While berberine may have certain health benefits, such as weight loss, better blood sugar management, and lowered cholesterol levels, it isn’t safe for everyone. Berberine can have negative interactions with specific medications that may put your health at risk.
10 Medications That Don’t Work Well With Berberine
1. Cyclosporine
Generally, cyclosporine is prescribed to prevent organ rejection in people who have received heart, liver, or kidney transplants. Berberine can affect how well the body breaks down this drug so the side effects can be worse. Some side effects of cyclosporine include nausea, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea.
2. Anticoagulants
These medications are meant to slow down how quickly blood will clot and are usually given to those prone to blood clots. Unfortunately, berberine may also slow down blood clotting so you may end up with bruising and bleeding.
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3. Diabetes Drugs
Studies show that berberine can drop blood sugar levels so taking it with diabetes medications can result in your blood sugar being dangerously low.
4. Antihypertensive Drugs
As with blood sugar levels, berberine may also lower your blood pressure. When taken in combination with antihypertensive drugs, your blood pressure may drop too low.
5. Sedatives
Sedatives are also known as CNS depressants, which can be used to treat insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, seizures, and pain. Berberine may cause sleepiness and slowed breathing so taking it with a sedative can cause breathing problems while making you too sleepy.
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6. Dextromethorphan
This is included in many medications that are meant to treat coughs from colds and cases of flu. Since berberine can affect how this drug is broken down, you may have worse side effects. Some side effects of dextromethorphan include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and difficulty urinating.
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7. Metformin
This drug may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Taking berberine with metformin may lead to increased levels of the drug in your system. That issue might make side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting worse.
8. Pentobarbital
Pentobarbital can be used in the short term to treat insomnia but it’s also a possible anesthetic. Taking berberine with it can lead to you being excessively sleepy.
9. Midazolam
Midalozam may be used to calm younger patients before a surgical procedure. If you take berberine with this drug, it can increase how quickly your body breaks it down. That can affect how well midazolam works as well as the side effects like dizziness, slowed heart rate, difficulty breathing, and headache.
10. Tacrolimus
This drug can be used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and is usually broken down by the liver. Since berberine affects how the liver works, you may have greater side effects. Some of the side effects of tacrolimus include stomach pain, dizziness, burning, and joint pain.
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Other Side Effects
Though more research needs to be done, studies show that it can be safe to take about 1 ½ grams of berberine for up to six months. If you take the supplement in this way, you may experience digestive issues like bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach. People who apply it to the skin might not see any negative effects as long as they only use it for short periods.
It should also be noted that berberine isn’t recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding as it might affect your baby.
When To Talk To Your Doctor
The first thing to note is that you should only start a new supplement after talking to your doctor. Many medications have potential interactions with supplements that aren’t always discussed. When consulting with your doctor, you should discuss what benefits you want to achieve by taking berberine and alternative ways to get them. If it’s possible to modify your medication regimen to accommodate the supplement, you should talk about that too. However, if you’ve already started taking berberine, you need to note any changes in your health when talking to your doctor. You may need additional treatment to get you back on track.
Some studies show that berberine can have great health benefits but you still need to be cautious if you’re taking certain medications. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor before starting the supplement so you know you’re being safe.
