interact in a similar manner with other anti-anxiety drugs such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), halazapam (Paxipam), lorazepam (Ativan) and temazepam (Restoril ). Valerian, another herbal sedative, can also interact with these medications or kava kava. We recommend that you do not mix any of these herbs with each other, with alcohol, sedative or other compounds, including diphenhydramine. It is found in many formulas night pain, such as Tylenol PM.



ST. JOHN'S WORT and Paxil

Wort alters brain chemistry permanently. Its effectiveness as an antidepressant depends on this activity. A woman who took Paxil with St. John's wort has become groggy and incoherent. It was also nausea, weakness, and so tired she could hardly get out of bed. With millions of people who take antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and we fear that this interaction may become more frequent. It is potentially dangerous. Please do not combine St. John's wort with prescription antidepressants unless a qualified health professional is carefully monitor your progress. The herb may also affect the metabolism of drugs such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavi.