Dietary supplements are pills, tablets, and foods that can be purchased in the pharmacy aisle without a prescription from a doctor. They are often vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients that do not need to be approved by the FDA. However, just because they are natural doesn’t mean they are safe.
When patients visit Tulsa Pain Consultants, they fill out paperwork detailing what medications they are on and whether or not the medications have changed since their last visit. This is because we do not want to prescribe anything that may not mix well with your current medication. Unfortunately, many patients don’t know they are supposed to list dietary supplements as well. For example, St. John’s wort, a natural supplement for depression, has been known to negatively interfere with medication.
We know the body breaks down medications, and St. John’s wort can make the body break down the medication at a faster rate, so the overall effectiveness of the drug may be decreased. St. John’s wort is also dangerous to those taking triptans for migraines. Triptans alter the levels of serotonin in the brain, and when St. John’s wort is mixed with this drug, it can create a serotonin overload causing negative side effects.
According to a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, mixing dietary supplements and prescription medication is becoming increasingly more common in senior citizens. Since seniors are usually taking three or more medications per day, there is a lot of room for error when taking supplements too. According to the study, the number of seniors using dietary supplements rose by almost 12%.
The physicians at Tulsa Pain Consultants are experts in pharmacology and drug interactions. If you have been taking dietary supplements along with your pain medication, let us know during your next visit! Our physicians will be able to tell you whether or not the effectiveness of your medication has been affected and whether or not you could have any health concerns. If your supplements are interfering with your pain management medication, our physicians may be able to recommend alternative natural therapies to accommodate your needs.
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.