Evening primrose oil (EPO) is an herbal preparation obtained from the seeds of the plant species Oenothera biennis. It contains significant amounts of a substance called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that belongs to a class of nutrients called omega-6 fatty acids. There are several potential side effects associated with evening primrose oil. However, it does not make you hallucinate. Consult your doctor before you take evening primrose oil.
Background
In addition to GLA, evening primrose oil contains another omega-6 fatty acid, called linoleic acid. LA and GLA are categorized as essential fatty acids, which means you need them in your diet to maintain certain basic aspects of your health. You can purchase EPO in oil form or in oil-containing capsules. Potential uses of the oil include treatment of the skin condition eczema, relief of a diabetes complication called diabetic neuropathy, easing of the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome and relief of a form of breast pain called mastalgia.
EPO Side Effects
When used at recommended dosages, evening primrose oil is safe for most people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Side effects are typically mild and rare, and can include stomach pain, headache, nausea and loose stools. The presence of loose stools and stomach pain, in particular, may indicate an excessive dose of the oil. People taking EPO sometimes develop seizures, MayoClinic.com notes. In some cases, these seizures occur in people with pre-existing seizure disorders, or in people who use the oil within two weeks of receiving anesthesia.
Additional Potential Effects
If you're allergic to GLA, any other constituent of evening primrose oil, or any plant belonging to the Onagraceae family, use of the oil can potentially trigger a skin reaction called contact dermatitis. If you take evening primrose oil in combination with schizophrenia medications classified as phenothiazines, you have an increased risk of suffering seizures. Other drugs that can potentially interact with evening primrose oil and harm your health include anticoagulant medications, antiplatelet medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
Potential Hallucination Causes
The U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus lists potential causes of hallucinations that include drunkenness, dementia, delirium, fever, epilepsy, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, along with the use of mind-altering drugs such as LSD, marijuana, PCP, ketamine, amphetamines, heroin or cocaine. Additional potential causes include narcolepsy, sensory deprivation associated with deafness or blindness and the presence of severe illnesses such as brain cancer, HIV/AIDS, kidney failure or liver failure. Consult your doctor for more information on the causes of hallucinations, as well as the potential side effects of evening primrose oil.
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