Is Dandelion Safe With Gabapentin And Lamotrigine?

Quick Answer

Although information is limited, dandelion has been reported to have several potential drug interactions.

Although it is not known to interact with gabapentin, there is a theoretical interaction between dandelion and lamotrigine (generic for Lamictal) due to dandelions effects on an enzyme known as UDP-glucuronosyltransferase.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before adding dandelion supplements to your regimen if you are taking lamotrigine so you can be appropriately monitored.

Detailed Answer

Dandelion, scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, is a plant that grows year after year and is originally from Europe.

People have been using dandelion in traditional Mexican and North American medicine for a wide range of reasons. It has been believed to help with viral and bacterial infections, issues related to the liver and bile, cancer, improving skin health, and providing beneficial effects on blood, circulation, and digestion, although more data is needed to better understand its overall effects.

Dandelion has several potential drug interactions, including with:

• Anticoagulant or Antiplatelet Drugs
• Antidiabetes Drugs
• CYP1A2 Substrates
• Glucuronidated Drugs
• Lithium
• Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
• Quinolone Antibiotics:

We have information on all potential dandelion interactions, which can be found on our individual drug-herbal interaction pages.

Interaction With Lamotrigine

Some studies suggest that dandelion might have the ability to activate a specific enzyme called UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, which helps in breaking down certain drugs.

By increasing the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes, dandelion may enhance the elimination of drugs that are a substrate of that enzyme.

Lamotrigine is a substrate of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and therefore, dandelion might reduce its concentration in the body, potentially making it less effective.

It is important to note that the available evidence here is limited, and I could only find this potential interaction documented in animal studies.

Nevertheless, based on the theoretical mechanism and preliminary evidence, caution should be exercised when combining dandelion with lamotrigine.

Close monitoring of lamotrigine levels and potential dosage adjustments may be necessary to ensure therapeutic efficacy.

No Known Interaction with Gabapentin

There is currently no known interaction between dandelion and gabapentin based on our current knowledge of dandelion's effects on the body.

Final Words

As mentioned in the above sections, more information is needed to better understand dandelion's potential effects on other drugs, and the interaction listed with lamotrigine is theoretical.

As always, I recommend speaking with your doctor first before making any changes to your medication regimen so you can be monitored accordingly.

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