Can I take Folic acid and St John's wort together?

Por que isso acontece

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin, while St John's wort is an herbal remedy primarily used for low mood. They are processed by different pathways in the body and do not interfere with each other's absorption, metabolism, or effectiveness.

You can continue to take both as directed. However, always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking St John's wort, as it interacts with many other prescription medicines (such as the contraceptive pill, blood thinners, and antidepressants).

Deficiência de Vitamina B12 (Anemia Perniciosa)

Folic acid can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. If you have B12 deficiency, taking folic acid alone can allow serious nerve damage to progress even though your blood count appears normal. Your doctor must ensure your B12 levels are checked before or during treatment.

Depressão e Saúde Mental

Como outros antidepressivos, a erva-de-são-joão pode aumentar o risco de pensamentos suicidas ou automutilação, especialmente ao iniciar o tratamento. Procure ajuda médica imediata se seu humor piorar.

Drug Interactions

St John's wort significantly reduces the effectiveness of many essential medicines, including the contraceptive pill, blood thinners (warfarin), epilepsy medications, and organ transplant drugs. Do not start it without a pharmacist checking your current medications.

Síndrome da Serotonina

Tomar hipericão junto com outros antidepressivos ou triptanos (para enxaqueca) pode causar síndrome serotoninérgica, uma condição potencialmente fatal que envolve febre alta, agitação e rigidez muscular.

Fotossensibilidade

A erva-de-são-joão pode tornar sua pele significativamente mais sensível à luz solar, levando a queimaduras solares graves ou reações na pele mesmo com exposição limitada.

Álcool

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking folic acid. Alcohol interferes with the way your body absorbs and uses folic acid, which can make the treatment less effective. Chronic alcohol consumption is a common cause of folate deficiency.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking St John's wort. Combining them can increase drowsiness and dizziness, and may worsen the side effects of the herbal remedy.

Cafeína (Café, Chá, Bebidas Energéticas)

St John's wort can increase your sensitivity to caffeine. This may lead to feelings of anxiety, a racing heart, or difficulty sleeping.

Foods high in Tyramine (Aged cheeses, cured meats, soy sauce, marmite)

Although the risk is low, St John's wort may interact with tyramine-rich foods, potentially causing a sudden increase in blood pressure. It is sensible to consume these foods in moderation.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Verificador de Interações de Medicamentos helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Aviso Legal

Esta informação é apenas para fins educacionais gerais e não deve ser considerada como um substituto para aconselhamento médico profissional. Sempre consulte seu médico, farmacêutico ou outro profissional de saúde qualificado antes de tomar decisões sobre seus medicamentos. As circunstâncias individuais podem variar, e somente um profissional de saúde que conheça seu histórico médico pode fornecer orientações personalizadas.