Herb & supplement monograph

Skullcap Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

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

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Skullcap 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

Skullcap Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Skullcap drug interactions are unlikely to cause serious harm for most people, but there is a moderate, mostly theoretical risk of extra drowsiness when it is combined with sedating medications. None of the listed interactions are rated major; all are moderate, and every one traces back to a single concern about added sedation.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve CNS depressants, meaning medications that slow the nervous system and cause drowsiness. Animal and human research suggests skullcap itself can be sedating and may dull thinking, so pairing it with these medicines could add to that effect. That said, the combined effect has not been well documented in people, so this is a sensible caution rather than a proven danger.

What the rest of the list means

The large number of listed medications reflects one shared theme, not hundreds of separate problems. Nearly every entry is a sedating medicine grouped under the same additive-drowsiness concern, and that concern is largely theoretical. In practice, the main effect most people might notice, if any, is feeling sleepier than expected.

Check your medications against Skullcap

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Skullcap

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

2,830 drugs
AcepromazineAtravet
Moderate Cns Depressants

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

Read the full Skullcap + 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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

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

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.

Read the full Skullcap + 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 Skullcap 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 Skullcap affects

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

All 1 drug category Skullcap interacts with
Cns Depressants
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, skullcap can have additive effects when used with other CNS depressants.
Animal and clinical research suggests that skullcap can cause sedation and cognitive impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Skullcap: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

American skullcap is an herb traditionally used to calm anxiety and promote relaxation, but solid human evidence is very limited. It is generally considered relatively safe for short-term use in healthy adults, though it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding and used cautiously because of possible liver concerns and product mislabeling.

Skullcap
Scientific name
Scutellaria lateriflora
Family
Lamiaceae
Part used
Above-ground parts (leaves, stems, and flowers)
Common forms
Tea, capsules, tinctures, liquid extracts, dried herb
People commonly use it for
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nervous tension
  • Muscle spasms
  • General relaxation

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

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Often used short-term, but evidence is limited and product quality varies, so use with care.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; 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

Skullcap is a flowering herb in the mint family. The name usually refers to two different plants. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is native to North America and has small blue or purple flowers. Baikal or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a different plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its root has its own separate uses. This monograph focuses mainly on American skullcap.

The plant gets its name from the cap-like shape of its small flowers. People have used the above-ground parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) for many years in traditional medicine.

Today, American skullcap is most often taken as a tea, capsule, tincture, or liquid extract. It is popularly used as a calming herb for stress, anxiety, and restlessness.

How it works

American skullcap contains plant compounds called flavonoids, including baicalin and scutellarin. Researchers think some of these compounds may interact with chemical messengers in the brain, such as GABA, which helps the nervous system calm down.

Some lab studies also suggest skullcap compounds may act as antioxidants. It is important to know that most of this work has been done in test tubes or animals, not in well-designed human studies. So the exact way it might work in people is not fully understood.

Effectiveness

Does Skullcap work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 11 uses evaluated
11 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Skullcap, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 11 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral skullcap is beneficial for reducing symptoms of anxiety.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atherosclerosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Contact dermatitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for contact dermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Epilepsy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for epilepsy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperlipidemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for PMDD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Spasticity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for spasticity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stress
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral skullcap for stroke, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of skullcap for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

For most healthy adults, short-term use of American skullcap is generally thought to be relatively safe. However, there are a few important cautions.

One concern is liver safety. Some reports of liver problems have been linked to skullcap products, though it is not always clear whether the true cause was skullcap itself or a different herb (such as germander) mixed in by mistake. Product mislabeling and contamination are real concerns with skullcap supplements.

People with liver disease, or those taking medicines or other supplements that affect the liver, should be especially careful and talk to a healthcare provider first. Because skullcap can cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid skullcap if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any herbal supplement.

Side effects

American skullcap is usually well tolerated in small, short-term amounts. Possible side effects include:

  • Drowsiness or feeling sleepy
  • Stomach upset
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion or feeling unusually relaxed at higher doses

Rarely, skullcap products have been linked to liver injury. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, nausea, or unusual tiredness.

Skullcap: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Skullcap from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

There is currently a limited amount of information available on the adverse effects of skullcap.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Cognitive impairment, digestive disturbances, sedation.

Reports by condition
Cognitive impairment Neurologic/CNS

A single skullcap extract dose of 100 mg does not seem to have adverse CNS effects. However, a higher dose of 200 mg might cause sedation and cognitive impairment. One patient taking skullcap 350 mg three times daily for 2 weeks reported vivid dreams. It is unclear if this event was associated with skullcap.

  1. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:74-8.
  2. Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytother Res 2014;28(5):692-8.
Myasthenia gravis Gastrointestinal

Orally, mild digestive disturbances were reported in around 9% of patients taking skullcap 350 mg three times daily for 2 weeks.

  1. Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytother Res 2014;28(5):692-8.
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.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official, standardized dose for American skullcap. The right amount can vary depending on the product and the form (tea, capsule, or tincture).

The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not take more than recommended. Because supplements are not tightly regulated and quality can vary, choose products from trusted brands when possible.

Before starting skullcap, check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you take other medicines, have a health condition, or are planning surgery.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Skullcap & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Skullcap & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

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 3 references that drive our Skullcap 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. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:74-8.
  2. Awad, R., Arnason, J. T., Trudeau, V., Bergeron, C., Budzinski, J. W., Foster, B. C., and Merali, Z. Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(8):6 PubMed
  3. Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytother Res 2014;28(5):692-8.
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 Skullcap

347 brands in our database make a supplement containing Skullcap.

Product directory

Supplement products with Skullcap

1,681 products in our database contain Skullcap. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

#10-FEM by Nutri-West Herbals Tablet Or Pill 100 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions #2 - CF by Nutri-West Liquid 1 oz. · 29.57 mL View ingredients & interactions #8 Thy by Nutri-West Liquid 1 Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions #8 Thy by Nutri-West Liquid 1 oz · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions #Shatter SX-7 Black Onyx Fruit Punch Explosion by MuscleTech Powder 12.15 Oz(s) · 345 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions #Shatter SX-7 Black Onyx Icy Rocket Freeze by MuscleTech Powder 12.2 oz. · 346 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions #Shatter SX-7 Black Onyx Neuro Watermelon Fusion by MuscleTech Powder 11.31 oz. · 321 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions #Shatter SX-7 Black Onyx Ripped Cherry Limeade Twist by MuscleTech Powder 16.79 oz. · 476 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions 100% Organic Heka Happy Tea by Sun God Medicinals Powder 56 Gram(s) · 2 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions 100% Organic Hercules Muscle Ease Tea by Sun God Medicinals Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 56 Gram(s) · 2 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions 3 in 1 Formula by Mountain Meadow Herbs Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions 3 Stress Relief by Renew Life Capsule 30 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3 Stress Relief by Renew Life Capsule 30 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 5-HTP+Complex with Ashwagandha & L-Taurine by Purely Optimal Capsule 60 Veggie Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 8Hr Sleep with Melatonin by 8 Hour Sleep Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 999 Gastro Instant Granules by Ron Teeguarden's Dragon Herbs Powder 7.05 Ounce(s) · 200 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Acneed by Merry Clinic Capsule 150 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Acneed by Merry Clinic Tablet Or Pill 180 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Adrenal-Calm by HoltraCeuticals Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions AdreneVive by Ortho Molecular Products Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Adult Sinus Support by Redd Remedies Capsule 72 Vegan Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Advanced Formula Glucosamine Chondroitin Triple Strength With Univestin by CVS Pharmacy Tablet Or Pill 106 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Advanced Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex by Top Care Tablet Or Pill 80 Coated Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Advanced IN-F Plus by New Sun Capsule 90 Veg Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Skullcap: Common Questions

What is Skullcap used for, and does it work?
People use Skullcap for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Skullcap interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 248 medications with a known interaction with Skullcap. Use the checker above to see how Skullcap interacts with a specific drug.
How are Skullcap 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 Skullcap 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 Skullcap 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 Skullcap used for?
It is most often used as a calming herb for anxiety, stress, nervous tension, and trouble sleeping. Keep in mind that human evidence for these uses is limited.
Is American Skullcap the same as Chinese (Baikal) Skullcap?
No. American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese or Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are different plants with different uses, even though both are called 'Skullcap.'
Is Skullcap safe to take?
Short-term use is generally thought to be relatively safe for healthy adults, but there are concerns about liver problems and product mislabeling. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it.
Can I take Skullcap if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There is not enough safety information, so it is best to avoid Skullcap during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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

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See all 1,681 products with Skullcap →
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