Panax, or Asian ginseng, is a popular health supplement promoted to aid in cognitive function, increased energy and improved immune function. More research is needed, however, to examine these medicinal applications of Panax ginseng. Despite the benefits of Panax ginseng, treatment with this supplement may not be appropriate if you're taking certain medications, such as Coumadin. Talk with your physician about your health concerns and any medications you're taking before beginning treatment with Panax ginseng.
Side Effects With Coumadin
Coumadin, also called warfarin, is part of a class of drugs called anticoagulants, which are used to reduce blood clotting. Using Panax ginseng with Coumadin may reduce the effectiveness of this blood-thinner. If you're taking Coumadin in conjunction with Panax ginseng, have your blood checked regularly by your doctor to ensure you do not develop blood clotting problems.
Side Effects With Other Medications
Panax ginseng may also interact with other medications you may be taking. Avoid using this herbal treatment if you're taking ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers. People taking medication for diabetes should talk with a doctor before taking Panax ginseng. This herbal treatment may reduce your blood sugar to potentially dangerously low levels if used with diabetes medication. MAO inhibitors, which are used to treat depression, shouldn't be used with Panax ginseng. Using this combination of treatments may increase the risk of developing mania. As Panax ginseng may enhance the activity of your immune system, do not use immunosuppressant drugs while taking this herbal treatment. Panax ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy, which may worsen your health. In addition, do not take Panax ginseng with other stimulants, such as amphetamine medications or caffeine because ginseng can enhance the effects of stimulants.
Additional Safety Issues
Used as directed for less than three months, Panax ginseng rarely causes side effects. In certain cases, however, people may develop difficulty sleeping, headache, diarrhea, appetite loss, rash, dizziness or mood changes. Women may also infrequently develop breast pain, unusual vaginal bleeding or menstrual cycle irregularities. Prolonged treatment with Panax ginseng may cause more severe side effects, including liver damage. Seek prompt care from your medical provider if you experience severe or persistent side effects while taking Panax ginseng.
Contraindications
Panax ginseng contains a chemical that may cause birth defects. For this reason, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take this natural supplement. Treatment with Panax ginseng should also be avoided by people who have hormone-sensitive health conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, because Panax ginseng may mimic the effect of certain hormones. People who have undergone an organ transplant shouldn't take Panax ginseng because this herbal treatment may interfere with your body's ability to accept the new organ. In addition, avoid taking Panax ginseng if you have diabetes, insomnia, schizophrenia, an autoimmune disorder, unstable blood pressure or a heart or bleeding disorder.
Member Comments