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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by asoiferman on June 26, 2001, at 8:56:50
i recently started taking weight-loss supplements that contain many natural herbs such as oriental ginseng and garcininia, to name just a couple. is there any chance that these natural herbs and extracts can bring on symptoms of depression or interact with the celexa i'm taking to bring me down? are there any herbs or extracts i should stay away from?
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 26, 2001, at 9:54:38
In reply to interactions between AD's and natural herbs , posted by asoiferman on June 26, 2001, at 8:56:50
Psychosomatics. Volume 61(5) September/October 1999 p 712 Dietary Supplements and Natural Products as Psychotherapeutic Agents
[Special Issue: Psychopharmacology And Psychosomatic Research]
Fugh-Berman, Adriane MD; Cott, Jerry M. PhD:Adverse Effects and Interactions.
Ginseng can cause estrogenic effects even though it does not actually contain phytoestrogens. Two cases of postmenopausal uterine bleeding have been reported. One occurred in a patient who ingested a geriatric formula containing ginseng (86); another occurred in a 44-year-old postmenopausal woman after use of a face cream that contained ginseng (87). Follicle-stimulating hormone levels rose to normal postmenopausal levels after use of the face cream was discontinued. Three weeks after rechallenge, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone dropped from 70 to 27 mIU; 1 week later another episode of uterine bleeding occurred. One case of swollen breasts and diffuse nodularity was reported in a 70-year-old woman (88). The symptoms disappeared on discontinuation of the ginseng and recurred on rechallenge. Another report of five cases of mastalgia lacks detail and thus is unevaluable (89).Two cases of possible interactions between ginseng and phenelzine (Nardil) have been described. In the first case, a 64-year-old woman developed headache and tremor after consuming the two together (90); in the second case, a 42-year-old woman with a history of unipolar depression experienced what seemed to be a manic reaction to the combination of ginseng and bee pollen with phenelzine (91). In neither case was the ginseng preparation analyzed to ensure that ginseng was actually present. A number of purported ginseng products contain no ginseng and may contain other herbs, such as ephedra (92).
Posted by stjames on June 27, 2001, at 1:44:21
In reply to interactions between AD's and natural herbs , posted by asoiferman on June 26, 2001, at 8:56:50
> i recently started taking weight-loss supplements that contain many natural herbs such as oriental ginseng and garcininia, to name just a couple.
James here....
A general rule of thumb is that any "weight-loss supplement" is suspect for causing depression.
James
Posted by v on June 27, 2001, at 5:51:49
In reply to Re: interactions between AD's and natural herbs , posted by stjames on June 27, 2001, at 1:44:21
i take "energizing" herb stacks (combinations) before working out which are much the same as the weight loss supplements and i'm also on meds...
the one thing i would surely remember is that as stimulents, they usually have a let-down when they wear off which can make you feel more depressed... and unless you are involved in an intense activity they can also make you feel jittery or anxious
if you take them late in the day, you may end up with sleep problems so its best to only use them in the a.m.
but i don't know whether there are any potential problems combining most of the herbs with your celexa.. and unfortunately you can find data supporting the danger of any herb these days - true or not - particularly by the pharaceutical profession
hope this helps...
v> > i recently started taking weight-loss supplements that contain many natural herbs such as oriental ginseng and garcininia, to name just a couple.
>
> James here....
>
> A general rule of thumb is that any "weight-loss supplement" is suspect for causing depression.
>
> James
Posted by stjames on June 28, 2001, at 0:25:25
In reply to Re: interactions between AD's and natural herbs , posted by v on June 27, 2001, at 5:51:49
> but i don't know whether there are any potential problems combining most of the herbs with your celexa.. and unfortunately you can find data supporting the danger of any herb these days - true or not - particularly by the pharaceutical profession
James here.....
In cases where the actives are known for an herb there is no question as to interactions with meds.
j
Posted by Jocor on June 28, 2001, at 7:31:54
In reply to interactions between AD's and natural herbs , posted by asoiferman on June 26, 2001, at 8:56:50
I do know that you should not take St. John's Wort if you are on antidepressant.
The pharmacist also told me it would be advisable not to take Enzyme Q10 (a weight loss natural herbal product) if you are on antidepressant because of its possible interaction. No problems with Ginseng and antidepressant.Good luck,
Jocor
Posted by Sunnely on June 28, 2001, at 20:54:15
In reply to interactions between AD's and natural herbs , posted by asoiferman on June 26, 2001, at 8:56:50
PANAX GINSENG OR ASIAN GINSENG, orally is used as a general tonic for improving well-being and stimulating immune function, for improving physical stamina, athletic stamina, cognitive function, concentration, and work efficiency. It is also used oraly for soothing irritated or inflamed tissues, as a diuretic, and an antidepressant. Panax ginseng is also used orally to improve psychological function in postmenopausal women.
In combination with other herbs, Panax ginseng is used orally with licorice and Bupleurum falcatum for stimulating adrenal gland function, particularly in patients with a history of long-term corticosteroid use. Topically, Panax ginseng is used as a part of a multi-ingredient preparation for treating premature ejaculation. In Chinese medicine, Panax ginseng is used for anemia, diabetes, gastritis, neurasthenia, impotence, improving male fertility, fever, and hangover.
In folk medicine, Panax ginseng has been used for improving stress-resistance, bleeding disorders, loss of appetite, vomiting, colitis, dysentery, cancer, insomnia, neuralgia, rheumatism, memory loss, dizziness, headache, convulsions, disorders of pregnancy and childbirth, hot flashes due to menopause, and to slow the aging process.
In manufacturing, Panax ginseng is used to make soaps, cosmetics, and as a flavoring in beverages.
Adverse reactions:
Panax ginseng can cause insomnia, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), mania, cerebral arteritis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, cholestatic hepatitis (associated with Panax-containing multi-ingredient product, Prostata), amenorrhea (stoppage of menses), decreased appetite, edema, hyperpyrexia (high fever), pruritus (itchiness), rose spots, hypotension (low blood pressure), palpitations, headache, vertigo, euphoria, and neonatal death. Diarrhea or allergic skin reactions may occur, especially with large amounts or prolonged use.
Possible Interactions with Herbs or Other Dietary Supplements:
Coffee, Guarana, Tea: Concomitant use may potentiate effects due to caffeine content of coffee, guarana, or tea.
Herbs with Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Potential: Theoretically, concomitant use of ginseng with other herbs that affect platelet aggregation may increase the risk of bleeding. Ginsenosides in ginseng are reported to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro ("test tube") but has not been demonstrated in humans. Herbs with anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties include: the "G" herbs (garlic, ginkgo, guarana, ginger, ginseng), angelica, anise, arnica, asafoetida, bogbean, boldo, capsicum, celery, chamomile, clove, danshen, fenugreek, feverfew, horse chestnut, horseradish, licorice, meadowsweet, prickly ash, onion, passionflower, poplar, quassia, red clover, turmeric, wild carrot, wild lettuce, willow.
Possible Interactions with Drugs:
Ginseng has been reported to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin), leading to increased risk of bleeding.
Theoretically, Panax ginseng might interfere with antipsychotic drugs, by interfering with neurotransmitters.
Long-term use of 3 grams of Panax ginseng daily in combination with caffeine can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure).
Concomitant use with Digoxin (heart pill) may have synergistic effects in people with congestive heart failure.
Theoretically, concomitant use of Panax ginseng with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood sugar lowering effects. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
One case has been reported of a germanium-containing ginseng product associated with resistance to furosemide (Lasix) diuresis.
Theoretically, Panax ginseng can interfere with steroid hormone drugs, because of ginseng's effect on the thymus gland.
Theoretically, dosage adjustments of insulin might be necessary due to the hypoglycemic effects of Panax ginseng.
Theoretically, Panax ginseng can interfere with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy. Concomitant use with phenelzine (Nardil) is associated with insomnia, headache, tremors, and hypomania.
Panax ginseng can potentiate effects of stimulant drugs.
Panax Ginseng and Celexa (SSRI) - IMHO, theoretically, may increase risk of bleeding. May also induce mania in bipolar disorder patients.
GARCINIA (Garcinia cambogia):
AKA Brindal Berry, Brindall Berry, Brindle Berry, Garcinia Cambogi, Garcinia Cambogia, Gorikapuli, Hydroxycitrate, Hydroxycitric Acid, HCA, Malabar Tamarind.
Used orally for weight loss. In folk medicine, garcinia is used for dysentery, as a purgative, and for treating worms and parasites. For food uses, garcinia is used as a condiment in Thai and Indian cuisine.
Garcinia is possibly safe when used orally and appropriately for 12 weeks or less. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the long-term use of garcinia.
Adverse reactions including allergies: None reported.
Possible interactions with herbs and other dietary supplements: Insufficient reliable information available.
Possible interactions with drugs: No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with garcinia.
Possible interactions with foods: No interactions are known to occur, and there is no known reason to expect a clinically significant interaction with garcinia.
While on Celexa, if possible, avoid St. John's wort, SAM-e, 5-HTP. Theoretically, with increased risk of bleeding, you may also want to avoid long-term use of herbs that have anti-platelet potential.
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> i recently started taking weight-loss supplements that contain many natural herbs such as oriental ginseng and garcininia, to name just a couple. is there any chance that these natural herbs and extracts can bring on symptoms of depression or interact with the celexa i'm taking to bring me down? are there any herbs or extracts i should stay away from?
This is the end of the thread.
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