Is Horny Goat Weed Safe To Take With Strattera (Atomoxetine)?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the combined use of Horny Goat Weed and Strattera (atomoxetine).
Can you take Horny Goat Weed with Strattera 80 mg (for ADD/ADHD)?
Sep 05, 2024- No known interactions have been found between horny goat weed and Strattera, though research on supplements and prescription medications is often limited. Atomoxetine is metabolized through a different pathway than the enzymes that horny goat weed typically affects. You should still talk to your healthcare provider before taking horny goat weed with Strattera so you can be monitored appropriately.
Answer
Hello, and thank you for reaching out to us with your question!
Our very own drug-supplement interaction checker indicates that there are no known interactions between horny goat weed and Strattera (Horny Goat Weed - Atomoxetine Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist).
However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean an interaction is impossible. There is often limited research on traditional supplements like horny goat weed and how they might interact with prescription medications. More Detail
Horny goat weed contains several active compounds, including flavonoids and phytoestrogens, and may theoretically affect drugs metabolized by enzymes such as CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4. If you look at our detail page for Horny Goat Weed (Horny Goat Weed herbal information | HelloPharmacist), you'll see we do have plenty of interactions listed (just not with atomoxetine).
Atomoxetine is primarily metabolized via CYP2D6, which horny goat weed is not thought to affect in a clinically significant way.
Regardless, it is still wise to check with your healthcare provider before adding it to your regimen so you can be appropriately monitored.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out, and please feel free to do so again anytime!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Drug-supplement interaction
- A reaction that occurs when a dietary supplement changes how a prescription medication works in your body.
- Strattera
- A brand name for the prescription medication atomoxetine, used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Flavonoids
- Plant compounds with antioxidant properties found in many foods and supplements.
- Phytoestrogens
- Plant-derived compounds that can mimic estrogen effects in the body.
- Metabolized
- The process by which your body breaks down and processes a drug or substance.
- CYP2D6
- An enzyme in your liver that breaks down many medications, including atomoxetine.
- Atomoxetine
- The generic name for Strattera, a medication used to treat ADHD by affecting brain chemicals.
- Clinically significant
- Important enough to cause noticeable effects on a patient's health or medication effectiveness.
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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