Supplements to be aware of with medications include: - Vitamin E and Coumadin/Warfarin; Vitamin E interferes with the function of vitamin K. Vitamin K produces proteins in the liver known as clotting factors to help clot blood. If high doses of vitamin E are consumed (> 400 IU), blood can become too thin, and lead to bruising or even internal bleeding. (Source; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3886776/) -St. John's wort and birth control. St. John's wort can make birth control less effective by increasing hormone clearance of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone from the body. St. John's wort also induces the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which increases the breakdown of hormones found in contraceptives. (Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14663455/) -Milk thistle and Insulin. Milk thistle contains silymarin, that acts as an agonist for a receptor (PPARy) which promotes insulin sensitivity at the cellular level. Silymarin also has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, which is known to promote insulin resistance and higher blood glucose levels. Taking milk thistle can lower blood glucose, but in combination with insulin, may result in hypoglycemia. (Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1665268120301708)
At Superpower, I see it all the time. Someone starts taking St. John's Wort and suddenly their antidepressants stop working. Or they're on blood thinners and add ginkgo biloba, not knowing it raises bleeding risk. Even calcium can block your thyroid medication. Just make a list of every pill and supplement you take and give it to your doctor or pharmacist. It's a quick check that can save you from real trouble.
I've seen supplements help with mental health, but mixing them with prescriptions gets risky. St. John's Wort with antidepressants can cause agitation or even serotonin syndrome. Melatonin messes with blood pressure meds, and ginseng interferes with some antipsychotics. Always check with your doctor before adding anything new. You'd be surprised how a small ingredient can cause a big problem.