Food and medicine interaction
Ashwagandha and sedatives and sleep medicines (such as benzodiazepines), and anti-seizure medicines
TheoreticalEvidence level: theoretical. Suggested by how the food and the drug work, or by lab data. Not shown in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
NCCIH lists sedatives and anti-seizure medicines among drugs ashwagandha might interact with. The worry is extra drowsiness, but this has not been measured in people.
- Why it happens
- Some ashwagandha preparations may help with sleep and stress (NCCIH), so a calming effect could add to sedative medicines; this has not been tested.
- At ordinary food amounts
- Ashwagandha is taken as a supplement, not a food; any regular use counts.
What to do
Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before combining ashwagandha with a sedative, sleep aid or anti-seizure medicine. Do not stop or change those medicines on your own.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have ashwagandha while taking sedatives?
Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before combining ashwagandha with a sedative, sleep aid or anti-seizure medicine. Do not stop or change those medicines on your own. Ashwagandha is taken as a supplement, not a food; any regular use counts.
Sources
Related
- RemedyAshwagandha: the full evidence pageAn Ayurvedic root sold as a stress supplement. Short trials point to lower stress scores and a small sleep benefit, but the studies are small and rare liver injury has been reported.
- Interaction · TheoreticalAshwagandha and thyroid hormone such as levothyroxine, and antithyroid medicines
- Interaction · TheoreticalAshwagandha and immunosuppressants, such as drugs taken after a transplant or for autoimmune disease
- Interaction · TheoreticalValerian and sedatives and sleep medicines, such as benzodiazepines, zolpidem and sedating antihistamines