ADHD-Herb-Drug Interactions

  Herbal remedies are generally well-tolerated and safe when used according to informed practice guidelines. It is important, nevertheless, that parents, patients and professionals who employ herbal therapies be aware of the potential for side-effects and drug interactions.

The use of tonic and stimulating herbs for ADHD may potentiate the effects of stimulant medication causing side-effects, or necessitate a reduction in the effective dose. The list below includes some common precautions (Brinker):

1.  Coffee (caffeine):

    

   •  Possible contraindications (aggravated by excessive dosing):

      

     • High-grade inflammation
     • Restless insomnia
     • Heart palpitations
     • Anxiety states

        

   • Drug interactions (aggravated by excessive dosing):

      

     • Ephedrine (drug, or herbal ephedra: ma huang) with excessive caffeine may cause:
       • weight loss
       • agitation
       • tremors
       • insomnia

          

     • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
       • may cause hypertensive crisis (when combined with excessive caffeine)

    

2. Ginseng:

    

   • Drug interactions:

      

     • Phenelzine:
       • Concurrent use of phenelzine has resulted in manic-like symptoms

    

3. Kava-Kava:

    

   • Possible contraindication:

      

     • Endogenous depression (due to its sedative activities)

        

   • Drug interactions:

      

     • Sedatives, Tranquilizers:
       • May potentiate CNS depressant action

    

4. Ma Huang:

    

   • Possible contraindications:

      

     • Anorrhexia (due to its appetite suppressing effects)
     • Insomnia
     • Suicidal tendencies (may aggravate anxiety, tension, and apprehension)
     • High blood pressure
     • Diabetes (due to its hyperglycemic effects)

        

   • Drug interactions:

      

     • Coffee, tea, stimulants (caffeine, methylxanthines, theophylline):
       • potentiates stimulating effects
       • may accelerate undesired weight loss and loss of appetite
     • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
       • toxicity in combination
       • wait two weeks after discontinuing MAOI drugs before considering Ma Huang

For more information go to:

http://www.healing-arts.org/children/ADHD/herbal.htm#Interactions