Have you ever been unsure if your supplements might be affected by some prescribed medications?
There are some supplements that can affect certain prescribed medications and may need to be avoided.
1. ST JOHNS WORT
St Johns Wort is commonly used to aid in depression or anxiety symptoms, so if you have been prescribed medication for this, avoid using St Johns Wort as you may be double dosing. It may also make birth control pills, blood thinners and some HIV medications less effective.
2. CALCIUM
Calcium commonly interferes with a number of medications including certain blood pressure medications, tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics and even prescription medications used to treat osteoporosis (bisphosphonates).
3. VITAMIN D
If you are on blood pressure medication or cholesterol-lowering drugs (Lipitor), vitamin D may interfere with this medication and decrease the effectiveness. An increase of calcium may also occur if you are taking vitamin d with diuretics, which isn’t good for the kidneys.
4. FISH OIL AND BLOOD PRESSURE-LOWERING MEDICATION
If you’re on blood pressure lowering medication you should be careful as fish oil may increase the drug effectiveness. You should also be careful if you’re taking any other medication which increase bleeding. This include aspirin and naproxen.
5. MELATONIN
Melatonin can interfere with blood clotting so avoid taking it with anticoagulant medication, medication used for blood pressure regulation and since it may make you drowsy, avoid taking it with other medications used for the same purpose.
Always check with your doctor before taking any form of herbal or vitamin supplements to ensure you are not doing more harm than good.
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This post was written by Dr Monica Bassier
You can find out more about Monica here or book an appointment with her here or alternatively call our clinic on 03 9908 2844.