Lion's Mane With Cymbalta, Gabapentin And Primidone
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the safety of taking Lion's Mane with several drugs.
Can I take Lion's Mane Mushroom with primidone, duloxetine, and gabapentin?
Jun 21, 2023- There is no known interaction between Lion's Mane mushroom and primidone, duloxetine, or gabapentin.
- You should consult your doctor before taking Lion's Mane along with your current medications so they can monitor your specific situation.
- Lion's Mane is not known to affect the liver enzymes responsible for breaking down these medications in your body.
Quick Answer
There is no known interaction between Lion's Mane mushroom and primidone, duloxetine, or gabapentin. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal products so they provide guidance for your specific medical situation.
Detailed Answer
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a type of edible fungus that has become a very popular dietary supplement and is purported to have various health benefits, such as enhancing cognitive function, nerve regeneration, immune system support, and antioxidant activity.
Studies show that Lion's Mane contains many bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, erinacines, hericenones, and lectins, that may contribute to its effects.
As with many dietary supplements, comprehensive drug interaction studies are lacking.
There is some evidence that Lion's Mane has mild antidiabetic and anticoagulant effects, so there is a theoretical interaction between it and those types of drugs.
However, there is no known interaction between it and the drugs you mentioned in your question:
- Mysoline (primidone)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Neurontin (gabapentin)
Lion's Mane is not known to alter any of the enzymes in our body that are responsible for metabolizing drugs (e.g., CYP liver metabolizing enzymes) and there have been no specific drug interactions documented with it.
As always though, I highly recommend speaking to your doctor before adding on Lion's Mane to your prescription drug regimen so you can be appropriately monitored.
Final Words
Thanks so much for reaching out! I hope you found this helpful.
References & sources
- Hericium erinaceus Inhibits TNF-α-Induced Angiogenesis and ROS Generation through Suppression of MMP-9/NF-κB Signaling and Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Genes in Human EA.hy926 Endothelial Cells — PubMed
- Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet — PubMed
- Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Bioactive compounds
- Substances in a plant or supplement that have a biological effect on the body.
- Polysaccharides
- Large carbohydrate molecules made up of many sugar units linked together.
- Antidiabetic
- Having the ability to help lower blood sugar levels or improve diabetes symptoms.
- Anticoagulant
- A substance that slows down or prevents blood clotting.
- Metabolizing enzymes
- Proteins in the body that break down drugs and other substances so they can be used or eliminated.
- CYP liver metabolizing enzymes
- A group of proteins in the liver that break down most medications in the body.
- Dietary supplement
- A product containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other ingredients taken by mouth to support health.
- Nerve regeneration
- The process of nerve cells repairing and regrowing themselves after damage.
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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