Ginseng is often used to help to increase energy and to enhance physical and sexual stamina.There are potential unwanted herb drug interactions when using Ginseng with the following medications:
Blood Thinning Medications - There have been reports that Asian ginseng may possibly decrease the effectiveness of the blood-thinning medication, warfarin. In addition, ginseng may inhibit platelet activity and, therefore, should probably not be used with aspirin.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using herbs and medications together.
Caffeine - While taking ginseng, it is wise to avoid caffeine or other substances that stimulate the central nervous system because the ginseng may increase their effects, possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular heartbeat.
Haloperidol - Ginseng may intensify the effects of this anti-psychotic medication, so these should not be taken together.
Morphine - Ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.
Phenelzine and other MAO inhibitors for Depression - There have been reports of a possible interaction between ginseng and the antidepressant medication phenelzine, a drug that belongs to a class known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOIs], that resulted in symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to headache and tremors.