Ashwagandha Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Ashwagandha against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Ashwagandha is a dietary supplement by Organic India with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue and low energy.Based on those ingredients, 1,372 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Ashwagandha by Organic India
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Ashwagandha by Organic India — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ashwagandha by Organic India
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: Ashwagandha, an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The capsule shell is made from pullulan, an inactive ingredient that holds the herb inside.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), based on the evidence we have on file. For bipolar disorder, the evidence isn't established enough to rate it.
If you're thinking about using it for one of those conditions, a conversation with your pharmacist or doctor can help you figure out whether it makes sense for your situation.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated in the short term by healthy adults, but long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects when they do occur are mild digestive complaints — diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting — though these don't happen often at typical doses.
Rare serious cases of liver damage have been reported, as have uncommon neurological symptoms like drowsiness, headache, and blurry vision. There isn't enough safety information to recommend ashwagandha while breastfeeding.
Because of traditional concerns about miscarriage risk, the data advise against use during pregnancy.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking this product, check your exact medications against the tool on this page. Most important to discuss with your pharmacist: blood pressure drugs, anti-anxiety or sleep medications (especially benzodiazepines), diabetes medications, thyroid hormone, immune-suppressing drugs, and any medications that stress your liver.
Even if you're on drugs that affect how your body processes certain medicines, it's worth a quick check.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Ashwagandha may help with anxiety, stress, or sleep trouble, and it's generally well tolerated at typical doses. If you take any prescription medications — especially for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, anxiety, sleep, or immune suppression — check them against this product before starting.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2024.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Ashwagandha, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Organic India |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 90 Vegetarian Cap(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Dec 21, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 327381 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, No Allergies, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Ashwagandha by Organic India, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation
Healthy stress response
USDA Organic
Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org
Vegan
Free from major allergens
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
Seals/Symbols
USDA Organic Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org Fairtrade Certified B Corporation
Formula
Ayurvedic herbs
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Ashwagandha by Organic India label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Ashwagandha by Organic India
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.
Ashwagandha
Interacts with1,372 drugs
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...
Ashwagandha monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Pullulan. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Ashwagandha by Organic India Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Ashwagandha by Organic India interacts with several medication types, and the most serious concern is with drugs that suppress your immune system (immunosuppressants).
Ashwagandha appears to boost immune function, which could work against medications like those used after transplants or for certain autoimmune conditions — potentially making those drugs less effective.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to check if you take sedating medications. Ashwagandha has its own calming effects, so combining it with benzodiazepines (like Valium or Klonopin), barbiturates, or other sedatives and anxiety medications could increase drowsiness and sedation more than either would alone.
The same goes for blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) — ashwagandha may lower blood pressure further, raising the risk of it dropping too low. If you're on diabetes medications, there's preliminary evidence ashwagandha can lower blood sugar, which could tip the balance toward low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Thyroid hormone replacement may also be affected; ashwagandha might boost those hormones' effects, potentially causing overactive thyroid symptoms. Ashwagandha has also been linked to rare cases of liver damage, so it may not mix well with medications known to strain the liver (hepatotoxic drugs).
Finally, it may slightly reduce levels of certain drugs your body processes through a specific liver enzyme (CYP1A2 substrates), though this effect is Minor in severity.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,351 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page with your exact prescriptions before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Ashwagandha?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Ashwagandha interact with 1,372 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Ashwagandha interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Abrocitinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Antidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaAntihypertensive Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acebutolol interactionAcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCns Depressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCns Depressants, Cytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Cns Depressants +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Serotonergic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +3 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaSerotonergic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaHepatotoxic Drugs, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Ashwagandha — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AshwagandhaCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Hepatotoxic Drugs +2 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Read the full Ashwagandha + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Ashwagandha with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Ashwagandha
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Antihypertensive Drugs
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
Benzodiazepines
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.
Cns Depressants
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.
Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.
Thyroid Hormone
Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.
Serotonergic Drugs
Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Ashwagandha, from the product label.
Ashwagandha by Organic India: Common Questions
Does Ashwagandha by Organic India interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take ashwagandha if I'm pregnant?
Is it okay to take this while breastfeeding?
What side effects should I expect?
Does ashwagandha actually help with sleep and anxiety?
Can I take this long-term?
What's in the capsule besides ashwagandha?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Ashwagandha is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Ashwagandha’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Ashwagandha's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 32 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Ashwagandha 32 references
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.
- Davis L, Kuttan G. Effect of Withania somnifera on cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity. Cancer Lett 2000;148:9-17. PubMed
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