Herb & supplement monograph

Jamaican Dogwood Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Jamaican Dogwood interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Jamaican Dogwood is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Jamaican Dogwood is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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On this page

Jamaican Dogwood Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Jamaican Dogwood drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone taking sedating medicines should use extra care. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one traces back to a single, poorly documented concern about added drowsiness.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve sedating medications, also called CNS depressants. Jamaican Dogwood may add to their calming effects, which could mean more drowsiness or slower reactions than expected. This concern is graded as possible only, meaning it comes from lab or animal research or very limited human reports rather than well-controlled human studies, but because deep sedation can be risky, we still treat it as worth respecting.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications looks long, it does not mean each combination has been shown to cause harm. The entire list reflects one theoretical mechanism, extra sedation, applied across the many medicines that can cause drowsiness. No interaction here has been confirmed in well-controlled human studies, so the sheer number of entries says more about how many sedating drugs exist than about proven problems.

Check your medications against Jamaican Dogwood

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Jamaican Dogwood interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Jamaican Dogwood

248 medications have a known interaction with Jamaican Dogwood, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acepromazine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, CodeineTylenol No.3, Tylenol w/ Codeine
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Codeine, DoxylamineMersyndol
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Doxylamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Codeine, MethocarbamolAcetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol, Robaxacet 8
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Codeine, Methocarbamol interaction
Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, IsomethepteneAmidrine, Midchlor, Migquin, Migratine
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Dichloralantipyrine, Isometheptene interaction
Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, IsomethepteneMidrin
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, Isometheptene interaction
Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, IsometheptaneIsocom
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Dichlorophenazone, Isometheptane interaction
Acetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interaction
Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, HydrocodoneAnexsia, Anodynos DHC, Azdone, Co-Gesic, Doucet, Lorcet +9 more
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Hydrocodone interaction
Acetaminophen, MeperidineDemerol APAP
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Meperidine interaction
Acetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interaction
Acetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interaction
Acetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interaction
AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Acetazolamide interaction Acetazolamide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AlfentanilAlfenta
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Alfentanil interaction
AlprazolamNiravam, Xanax
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Alprazolam interaction Alprazolam drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
AminoglutethimideCytadren
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Aminoglutethimide interaction
Aminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
Moderate Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Read the full Jamaican Dogwood + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction 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.
  • 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
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Jamaican Dogwood combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Jamaican Dogwood affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Jamaican Dogwood is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Jamaican Dogwood interacts with
Cns Depressants
Cns Depressants

Jamaican dogwood may potentiate sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Jamaican Dogwood: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Jamaican dogwood is a tree bark traditionally used to promote sleep and ease pain, but high-quality human studies are lacking. It can be toxic in larger amounts and should be used cautiously, if at all, and never during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Scientific name
Piscidia piscipula
Family
Fabaceae
Part used
Bark of the root and stem
Common forms
Dried bark, tinctures, liquid extracts, capsules, teas
People commonly use it for
  • Insomnia and sleep trouble
  • Nerve pain
  • Anxiety and tension
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Muscle pain and spasms
  • Migraine and headaches

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

It can be toxic in higher doses and has limited safety data in humans.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using due to possible uterine depressant effects.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Jamaican dogwood (often listed as Piscidia piscipula) is a tree that grows in the Caribbean, Central America, parts of Florida, and northern South America. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the ornamental dogwood trees grown in gardens.

The bark from the roots and stems is the part used in herbal products. Historically, the plant was used by coastal peoples as a fish poison, because compounds in the bark can stun fish. In folk and traditional herbal medicine, the bark has long been used to help with sleep, pain, and muscle spasms.

Today it is sold mainly as a tincture, liquid extract, dried bark for tea, or in capsules, sometimes combined with other calming herbs.

Uses & effectiveness

People most often use Jamaican dogwood as a sleep aid and to ease pain, including nerve pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, and muscle aches. It is also used for anxiety and nervous tension.

It is important to be honest about the evidence: there are very few quality human studies on Jamaican dogwood. Most of what is known comes from traditional use and from older laboratory or animal research. We do not have solid clinical trials showing how well it works for sleep, pain, or anxiety in people, or how it compares with standard treatments.

Because the evidence is weak and the plant can be toxic, it should be viewed as an unproven option, not a reliable remedy.

How it works

Jamaican dogwood bark contains compounds such as isoflavones and rotenoids (including rotenone-like substances), along with other plant chemicals. Some of these are thought to have calming, pain-relieving, and muscle-relaxing effects.

In laboratory and animal studies, extracts have shown sedative and anti-spasmodic activity, which is the basis for its traditional use in sleep and cramp remedies. The same rotenone-type compounds that may stun fish are also why the plant can be harmful in larger amounts.

These proposed mechanisms are based largely on early lab and animal research, and they do not prove that the herb is safe or effective in people.

Safety & precautions

Jamaican dogwood should be used with caution. It contains compounds that can be toxic, and taking too much may cause numbness, tremors, sweating, and other nervous system effects. Because reliable dosing and safety data in humans are limited, it is hard to know what amount is safe.

People who are older, frail, or who have heart, liver, or kidney problems should be especially careful and check with a healthcare provider first. Do not combine it with alcohol or other substances that cause drowsiness without medical advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Jamaican dogwood if you are pregnant, since it has traditionally been associated with effects on the uterus and there is no good safety information. Also avoid it while breastfeeding, because we do not know whether the compounds pass into breast milk or how they may affect a baby.

Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using this herb, especially if you take prescription medicines or have a health condition.

Side effects

Reported and possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, numbness or tingling, sweating, shaking (tremors), and stomach upset. Because it has sedative effects, it may make you feel groggy or impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.

In larger amounts, the toxic compounds in the bark can affect the nervous system and muscles more seriously. If you notice severe weakness, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, or strong tremors, stop using it and seek medical care right away.

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized dose for Jamaican dogwood. Products vary widely in strength, and the bark's natural compounds can be potent, so there is no safe "recommended" amount we can confidently give.

If you choose to use a product, follow the directions on the label exactly and do not exceed them. It is best to start any new supplement only after checking with a pharmacist or doctor, who can help you weigh the risks. Avoid using it long-term or in high amounts.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Jamaican Dogwood & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using due to possible uterine depressant effects.

  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Jamaican Dogwood & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Jamaican Dogwood monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Della, Loggia R., Tubaro, A., and Redaelli, C. [Evaluation of the activity on the mouse CNS of several plant extracts and a combination of them]. Riv.Neurol. 1981;51(5):297-310.
Keep reading

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.

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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Jamaican Dogwood

22 brands in our database make a supplement containing Jamaican Dogwood.

Product directory

Supplement products with Jamaican Dogwood

82 products in our database contain Jamaican Dogwood. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Bladder Comfort by Crystal Star Capsule 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Cramp Care by Herb Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions Cramp Care by Herb Pharm Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Cramp Care by Herb Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions Cramp Care by Herb Pharm Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Cramp Care by Herb Pharm Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions David Winston's Aspirea Compound by Herbalist & Alchemist Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions David Winston's Full Moon Women's Anti-Spasmodic Compound by Herbalist & Alchemist Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Herbal Liquid Supplement With Vitamins C & E by Lydia E. Pinkham Liquid 8 fl. Oz. View ingredients & interactions Herbaprofen by Herbs Etc. Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions Herbaprofen by Herbs Etc. Liquid 1 fl. Oz. · 29.5 mL View ingredients & interactions Herbaprofen by Herbs Etc. Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce · 29.6 mL View ingredients & interactions Inflama Relief by Crystal Star Capsule 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Jamaica Dogwood by Herb Pharm Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaica Dogwood by Herbalist & Alchemist Liquid 2 fl. Oz. · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaica Dogwood by Herb Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 Milliliter(s) View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood 450 mg by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood Alcohol Free by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood Alcohol Free by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Jamaican Dogwood Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Jamaican Dogwood: Common Questions

Does Jamaican Dogwood interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 248 medications with a known interaction with Jamaican Dogwood. Use the checker above to see how Jamaican Dogwood interacts with a specific drug.
How are Jamaican Dogwood interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Jamaican Dogwood with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Jamaican Dogwood interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Jamaican Dogwood used for?
It is traditionally used as a sleep aid and to ease pain such as nerve pain, menstrual cramps, headaches, and muscle aches. However, there is little quality human research to confirm it actually works for these uses.
Is Jamaican Dogwood safe?
It can be toxic in higher amounts and has limited human safety data, so it should be used cautiously, if at all. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before trying it, especially if you have a health condition.
Can I take Jamaican Dogwood while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. It is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding because it has traditionally been linked to effects on the uterus and there is no reliable safety information.
Will Jamaican Dogwood make me sleepy?
It may, since it has sedative properties and is used as a sleep aid. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Jamaican Dogwood

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Jamaican Dogwood — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 82 products with Jamaican Dogwood →
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