Drug & supplement interaction

Indian Snakeroot + Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate

Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate brand name: Soma Compound w/ Codeine.

Moderate Interaction
The bottom line Moderate

Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate falls into 3 drug categories that Indian Snakeroot can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, taking Indian snakeroot might cause additive sedative effects.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions3
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
Know someone taking this? Share
Interaction report

Indian Snakeroot and Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate

These two interact in 3 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 3 Interactions?

Indian Snakeroot interacts with whole categories of medication. Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate falls into 3 of those categories, so it can interact with Indian Snakeroot in 3 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CNS DEPRESSANTS

1 of 3

Why this applies to Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate

Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate falls under CNS DEPRESSANTS — the group Indian Snakeroot interacts with.

Theoretically, taking Indian snakeroot might cause additive sedative effects.
Sedation and drowsiness have been reported in clinical trials using Indian snakeroot.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the simple version: this combo medicine already packs a one-two punch when it comes to drowsiness. Both the carisoprodol (a muscle relaxer) and the codeine (an opioid pain reliever) calm down your central nervous system. Indian snakeroot, thanks to its reserpine content, has its own sedating and blood-pressure-lowering effects. Stack them together and you may feel more sleepy, foggy, lightheaded, or dizzy than expected, and your blood pressure could dip.

This concern is mainly theoretical, based on how these things work rather than strong studies, so I don't want to alarm you. Still, snakeroot is potent stuff. Please loop in your doctor or pharmacist before mixing them, and don't drive until you know how you react.

References
  1. Sheldon MB, Kotte JH. Effect of Rauwolfia serpentina and reserpine on the blood pressure in essential hypertension; a long-term double-blind study. Circulation. 1957 Aug;16(2):200-6.
  2. Vakil RJ. A clinical trial of Rauwolfia serpentina in essential hypertension. Br Heart J. 1949 Oct;11(4):350-5. PubMed
  3. Achor RW, Hanson NO, Gifford RW Jr. Hypertension treated with Rauwolfia serpentina (whole root) and with reserpine; controlled study disclosing occasional severe depression. J Am Med Assoc. 1955 Oct 29;159(9):841-5. PubMed
  4. Wilkins RW, Judson WE. The use of Rauwolfia serpentina in hypertensive patients. N Engl J Med. 1953 Jan 8;248(2):48-53.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

2 of 3

Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, Indian snakeroot might inhibit CYP2D6 enzymes and reduce the metabolism of CYP2D6 substrates.
Indian snakeroot contains small amounts of the drug yohimbine. In vitro research shows that yohimbine inhibits CYP2D6 enzyme activity.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the wrinkle with this combo product: the codeine portion is a prodrug. Your body has to convert it through an enzyme called CYP2D6 into morphine before it can actually relieve pain. Indian snakeroot contains small amounts of compounds that may block that very enzyme. So in theory, less codeine gets turned into the active painkiller, and you could get weaker pain relief than expected.

I want to be honest about the strength here: this is only suggested by lab and test-tube studies, not real-world cases, so it's more of a caution than a proven problem. The aspirin and carisoprodol pieces aren't really the concern. Honestly, Indian snakeroot already lowers blood pressure and can cause sedation, so please loop in your doctor or pharmacist before mixing the two.

References
  1. VandenBrink, B. M., Foti, R. S., Rock, D. A., Wienkers, L. C., and Wahlstrom, J. L. Prediction of CYP2D6 drug interactions from in vitro data: evidence for substrate-dependent inhibition. Drug Metab Dispos. 2012;40(1):47-53. PubMed
Moderate

ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS

3 of 3

Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate also falls under ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS.

Theoretically, taking Indian snakeroot might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Indian snakeroot contains small amounts of the drug yohimbine. In vitro research shows that yohimbine inhibits platelet aggregation.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

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.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

This combo product (Soma Compound with Codeine) contains aspirin, which already thins the blood a bit by keeping platelets from clumping together. The concern here is that Indian snakeroot may contain small amounts of yohimbine, and early lab research suggests yohimbine can also make platelets less sticky. Stacked on top of aspirin, the theory is that your blood could thin a touch more than expected.

In real life, that might show up as easier bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding that takes longer to stop. I want to be honest though: this is based only on test-tube research, not human studies, so the actual risk is uncertain. Snakeroot also lowers blood pressure on its own, which is its own reason for caution. Please check with your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.

References
  1. Mustonen, P., Savola, J., and Lassila, R. Atipamezole, an imidazoline-type alpha(2)-adrenoceptor inhibitor, binds to human platelets and inhibits their adrenaline-induced aggregation more effectively than yohimbine. Thromb.Res 8-1-2000;99(3):231-237.
  2. Berlin, I., Crespo-Laumonnier, B., Cournot, A., Landault, C., Aubin, F., Legrand, J. C., and Puech, A. J. The alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine inhibits epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Clin Pharmacol.Ther. 199
  3. Braddock, L., Cowen, P. J., Elliott, J. M., Fraser, S., and Stump, K. Binding of yohimbine and imipramine to platelets in depressive illness. Psychol.Med 1986;16(4):765-773. PubMed
  4. Boon, N. A., Elliott, J. M., Grahame-Smith, D. G., John-Green, T., and Stump, K. A comparison of alpha 2-adrenoreceptor binding characteristics of intact human platelets identified by [3H]-yohimbine and [3H]- dihydroergocryptine. J Auton.Pharmacol 1983;3

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
  • ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • PossibleInteraction 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.
  • UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
  • BCase-control study.
  • CConsensus.
  • DAnecdotal evidence.

These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Keep it in perspective

Indian Snakeroot Also Interacts With Other Medications

Indian Snakeroot has 83 major, 759 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Indian Snakeroot

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Indian Snakeroot. Pick one to open its full report.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate

This page covers Indian Snakeroot only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate page lists 339 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: 1,4-butanediol (major), Activated Charcoal (major), Asarabacca (major), Beer (major) and Danshen (major).

By severity: 11 major · 292 moderate · 36 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate page

“Soma Compound with Codeine packs aspirin, carisoprodol, and codeine into one tablet, and I read its list of 339 interacting supplement ingredients as a genuine warning, not fine print. Most, 202 of them, can add to aspirin's blood-thinning effect and raise bleeding risk.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Indian Snakeroot as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 70 real supplement products containing Indian Snakeroot, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Indian Snakeroot. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate too, on top of Indian Snakeroot — and those would not show on this page. Find your product and we’ll check every ingredient on its label:

How much people look this up

Where Indian Snakeroot and Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Indian Snakeroot
Top half

#471 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate
Top 25%

#436 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Supplement

About Indian Snakeroot

What is Indian Snakeroot?

Indian Snakeroot
  • High blood pressure
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation
  • Fever (traditional use)

Indian snakeroot is a traditional Ayurvedic plant that contains reserpine, a compound with real blood-pressure-lowering and sedative effects. Because its potent alkaloids can cause serious side effects like depression and very low blood pressure, it should never be used without medical supervision. It is not a safe or simple home remedy, and many countries restrict its use.

Read the full Indian Snakeroot monograph & all interactions
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Indian Snakeroot

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Indian Snakeroot — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

83Major
759Moderate
0Minor
1,987No known interaction
Major

83 interactions

Showing 60 of 83 major interactions — see all 83 on the Indian Snakeroot page.

Moderate

759 interactions

Showing 60 of 759 moderate interactions — see all 759 on the Indian Snakeroot page.

No interaction 1,987 drugs checked — show the list
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

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

Keep exploring
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Indian Snakeroot and Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate Together: Common Questions

Can you take Indian Snakeroot with Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
Why are there 3 interactions listed for Indian Snakeroot and Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate?
Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate belongs to more than one drug category, and Indian Snakeroot interacts with each of those categories a little differently. We list every one so nothing is missed — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them.
How serious is the Indian Snakeroot and Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About Aspirin, Carisoprodol, Codeine Phosphate and Indian Snakeroot?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.