Turmeric interaction with thyroxine and Sertraline

[Rainbow47]

I am keen to try turmeric for osteoarthritis in my spine and more recently my hands, but have seen some warnings that it might interfere with the levothyroxine and/or Sertraline that I am currently taking.

Does anyone have any first hand experience of taking these together?

[Redskinfan1977]

I just started using turmeric on my food. No reactions yet as I know of.

[Rainbow47 in reply to Redskinfan1977]

Thanks Redskinfan - do you take thyroxine and Sertraline too?

[Caroline888]

I take turmeric with food most days and, like Redskinfan, have not noticed any adverse effects. I take it well away from my Levothyroxine just to be on the safe side.

Best wishes

Caroline

[Rainbow47 in reply to Caroline888]

Thanks Caroline888. Do you take Sertraline too?

[Caroline888 in reply to Rainbow47]

Hi Rainbow,

No, I don't take Sertraline.

I have tried to find out if there are any interactions between Sertraline and turmeric and have only found the general advice to check with your GP or pharmacist before taking turmeric and Sertraline.

A relevant link was:

drugs.com/interactions

Probably easiest to ask the pharmacist in Boots.

Hope the answer is favourable. I find turmeric helpful for reducing rib pain.

Best wishes

Caroline

[Rainbow47 in reply to Caroline888]

That’s a very good idea Caroline - the pharmacist - hadn’t thought of that. I’ve been researching online, which is where I found the warnings. Can’t remember where though. Have to go to Boots anyway. Thanks!

[greygoose]

I take turmeric with honey, in the evening. I haven't noticed it doing me any good, but it hasn't done any harm, either. I take my T3 in the morning, so they're well away from each other. Nothing should be taken at the same time as thyroid hormone.

[Rainbow47 in reply to greygoose]

Thank you greygoose. I understand that turmeric can be used instead of an antidepressant so must have some influence on serotonin, and it can reduce the effects of thyroxine. Was hoping that I could avoid a visit to the GP to check it out as I’m sure I’ll get that ‘look of desperation’ from him again!!

[greygoose in reply to Rainbow47]

lol I know that look well. But, I can't answer your question. I don't suffer from depression, and honestly haven't felt any effects of turmeric at all, and I've been taking it for nearly two years.

And I don't take thyroxine, either. I'm on T3 only. But it hasn't affected that, I'm pretty sure. But, perhaps I shouldn't have answer this post, because it does say 'thyroxine' in the title. I just took it that you meant thyroid hormones in general.

[Rainbow47 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks anyway greygoose. I don’t really suffer from depression either - it’s thyroid related, and I was pleasantly surprised to find turmeric appears to have serotonin enhancing qualities. I’d do anything to come off the AD, so turmeric might just be the answer to one or two my woes!

It maybe a silly question but why do you take turmeric if it has no effects, or do you mean from the thyroid angle?

[greygoose in reply to Rainbow47]

I mean from any angle. Just covering all bases, I suppose. Plus it's become a nightly ritual. You read so much good about it, I just thought I'd try it, and have just kept on taking it.

[Rainbow47 in reply to greygoose]

Interesting - I’ll go and ask the pharmacist all the awkward questions tomorrow and do more research before I go.