Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 4 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Head-Q Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Health Concerns

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Head-Q is a dietary supplement by Health Concerns with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for joint pain and arthritis, inflammation, digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 1,289 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Turmeric Root Extract, Magnolia Bark Extract, Dong Quai root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Head-Q by Health Concerns

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Herbal Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,949 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Head-Q contains 7 ingredients, including turmeric root extract, dong quai root extract, magnolia bark extract, and chaste tree berry extract. These are blended with siler root extract, Sichuan lovage rhizome extract, and fragrant angelica root extract.

The product also includes hypromellose and rice bran as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Oral mucositis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Turmeric) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitex Agnus-castus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Mastalgia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitex Agnus-castus) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Turmeric) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Turmeric) (Natural Medicines).

Evidence for Head-Q's ingredients is mixed. Turmeric shows possibly effective evidence for depression, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and indigestion (dyspepsia).

Dong quai lacks reliable evidence for the conditions we have data on — iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, migraines, and eczema all show insufficient evidence. Magnolia bark is possibly effective for gingivitis but shows insufficient evidence for hay fever and anxiety.

Chaste tree berry is possibly effective for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and breast tenderness (mastalgia), though it was possibly ineffective for fractures and shows insufficient evidence for aging skin, severe premenstrual mood disorder (PMDD), and anxiety. We hold no effectiveness data for siler root, Sichuan lovage, or fragrant angelica.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Turmeric Dong Quai Magnolia Vitex Agnus-castus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Turmeric is generally well tolerated in food amounts, but concentrated supplements carry rare risks of liver damage — at least 70 cases have been reported with supplement use lasting 2 weeks to 14 months, though most resolved when the supplement was stopped. The most common side effects are constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Dong quai is generally well tolerated orally (burping and flatulence are most common), but it may increase bleeding risk and cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. Magnolia bark has limited human safety data and is generally well tolerated, though one person in a trial reported sexual dysfunction and another reported shaking hands and numbness (causality unclear).

Chaste tree berry is often well tolerated short-term with possible side effects including diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irregular menstruation, nausea, and skin issues. Pregnancy and lactation safety varies by ingredient — see the FAQs below.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Turmeric Dong Quai Magnolia Vitex Agnus-castus

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Magnolia, Turmeric, Dong Quai, Vitex Agnus-castus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,290 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Head-Q, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin or other anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (Major and Moderate risks from dong quai and magnolia bark). Also discuss this with your provider if you use chemotherapy drugs, the immunosuppressant tacrolimus, breast cancer medications like tamoxifen, estrogen or oral contraceptives, methotrexate, antipsychotics, dopamine agonists, sedating medications, metoclopramide, sulfasalazine, or tramadol — all carry documented Moderate interactions with one or more ingredients.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Head-Q may be worth considering if you're interested in herbal support for conditions like PMS, indigestion, or hay fever — and if you don't take medications that interact with these ingredients. However, this product carries substantial interaction risks, especially if you take blood thinners, hormonal medications, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, or antipsychotics.

Check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 22, 2022.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Head-Q, straight from the product label.

Brand Health Concerns
Barcode (UPC) 810034440709
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 259329
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
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 Head-Q by Health Concerns, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
810034440709
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Herbal Blend1949 mg--
Siler root extract0 NP--
Sichuan lovage rhizome extract0 NP--
Turmeric Root Extract0 NP--
Dong Quai root extract0 NP--
Fragrant Angelica root extract0 NP--
Magnolia Bark Extract0 NP--
Chaste Tree berry extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Bran

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
General Statements

Chinese Traditional Formulas

Combining Modern Research and Ancient Wisdom

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Three capsules, 3 times per day between meals, or as recommended by your health care practitioner.

Precautions

Notice: As with any dietary supplement, do not take without first consulting your health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or are under medical supervision for any reason.

Notice: As with any dietary supplement, do not take without first consulting your health care practitioner, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or are under medical supervision for any reason.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Made in the U.S.A.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formula

Modified Qiang Huo

Pinyin: Hou Po, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Man Jing Zi, Yu Jin.

See for yourself

Head-Q by Health Concerns label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Head-Q by Health Concerns

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Herbal Blend

1949 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Bran. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Head-Q by Health Concerns Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Head-Q?

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 checker
1,289Drugs
2 Major 1,233 Moderate 54 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Head-Q with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Turmeric Root Extract24 drug types · 1,133 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Turmeric has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits mechlorethamine-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 70%. Also, animal research shows that curcumin inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced tumor regression. However, some in vitro research shows that curcumin does not affect the apoptosis capacity of etoposide. Also, other laboratory research suggests that curcumin might augment the cytotoxic effects of alkylating agents. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the specific chemotherapeutic agent. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, turmeric might have on alkylating agents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amlodipine (Norvasc)

Taking turmeric with amlodipine may increase levels of amlodipine.
Animal research shows that giving amlodipine 1 mg/kg as a single dose following the use of turmeric extract 200 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks increases the maximum concentration and area under the curve by 53% and 56%, respectively, when compared with amlodipine alone. Additional animal research shows that taking amlodipine 1 mg/kg with a curcumin 2 mg/kg pretreatment for 10 days increases the maximum concentration and area under the curve by about 2-fold when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Turmeric may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, has demonstrated antiplatelet effects in vitro. Furthermore, two case reports have found that taking turmeric along with warfarin or fluindione was associated with an increased international normalized ratio (INR). However, one clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking curcumin 500 mg daily for 3 weeks, alone or with aspirin 100 mg, does not increase antiplatelet effects or bleeding risk. It is possible that the dose of turmeric used in this study was too low to produce a notable effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking turmeric with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research and case reports suggest that curcumin, a turmeric constituent, can reduce blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, clinical research in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that taking curcumin 475 mg daily for 10 days prior to taking glyburide 5 mg decreased postprandial glucose levels for up to 24 hours when compared with glyburide alone, despite the lack of a significant pharmacokinetic interaction. Other clinical studies in patients with diabetes show that taking curcumin daily can reduce blood glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Turmeric has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro and animal research shows that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 65%. However, curcumin does not seem to affect the apoptosis capacity of daunorubicin. In fact, some research shows that curcumin might augment the cytotoxic effects of antitumor antibiotics, increasing their effectiveness. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the chemotherapeutic agent. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as turmeric have on antitumor antibiotics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Turmeric might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro and animal research show that turmeric and its constituents curcumin and curcuminoids inhibit CYP3A4. Also, 8 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking turmeric and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates, including everolimus, ruxolitinib, ibrutinib, and palbociclib, and bortezomib. In another case report, a transplant patient presented with acute nephrotoxicity and elevated tacrolimus levels after consuming turmeric powder at a dose of 15 or more spoonfuls daily for ten days prior. It was thought that turmeric increased levels of tacrolimus due to CYP3A4 inhibition.
Conversely, other in vitro research suggests that turmeric induces CYP3A4 activity, leading to reduced levels of CYP3A4 substrates. An animal model suggests that induction of CYP3A4 occurs after daily curcumin use for 1 week. However, the induction of CYP3A4 by turmeric has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the risk of liver damage when taken with hepatotoxic drugs.
There is concern that turmeric might cause hepatotoxicity, especially when highly bioavailable formulations are used in high doses.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, turmeric might have additive effects when used with hepatotoxic drugs such as methotrexate.
In one case report, a 39-year-old female taking methotrexate, turmeric, and linseed oil developed hepatotoxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase blood levels of OATP4C1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that the turmeric constituent curcumin competitively inhibits OATP4C1 transport. This transporter is expressed in the kidney and facilitates the renal excretion of certain drugs. Theoretically, taking turmeric might decrease renal excretion of OATP substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of sulfasalazine.
Clinical research shows that taking the turmeric constituent, curcumin, can increase blood levels of sulfasalazine by 3.2-fold.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of tacrolimus.
In one case report, a transplant patient presented with acute nephrotoxicity and elevated tacrolimus levels of 29 ng/mL. The patient previously had tacrolimus levels within the therapeutic range at 9.7 ng/mL. Ten days prior to presenting at the emergency room the patient started consumption of turmeric powder at a dose of 15 or more spoonfuls daily. It was thought that turmeric increased levels of tacrolimus due to cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition. In vitro and animal research show that turmeric and its constituent curcumin inhibit CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Talinolol

Turmeric may reduce the absorption of talinolol in some situations.
Clinical research shows that taking curcumin for 6 days decreases the bioavailability of talinolol when taken together on the seventh day. The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, turmeric might reduce the levels and clinical effects of tamoxifen.
In a small clinical trial in patients with breast cancer taking tamoxifen 20-30 mg daily, adding curcumin 1200 mg plus piperine 10 mg three times daily reduces the 24-hour area under the curve of tamoxifen and the active metabolite endoxifen by 12.8% and 12.4%, respectively, as well as the maximum concentrations of tamoxifen, when compared with tamoxifen alone. However, in the absence of piperine, the area under the curve for endoxifen and the maximum concentration of tamoxifen were not significantly reduced. Effects were most pronounced in patients who were extensive cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 metabolizers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Topoisomerase I Inhibitors

Turmeric has antioxidant effects. There is some concern that this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro research shows that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits camptothecin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 71%. However, other in vitro research shows that curcumin augments the cytotoxic effects of camptothecin. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the chemotherapeutic agents. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, turmeric might have.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tramadol (Ultram)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase or decrease levels of tramadol.
Animal research suggests that a single dose of curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, may increase tramadol's maximum concentration (Cmax) by inhibiting metabolism, while continued daily use for 7 days may reduce the area under the curve (AUC) due to the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Turmeric might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
One case of increased international normalized ratio (INR) has been reported for a patient taking warfarin who began taking turmeric. Prior to taking turmeric, the patient had stable INR measurements. Within a few weeks of starting turmeric supplementation, the patient's INR increased to 10. Additionally, curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, has demonstrated antiplatelet effects in vitro, which may produce additive effects when taken with warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, turmeric might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro and animal research show that the turmeric constituent, curcumin, inhibits CYP1A2. However, other in vitro research suggests that curcumin does not significantly affect CYP1A2.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase blood levels of oral docetaxel.
Animal research suggests that the turmeric constituent, curcumin, enhances the oral bioavailability of docetaxel. However, the significance of this interaction is unclear, as this drug is typically administered intravenously in clinical settings.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, large amounts of turmeric might interfere with hormone replacement therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro research shows that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, displaces the binding of estrogen to its receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glyburide (Diabeta, Others)

Theoretically, taking turmeric and glyburide in combination might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking curcumin 475 mg daily for 10 days prior to taking glyburide 5 mg increases blood levels of glyburide by 12% at 2 hours after the dose in patients with type 2 diabetes. While maximal blood concentrations of glyburide were not affected, turmeric modestly decreased postprandial glucose levels for up to 24 hours when compared to glyburide alone, possibly due to the hypoglycemic effect of turmeric demonstrated in animal research.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the effects of losartan.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that taking turmeric can increase the hypotensive effects of losartan.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Norfloxacin (Noroxin)

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the effects and adverse effects of norfloxacin.
Animal research shows that taking curcumin, a turmeric constituent, can increase blood levels of orally administered norfloxacin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, turmeric might increase the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro and animal research shows that curcuminoids and other constituents found in turmeric can inhibit P-glycoprotein expression and activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, turmeric might alter blood levels of paclitaxel, although any effect may not be clinically relevant.
Clinical research in adults with breast cancer receiving intravenous paclitaxel suggests that taking turmeric may modestly alter paclitaxel pharmacokinetics. Patients received paclitaxel on day 1, followed by either no treatment or turmeric 2 grams daily from days 2-22. Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that turmeric reduces the maximum concentration and area under the curve of paclitaxel by 12.1% and 7.7%, respectively. However, these changes are not likely to be considered clinically relevant. Conversely, animal research suggests that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, enhances the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel. However, the significance of this interaction is unclear, as this drug is typically administered intravenously in clinical settings.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Magnolia Bark Extract2 drug types · 351 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, magnolia might have additive effects and increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research shows that the chemicals magnolol and honokiol, isolated from magnolia bark, inhibit platelet aggregation that is experimentally induced by collagen and arachidonic acid. However, they do not inhibit platelet aggregation that is induced by adenosine diphosphate, platelet-activating factor, or thrombin. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of large doses of magnolia bark and CNS depressants might have additive effects.
In vitro and animal research shows that constituents extracted from magnolia bark, especially honokiol and magnolol, have sedative effects. These effects may be due to the inhibition of catecholamine release and modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Dong Quai root extract3 drug types · 163 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of dong quai with warfarin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case, after 4 weeks of taking dong quai 565 mg once or twice daily, the international normalized ratio (INR) increased to 4.9. The INR normalized 4 weeks after discontinuation of dong quai.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Animal studies suggest that dong quai has antithrombin activity and inhibits platelet aggregation due to its coumarin components. Additionally, some case reports in humans suggest that dong quai can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking 1 gram of dong quai root daily for 3 weeks does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation or cause bleeding. Until more is known, use dong quai with caution in patients taking antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, dong quai may reduce the effects of estrogens.
Dong quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of dong quai might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Chaste Tree berry extract5 drug types · 121 drugs

Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with the activity of antipsychotic drugs.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as antipsychotic drugs due to its dopamine agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with oral contraceptives.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives due to possible hormone modulating activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dopamine Agonists

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with dopamine agonists.
Vitex agnus-castus might potentiate the actions of dopaminergic agonists due to possible dopaminergic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, vitex agnus-castus could interfere with the activity of estrogens.
Vitex agnus-castus has hormone modulating activity that can interfere with the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Theoretically, dopaminergic effects of vitex agnus-castus could interfere with metoclopramide.
Vitex agnus-castus might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as metoclopramide due to its possible dopaminergic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Head-Q, from the product label.

Health Concerns

See all Health Concerns products
Name
Health Concerns
City
Springville
State
Utah
Phone Number
1 (800) 233-9355
Web Address
www.healthconcerns.com/pro
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Head-Q by Health Concerns: Common Questions

Does Head-Q by Health Concerns interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Head-Q has a known interaction with 1,289 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Head-Q contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Head-Q if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety varies by ingredient in this product. Turmeric is likely safe in pregnancy but the data advises against supplement doses in breastfeeding. Dong quai is possibly unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding. Magnolia bark is unsafe in pregnancy and should be avoided while breastfeeding. Chaste tree berry is possibly unsafe in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice — they can help you decide if this product is right for you.
What's chaste tree berry in this product supposed to do?
Chaste tree berry (also called vitex) is included for its possibly effective evidence in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and breast tenderness (mastalgia). However, the evidence is limited, and it may interfere with hormonal medications and birth control.
Does turmeric in Head-Q actually work for inflammation or pain?
The data we hold shows turmeric is possibly effective for depression, high cholesterol, hay fever, and indigestion — not inflammation or pain specifically. If you're looking for those effects, the evidence in our system doesn't cover them.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
From turmeric, the most likely are constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Dong quai may cause burping or flatulence. Chaste tree berry may cause diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irregular periods, nausea, or skin irritation. Most people tolerate these ingredients, but stop and talk with your pharmacist if side effects bother you.
Is there any risk to my liver with this product?
Turmeric supplements have been linked to rare liver damage in at least 70 reported cases. Most cases resolved once the supplement was stopped. If you have liver disease or take other medications that affect your liver, discuss this product with your doctor first.
Can Head-Q interfere with my birth control?
Yes — chaste tree berry in this product may theoretically interfere with oral contraceptive effectiveness due to its hormone-modulating activity. If birth control is important to you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Head-Q.

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

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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.

Head-Q label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Head-Q'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.

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 153 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.

Turmeric 102 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Sharma RA, McLelland HR, Hill KA, et al. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of oral Curcuma extract in patients with colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2001;7:1894-900..
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Vitex Agnus-castus 23 references
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See these in context on the Vitex Agnus-castus monograph →

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