Is Dandelion Safe With Gabapentin And Lamotrigine?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses if dandelion interacts with gabapentin or lamotrigine.
Can I take gabapentin and dandelion tea together? What about dandelion and lamotrigine? I have trigeminal neuralgia and take a high dose of gabapentin.
Jun 25, 2023- Dandelion is not known to interact with gabapentin but may have a theoretical interaction with lamotrigine by affecting how your body breaks down the medication.
- You should talk with your doctor before taking dandelion supplements if you are taking lamotrigine so that your medication levels and effectiveness can be monitored.
- More research is needed to fully understand how dandelion affects these medications.
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 dandelion's 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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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- UDP-glucuronosyltransferase
- An enzyme in the body that helps break down and eliminate certain drugs from the system.
- Substrate
- A substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or affected by a drug interaction.
- Lamotrigine
- A prescription medication used to treat seizures and certain mood disorders.
- Anticoagulant
- A medication that prevents blood clots from forming.
- Antiplatelet
- A medication that prevents blood cells called platelets from sticking together to form clots.
- CYP1A2 Substrates
- Drugs that are broken down in the body by a specific enzyme called CYP1A2.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- Water pills that reduce fluid in the body while helping the body retain potassium.
- Quinolone antibiotics
- A class of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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