Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact

Some Supplements May Increase the Effects—and Side Effects—of Drugs

Sometimes, taking a drug and a supplement together may increase the drug’s effects. The drug’s effects may become too strong, and unwanted side effects may increase.

For example, the herb schisandra may slow down the processes in your body that change drugs into inactive substances. So if you take this herb while you’re also taking a drug, the amount of the drug in your body may increase. As a result, the drug’s effects may be too strong.

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Like schisandra, goldenseal may slow down the processes in your body that change drugs into inactive substances, leading to increases in drug levels in your body.