ashwagandha any one?

[Wittycjt]

i ve had one holistic doc say it’s okay and others are unfamiliar with it, so I would like to hear from someone with APS who has taken it. Please don’t tell me to ask my specialists, as I have and am still in a quandry. If you have taken it successfully I would be delighted to hear from you, thank you

[HollyHeski Administrator]

I am sorry I have no experience but I have a link to NIH which is my go to when looking up supplements.nccih.nih.gov/health/ashwag....

[Wittycjt in reply to HollyHeski]

Ty

[Adn28]

I have APS, never any related health events, other than 6 miscarriages. I take a daily low dose aspirin. I see a functional Dr and take many supplements and herbs, including Ashwagandha, with no issues.

[Wittycjt in reply to Adn28]

Ty

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

This is my standard response to any questions regarding taking anything other than prescribed medication from your doctor.

This is not a response to Wittycjt but to anyone reading this post.

Information: always seek the advice of your own doctor.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ashwagandha is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, might occur.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashwagandha is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Ashwagandha is possibly safe when used for up to 3 months. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not known. Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems, including severe liver failure and a need for liver transplantation, might occur.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashwagandha is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to use ashwagandha when pregnant. There is some evidence that ashwagandha might cause miscarriages.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ashwagandha is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases.

If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using ashwagandha.

Surgery: Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Thyroid disorders: Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

Interactions: Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking ashwagandha along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking ashwagandha with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking ashwagandha with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Thyroid hormone interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha might lower blood sugar levels. Taking ashwagandha along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha might lower blood pressure. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Source: webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre...

An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda

Narendra Singh, Mohit Bhalla, Prashanti de Jager, and Marilena Gilca

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much to Take

The herbal medicine can increase energy, improve overall health and reduce inflammation, pain and anxiety

health.clevelandclinic.org/...

[Wittycjt in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you for the information it is very informative. I appreciate your response. It is helpful.

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Wittycjt]

I am pleased. It’s a tricky area!

Wishing you well!

Ros

[Sand1985]

From my limited understanding it will interact with warfarin but have not tried it

[Wittycjt in reply to Sand1985]

Thank you, I am on lovenox/enoxaparin. Not warfarin thank you. I appreciate your trying to keep me safe

[Jumper99 in reply to Wittycjt]

Hi. From what I’ve read there is not much known with any certainty. But they do think it might have an anticoagulant effect and may therefore interact with blood thinners in general. So it’s not just warfarin that it can interact with. But I found lots of warnings about not taking it if you have autoimmune disease. I did look into it quite some time ago but for myself I didn’t think it was a good option, but if you decide to go ahead with it I would love to know how you get on. X

[Wittycjt]

Thank you, I am still trying to decide. I wish I could hear from more people who have been taking it

[Tofino5]

I was warned to stay away from it by my acupuncturist who is very knowledgeable about herbs and such.

[Wittycjt in reply to Tofino5]

Thank you. Did s/he say why?

[Tofino5 in reply to Wittycjt]

She said it wasn’t good with anticoagulants, but I don’t remember any other details. Sorry! After reading what Ros posted I have to agree that this one seems tricky. If you don’t mind me asking, what is the benefit you’re hoping for with this?

[MaryF Administrator]

You need to be very cautious, herbal medicine can have a major impact on the way drugs you are taking work in the body, a lot make the INR go mad, or other drug contraindications. Keep well. MaryF