Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 9 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Worry Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda

Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Worry Free is a dietary supplement by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda with 9 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat and cough, heartburn and stomach upset, mouth ulcers and digestive complaints.Based on those ingredients, 1,469 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha, Licorice, Indian Tinospora. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda

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 9 active ingredients.
  • “Worry Free Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,904 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Worry Free contains 9 ingredients, though we hold interaction data for only five of them. The checked actives are licorice (used traditionally for inflammation and skin health), ashwagandha (for stress and sleep support), gotu kola extract (for circulation and skin healing), and Indian Tinospora (for immune and blood sugar support—this ingredient appears twice in the formula).

The other listed actives are pearl, greater galangal, jatamansi, and dwarf morning glory extract; we don't have interaction data on file for these. The product also contains inactive ingredients like gum acacia, maltodextrin, sunflower lecithin, palm oil, guar gum, and rice extract as fillers and binders.

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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: worry and stress management.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Emotional well-being, Mental calm.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
  • Also on file: Gotu Kola is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

The evidence for this product's ingredients is mixed. Licorice is possibly effective for canker sores and atopic dermatitis (eczema), though evidence is limited for asthma and Addison disease.

Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder, but evidence is insufficient for bipolar disorder. Gotu kola extract is possibly effective for venous insufficiency (poor circulation in veins) and burns, but possibly ineffective for radiation dermatitis and cognitive function.

Indian Tinospora is possibly effective for diabetes, though evidence is insufficient for hay fever, asthma, athletic performance, cancer, and hepatitis. We don't have effectiveness data on file for pearl, greater galangal, jatamansi, or dwarf morning glory extract.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Licorice Ashwagandha Gotu Kola Tinospora Cordifolia

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.

Licorice is generally well tolerated in small food amounts, but the active compound glycyrrhizin can cause serious problems with high doses or long-term use. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Ashwagandha and gotu kola extract are generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, though quality and long-term safety data are limited. Common side effects from ashwagandha are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness; from gotu kola, gastric irritation and nausea.

Rare but serious concerns exist with ashwagandha and Indian Tinospora: both have been linked to acute liver injury, hepatitis, and in some cases liver failure or the need for transplantation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety: avoid licorice, ashwagandha, and gotu kola in pregnancy—there isn't enough safety data, and traditional use suggests risks like miscarriage.

All three are best avoided while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety information. Safety data for the other ingredients in pregnancy and lactation is not on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Licorice Ashwagandha Gotu Kola Tinospora Cordifolia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Gotu Kola, Licorice, Ashwagandha, Tinospora Cordifolia.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,470 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.

Check your medications against this list before starting. Most serious: digoxin (heart medication)—licorice can raise the risk of heart toxicity.

Also check warfarin or other blood thinners (licorice lowers their levels), sedatives and benzodiazepines (ashwagandha and gotu kola may add drowsiness), antihypertensive drugs (ashwagandha may lower blood pressure further), blood sugar medications (ashwagandha and Indian Tinospora may lower blood sugar), thyroid hormone (ashwagandha may increase effects), immunosuppressants (ashwagandha and Indian Tinospora may reduce effectiveness), drugs that strain the liver (all three checked herbal actives carry liver concerns), and CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP1A2 substrates (licorice and Indian Tinospora may increase their levels).

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 for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may appeal to you if you're looking for traditional Ayurvedic support for anxiety, stress, or sleep—ashwagandha has the strongest evidence here. But if you take any prescription medications, especially blood thinners, heart drugs, blood pressure meds, diabetes drugs, or sedatives, check with us first.

Avoid it entirely in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and don't use it long-term without guidance from your pharmacist or doctor because of liver concerns with some ingredients.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 9 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 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 Worry Free, straight from the product label.

Brand vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2022
DSLD ID 264153
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
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 Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Licorice0 NP--
Ashwagandha0 NP--
Pearl0 NP--
Gotu Kola extract0 NP--
Greater Galangal0 NP--
Jatamansi0 NP--
Indian Tinospora0 NP--
Worry Free Blend1904 mg--
Dwarf Morning Glory Extract0 NP--
Indian Tinospora0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gum Acacia, organic Maltodextrin, organic Sunflower Lecithin, organic Palm Oil, organic Guar Gum, Rice extract, Rice

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.
Formulation

Worry management

Non GMO

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

See for yourself

Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda

These are the 9 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Worry Free Blend

1904 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gum Acacia, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Palm Oil, Organic Guar Gum, Rice extract, Rice. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Worry Free?

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
1,469Drugs
1,431 Moderate 38 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha 1,372
Licorice 1,040

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Worry Free 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.

Ashwagandha10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Licorice18 drug types · 1,040 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of antihypertensive drugs.
In human research, licorice increases blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, licorice might reduce the effects of cisplatin.
In animal research, licorice diminished the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Corticosteroids

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice and corticosteroids might increase the side effects of corticosteroids.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of licorice and oral corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, can potentiate the duration of activity and increase blood levels of corticosteroids. Additionally, in one case report, a patient with neurogenic orthostatic hypertension stabilized on fludrocortisone 0.1 mg twice daily developed pseudohyperaldosteronism after recent consumption of large amounts of black licorice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that licorice extract and glabridin, a licorice constituent, inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes. Licorice extract from the species G. uralensis seems to inhibit CYP2B6 isoenzymes to a greater degree than G. glabra extract in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6; however, these interactions have not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro, licorice extracts from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibit CYP2C19 isoenzymes in vitro. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8.
In vitro, licorice extract from the species G. glabra and G. uralensis inhibits CYP2C8 isoenzymes. Theoretically, these species of licorice might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C8; however, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
There is conflicting evidence about the effect of licorice on CYP2C9 enzyme activity. In vitro research shows that extracts from the licorice species G. glabra and G. uralensis moderately inhibit CYP2C9 isoenzymes. However, evidence from an animal model shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis can induce hepatic CYP2C9 activity. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP2C9 substrates.

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

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin, taken in a dosage of 150 mg orally twice daily for 14 days, modestly decreases the area under the concentration-time curve of midazolam by about 20%. Midazolam is a substrate of CYP3A4, suggesting that glycyrrhizin modestly induces CYP3A4 activity. Animal research also shows that licorice extract from the species G. uralensis induces CYP3A4 activity. However, licorice extract from G. glabra species appear to inhibit CYP3A4-induced metabolism of testosterone in vitro. It is thought that the G. glabra inhibits CYP3A4 due to its constituent glabridin, which is a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in vitro and not present in other licorice species. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking CYP3A4 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with digoxin might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity.
Overuse or misuse of licorice with cardiac glycoside therapy might increase the risk of cardiac toxicity due to potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of licorice with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Overuse of licorice might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. In one case report, a 72-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arrhythmia, stroke, and hepatic dysfunction was hospitalized with severe hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension due to pseudohyperaldosteronism. This was thought to be provoked by concomitant daily consumption of a product containing 225 mg of glycyrrhizin, a constituent of licorice, and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg for 1 month.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, licorice might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen therapy.
Theoretically, licorice might interfere with estrogen therapy due to estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Loop Diuretics

Theoretically, loop diuretics might increase the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice.
Theoretically, loop diuretics might enhance the mineralocorticoid effects of licorice by inhibiting the enzyme that converts cortisol to cortisone; however, bumetanide (Bumex) does not appear to have this effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease levels of midazolam.
In humans, the licorice constituent glycyrrhizin appears to moderately induce the metabolism of midazolam. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A4 by licorice. Until more is known, licorice should be used cautiously in people taking midazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice can increase P-glycoprotein activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Paclitaxel (Abraxane, Onxol)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of paclitaxel.
Multiple doses of licorice taken concomitantly with paclitaxel might reduce the effectiveness of paclitaxel. Animal research shows that licorice 3 grams/kg given orally for 14 days before intravenous administration of paclitaxel decreases the exposure to paclitaxel and increases its clearance. Theoretically, this occurs because licorice induces cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes, which metabolize paclitaxel. Notably, a single dose of licorice did not affect exposure or clearance of paclitaxel.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, licorice might decrease plasma levels and clinical effects of warfarin.
Licorice seems to increase metabolism and decrease levels of warfarin in animal models. This is likely due to induction of cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) metabolism by licorice. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid taking licorice.

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

Theoretically, licorice might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that licorice induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, licorice might increase levels of methotrexate.
Animal research suggests that intravenous administration of glycyrrhizin, a licorice constituent, and high-dose methotrexate may delay methotrexate excretion and increase systemic exposure, leading to transient elevations in liver enzymes and total bilirubin. This interaction has not yet been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Indian Tinospora6 drug types · 612 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research in adults with type 2 diabetes shows that Tinospora cordifolia can reduce fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Additionally, animal research shows that Tinospora cordifolia has hypoglycemic effects.

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

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP1A2 at high concentrations. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP2C19 at high concentrations. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP2C9. Animal research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract 400 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days reduces the clearance and increases plasma levels of glyburide, a CYP2C9 substrate. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits CYP2D6 at high concentrations. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, Tinospora cordifolia might reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants.
In vitro and animal research shows that Tinospora cordifolia has immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Gotu Kola extract2 drug types · 579 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Worry Free, from the product label.

vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda

See all vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda products
Name
Maharishi Ayurveda
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda: Common Questions

Does Worry Free by vpk by Maharishi Ayurveda interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Worry Free has a known interaction with 1,469 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Worry Free contains 9 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.
Is it safe to take Worry Free if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Licorice, ashwagandha, and gotu kola extract should be avoided in pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and traditional concerns about miscarriage risk. All three are also best avoided while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for your specific needs.
What is ashwagandha used for in this product?
Ashwagandha is included for stress, anxiety, insomnia, and generalized anxiety disorder—it has possibly effective evidence for all four. It's a traditional Ayurvedic herb thought to help calm the nervous system and promote better sleep.
Can this product lower my blood sugar if I'm diabetic?
Possibly. Indian Tinospora in this formula has shown the ability to lower blood glucose levels in clinical research. If you take diabetes medications, this could increase your risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so talk with your pharmacist before taking this product.
What are the common side effects of Worry Free?
The most common side effects from its checked ingredients are headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from ashwagandha; headache and nasal pain from Indian Tinospora; and gastric irritation and nausea from gotu kola extract. Most people tolerate these ingredients well short-term, but quality long-term safety data are limited.
Could this product hurt my liver?
There's a rare but serious concern. Ashwagandha, gotu kola extract, and Indian Tinospora have all been linked in case reports to liver injury, hepatitis, and in some cases acute liver failure. Although these are uncommon, avoid long-term use without medical guidance and don't combine this product with other drugs that strain the liver.
Why does the ingredient list show Indian Tinospora twice?
Indian Tinospora appears twice in your formula—once as a standalone ingredient and once as part of the 'Worry Free Blend.' This means you're getting this herb from two sources in one product, so you'll want to pay extra attention to its interaction risks with your medications.

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.

Worry Free label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Worry Free'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 158 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.

Licorice 92 references
  1. Farese RV Jr, Biglieri EG, Shackleton CH, et al. Licorice-induced hypermineralocorticoidism. N Engl J Med 1991;325:1223-7. PubMed
  2. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Ragnarsson J, Franzson L, Sigurdsson G. Is blood pressure commonly raised by moderate consumption of liquorice? J Hum Hypertens 1995;9:345-8.
  3. Armanini D, Lewicka S, Pratesi C, et al. Further studies on the mechanism of the mineralocorticoid action of licorice in humans. J Endocrinol Invest 1996;19:624-9. PubMed
  4. Zhang YD, Lorenzo B, Reidenberg MM. Inhibition of 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase obtained from guinea pig kidney by furosemide, naringenin and some other compounds. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 1994;49:81-5.
  5. Strandberg TE, Jarvenpaa AL, Vanhanen H, McKeigue PM. Birth outcome in relation to licorice consumption during pregnancy. Am J Epidemiol 2001;153:1085-8. PubMed
  6. Sigurjonsdottir HA, Franzson L, Manhem K, et al. Liquorice-induced rise in blood pressure: a linear dose-response relationship. J Hum Hypertens 2001;15:549-52. PubMed
  7. Amato P, Christophe S, Mellon PL. Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause 2002;9:145-50. PubMed
  8. Kent UM, Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Hollenberg PF. The licorice root derived isoflavan glabridin inhibits the activities of human cytochrome P450S 3A4, 2B6, and 2C9. Drug Metab Dispos 2002;30:709-15.. PubMed
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  3. Manjrekar PN, Jolly CI, Narayanan S. Comparative studies of the immunomodulatory activity of Tinospora cordifolia and Tinospora sinensis. Fitoterapia 2000;71:254-7. PubMed
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  5. Stanely Mainzen Prince P, Menon VP, Gunasekaran G. Hypolipidaemic action of Tinospora cordifolia roots in alloxan diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1999;64:53-7. PubMed
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  8. Nair PK, Rodriguez S, Ramachandran R, et al. Immune stimulating properties of a novel polysaccharide from the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia. Int Immunopharmacol 2004;4:1645-59. PubMed
  9. Castillo AL, Osi MO, Ramos JD, De Francia JL, Dujunco MU, Quilala PF. Efficacy and safety of Tinospora cordifolia lotion in Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis-infected pediatric patients: A single blind, randomized controlled trial. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2 PubMed
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  13. Nagral A, Adhyaru K, Rudra OS, Gharat A, Bhandare S. Herbal Immune Booster-Induced Liver Injury in the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Case Series. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2021;11(6):732-738. PubMed
  14. Chattopadhyay K, Wang H, Kaur J, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Ayurvedic Medicines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:821810. Published 2022 Jun 8. PubMed
  15. Nnamani I, Tolu-Akinnawo O, Dufera RR, Akintunde A, Maliakkal B. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/Giloy)-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Review. Cureus 2023;15(5):e39793. PubMed
  16. May K, Jeitler M, Murthy V, Stapelfeldt E, Kessler CS. A Case Report of Acute Hepatitis Involving the Medicinal Herb Tinospora cordifolia Along with Other Variables. J Integr Complement Med 2023;29(5):327-333.

See these in context on the Tinospora Cordifolia monograph →

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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.

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