You may consider tea a fairly harmless beverage, something you drink for comfort or habit. But certain types of teas, such as ginseng tea, are considered herbal supplements and can interact with medications. While ginseng tea does not appear to interact with Norvasc, you should talk to your doctor before including it in your diet if you take this blood pressure medication.
Norvasc
Norvasc falls into the group of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pains and other conditions that affect your heart. It works by relaxing and expanding your blood vessels, helping to improve blood flow throughout your body. If you take Norvasc for high blood pressure, you should continue to take it even if you start to feel better. Some people experience chest pain when taking Norvasc or when the dose is changed. Contact your doctor of your chest pain is severe.
Ginseng Tea
Because it is an herbal supplement, it is important that you discuss ginseng tea with your doctor before including it in your diet and wellness program. The two types of ginseng tea include American and Asian. American ginseng tea is used to improve athletic strength and performance. It is also used to treat diabetes and cancer. Asian ginseng tea is also used as a supplement to improve athletic performance and to enhance your immune system. You should not drink either tea if you have breast cancer because its estrogenic activity may stimulate growth of the cancer cells.
Ginseng Tea and Drug Interactions
As an herbal supplement, both types of ginseng tea interact with a number of medications. Both teas increase the hypoglycemic effects of insulin and oral medications that help to lower blood glucose levels. Both teas also increase the manic state of people taking MAO inhibitors. Ginseng tea also decreases the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications. However, ginseng tea does not interact with Norvasc.
Foods to Avoid on Norvasc
While Norvasc does not interact with ginseng tea, it does interact with alcohol. Like Norvasc, alcohol also lowers blood pressure. Combining the two may cause your blood pressure to go too low. In addition, alcohol may increase the side effects caused by Norvasc, including headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset and feeling as if you might pass out.
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