Drug & supplement interaction

Panax Ginseng + Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole brand names: Abilify, Abilify Mycite, Abilify Maintena.

Moderate Interaction
Medically reviewed by · Updated September 2026
The bottom line Moderate

Aripiprazole falls into 3 drug categories that Panax Ginseng can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, Panax ginseng might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions3
EvidenceB
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Panax Ginseng and Aripiprazole

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

Why Are There 3 Interactions?

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

Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

1 of 3

Why this applies to Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Panax Ginseng interacts with.

Theoretically, Panax ginseng might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6. However, research is conflicting.
There is some evidence that Panax ginseng can inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme by approximately 6%. In addition, in animal research, Panax ginseng inhibits the metabolism of dextromethorphan, a drug metabolized by CYP2D6, by a small amount. However, contradictory research suggests Panax ginseng might not inhibit CYP2D6. Until more is known, use Panax ginseng cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence B

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

Your body relies on a liver enzyme called CYP2D6 to help clear aripiprazole (Abilify). The thinking here is that Panax ginseng might slow that enzyme down a little, which could let aripiprazole build up slightly in your system. If that happened, you might notice more of its usual side effects, like drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, headache, or a feeling of inner agitation.

Here's the reassuring part: this is mostly theoretical. The studies are mixed, and one suggests ginseng blocks CYP2D6 by only about 6%, which is small. So for most people this likely won't cause a noticeable problem. Still, since aripiprazole works on your mood and brain, I'd run it by your pharmacist or doctor before adding ginseng, rather than changing anything on your own.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA. Clinical assessment of potential cytochrome P450-mediated herb-drug interactions. AAPS Ann Mtg & Expo Indianapolis, IN: 2000; Oct 29 - Nov 2:presentation #3460.
  2. Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. Cytochrome P450 phenotypic ratios for predicting herb-drug interactions in humans. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;72:276-87.. PubMed
  3. Gurley, B. J., Gardner, S. F., Hubbard, M. A., Williams, D. K., Gentry, W. B., Cui, Y., and Ang, C. Y. Clinical assessment of effects of botanical supplementation on cytochrome P450 phenotypes in the elderly: St John's wort, garlic oil, Panax ginseng and DOI
  4. Kim Y, Jo JJ, Cho P, et al. Characterization of red ginseng-drug interaction by CYP3A activity increased in high dose administration in mice. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2020;41(7):295-306. PubMed
Moderate

QT INTERVAL-PROLONGING DRUGS

2 of 3

Aripiprazole also falls under QT INTERVAL-PROLONGING DRUGS.

Theoretically, Panax ginseng has an additive effect with drugs that prolong the QT interval and potentially increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. However, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that short-term use of Panax ginseng can increase the QT interval. However, no changes in QT interval have been identified with prolonged use.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence B

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 gist for aripiprazole (Abilify) and Panax ginseng. Aripiprazole can, in some people, slightly affect the heart's electrical rhythm, something called QT prolongation. Some short-term studies suggest ginseng can nudge that QT interval a little longer too. Put them together and, in theory, those two small effects could add up and raise the chance of an abnormal heart rhythm.

I want to be honest that this is mostly theoretical, and the research is mixed. Interestingly, longer-term ginseng use hasn't shown the same QT change. For most healthy people this is a low-level concern, but if you have a heart condition or take other heart-rhythm medicines, it matters more. Before adding ginseng, just run it by your pharmacist or doctor first.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Caron MF, Hotsko AL, Robertson S, et al. Electrocardiographic and hemodynamic effects of Panax ginseng. Ann Pharmacother 2002;36:758-63..
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES

3 of 3

Aripiprazole also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) SUBSTRATES.

Theoretically, Panax ginseng might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Panax ginseng may affect the clearance of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. One such drug is imatinib. Inhibition of CYP3A4 was believed to be responsible for a case of imatinib-induced hepatotoxicity. In contrast, Panax ginseng has been shown to increase the clearance of midazolam, another drug metabolized by CYP3A4. Clinical research shows that Panax ginseng can reduce midazolam area under the curve by 44%, maximum plasma concentration by 26%, and time to reach maximum plasma concentration by 29%. Midazolam metabolism was also increased in animals given Panax ginseng. Until more is known, use Panax ginseng cautiously in combination with CYP3A4 substrates.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence B

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 gist: your body relies on a liver enzyme called CYP3A4 to help clear aripiprazole (Abilify). Panax ginseng can nudge that enzyme in either direction, so it might raise or lower your aripiprazole levels. Keep in mind this is mostly theoretical, based on studies of other drugs (like midazolam and imatinib), not on aripiprazole itself.

If levels drift up, you could notice more restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, or shakiness. If they drop, the medicine may not control your mood or symptoms as well. Aripiprazole isn't a prodrug, so it doesn't flip the usual rules. The real-world risk is uncertain, but it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before adding ginseng. Don't change your dose on your own.

Contact Dr. Brian directly if you have additional questions on this interaction
References
  1. Malati CY, Robertson SM, Hunt JD, Chairez C, Alfaro RM, Kovacs JA, Penzak SR. Influence of Panax ginseng on cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity in healthy participants. J Clin Pharmacol 2012;52(6):932-9.
  2. Bilgi N, Bell K, Ananthakrishnan AN, Atallah E. Imatinib and Panax ginseng: a potential interaction resulting in liver toxicity. Ann Pharmacother 2010;44(5):926-8.
  3. Kim Y, Jo JJ, Cho P, et al. Characterization of red ginseng-drug interaction by CYP3A activity increased in high dose administration in mice. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2020;41(7):295-306. PubMed

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

Panax Ginseng Also Interacts With Other Medications

Panax Ginseng has 1,129 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Aripiprazole one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Moderate 1,129 No known interaction 1,701 (incl. Aripiprazole)
Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Panax Ginseng

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

From our Q&A

Questions About Panax Ginseng or Aripiprazole

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Panax Ginseng or Aripiprazole, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Aripiprazole

This page covers Panax Ginseng only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Aripiprazole page lists 250 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), American Hellebore (major), Arsenic (major) and Beer (major).

By severity: 17 major · 194 moderate · 39 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Aripiprazole page

“Aripiprazole (Abilify) is an antipsychotic prescribed for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression, and this is one of the lists I want readers to treat with real care. The biggest cluster changes how the body handles the drug itself: grapefruit can raise aripiprazole levels, while St.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Aripiprazole interaction page

One more smart check

Taking Panax Ginseng as Part of a Dietary Supplement Product? Check It for Interactions

We hold 517 real supplement products containing Panax Ginseng, each one broken down to its full ingredient list — and combination products often carry several ingredients besides Panax Ginseng. Your product may carry other ingredients that interact with Aripiprazole too, on top of Panax Ginseng — 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 Panax Ginseng and Aripiprazole 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 Panax Ginseng
Top 25%

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

29 days ago today
Medication Aripiprazole
Top 5%

#119 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 Panax Ginseng

What is Panax Ginseng?

Panax Ginseng
  • Boosting energy and fighting fatigue
  • Improving mental focus and memory
  • Coping with stress (adaptogen)
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Supporting immune health
  • Blood sugar support

Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb used to boost energy, ease stress, and support overall wellness, though scientific evidence is mixed and mostly preliminary. It is generally well tolerated for short-term use in healthy adults, but it can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it, especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.

Read the full Panax Ginseng monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Aripiprazole

What Is Aripiprazole Used For?

Brand names: Abilify, Abilify Mycite, Abilify Maintena

Aripiprazole treats several mental health conditions. It is approved for schizophrenia, acute manic and mixed episodes of Bipolar I Disorder, and as an add-on to antidepressants for Major Depressive Disorder.

It is also used for irritability linked to autistic disorder and for Tourette's disorder — in both children and adults depending on the condition.

See full Aripiprazole drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Panax Ginseng

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

0Major
1,129Moderate
0Minor
1,700No known interaction
1,129 Moderate 1,700 No interaction
Moderate

1,129 interactions

Showing 60 of 1,129 moderate interactions — see all 1,129 on the Panax Ginseng page.

No interaction 1,700 drugs checked — show the list

We also checked Panax Ginseng against these medications and found no known interaction in our sources. Open any page to confirm.

Showing the 60 most looked-up of 1,700 medications checked with no known interaction — see the full Panax Ginseng list.

See the full Panax Ginseng interactions page
See every supplement checked against Aripiprazole, ranked by severity
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
Panax Ginseng monograph › Uses, safety, and every drug interaction in one place Aripiprazole supplement interactions › Every supplement checked against Aripiprazole, ranked by severity Aripiprazole drug information › The full plain-English guide to this medication Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Panax Ginseng and Aripiprazole Together: Common Questions

Can you take Panax Ginseng with Aripiprazole?
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 Panax Ginseng and Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole belongs to more than one drug category, and Panax Ginseng 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 Panax Ginseng and Aripiprazole 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 Aripiprazole and Panax Ginseng?

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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.