Ashwagandha - Acetazolamide Interaction

Interaction Details

Acetazolamide is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

Ashwagandha is a widely used herbal ingredient and is found in many dietary supplements. It is commonly used for a variety of conditions, including for its purported ability to improve sleep and reduce stress.

Some preliminary research has shown that ashwagandha has mild sedative effects, and can help to alleviate stress and anxiety via several mechanisms, such as the modulation of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It may also have an effect on dopamine in the brain but more research is needed to better understand how ashwagandha works and its overall effects.

While ashwagandha may have sedative effects, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes respiratory depression like some other medications that have sedative effects (such as benzodiazepines and opioids).

Caution should always be taken with combining sedative drugs but unlike certain dangerous combinations (e.g., opioids and benzodiazepines) which can affect your breathing, the primary concern with ashwagandha is additive sedation.

References

• Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.

Interaction Details

Acetazolamide is classified as belonging to the following category: Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

It is unlikely that ashwagandha has a significant risk of causing hypotension (low blood pressure) in most individuals. While clinical studies show that it may have a mild blood-pressure-lowering effect, no studies have reported significant side effects in this regard, or cases of hypotension.

Ashwagandha appears to have more appreciable clinical effects in regard to improving cardiorespiratory fitness and fatigue/recovery versus blood-pressure-lowering effects.

As always, however, be sure to let your doctor know of all the medications you are taking, including dietary supplements, so you can be appropriately monitored.

References

• Ahumada F, Aspee F, Wikman G, Hancke J. Withania somnifera exract. Its effects on arterial blood pressure in anaesthetized dogs. Phytother Res 1991;5:111-14.

Acetazolamide Overview

• Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye. Acetazolamide is also used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms (upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue) of altitude (mountain) sickness. Acetazolamide is used with other medicines to reduce edema (excess fluid retention) and to help control seizures in certain types of epilepsy.

• This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Ashwagandha - More Interactions

Ashwagandha interacts with 1327 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.