Interaction Details

Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug) is classified as belonging to the following category: Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium with evening primrose oil might decrease lithium levels and effects.
In a case report, a patient on a stable dose of lithium for 10 years experienced a reduction in lithium levels after taking evening primrose oil 500 mg daily. Baseline levels were 0.69 mmol/L, which decreased to 0.37 mmol/L after 2 months and 0.23 mmol/L after 3 months of use. Lithium levels increased within 6 weeks of discontinuing evening primrose oil, to 0.73 mmol/L; no clinical effects were noted.

Interaction Rating

Moderate

Likelihood of Occurrence

Possible

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

References

  • Osman M, Badawi E. Evening primrose oil reducing serum lithium concentration. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016 Oct;6(5):343-44.

Evening Primrose Overview

Evening Primrose Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant native to North and Central America and a member of the Onagraceae family. It is an annual plant that has bright yellow flowers that bloom in the evening (hence the name). The plant produces seeds that are rich in a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement that is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. It is rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid, and is sometimes taken to improve the health of the skin, reduce inflammation, and reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It has also been used historically for alcohol use disorder. Dietary supplements containing evening primrose oil generally are standardized by their gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA) content.
See More Information Regarding Evening Primrose

Lithium Carbonate (prescription drug) Overview

  • Lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lithium is in a class of medications called antimanic agents. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain.

See More Information Regarding Lithium

Evening Primrose - More Interactions

Evening Primrose interacts with 229 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.

Major The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur.
Moderate Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur.
Minor Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction.
Unknown No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available.

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.

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