If your are like most Americans you are probably taking prescription medications and over the counter drugs. Throw in some vitamins and herbal supplements and you potentially have a very dangerous situation. Most people do not talk to their doctors about supplements or over the counter drugs thinking that they are safe and will not impact prescriptions and treatments provided by their doctor. However, combining medications both over the counter and prescribed can cause some serious drug interactions. In addition, many herbal and dietary supplements can also cause side effects and drug interactions when taken with other medications. Before starting any medications or supplements be sure to talk with your doctor or your pharmacist to make sure that the combination will not produce adverse interactions.

According to the Northern New England Poison Center some common dangerous drug combinations include combining blood pressure medicine with cold medications which can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure or taking iron and antibiotics together which will lessen or stop the effectiveness of the antibiotic. Some prescription medications, over the counter drugs and herbal supplements can produce similar results. So if an individual was taking Coumadin (a prescribed bloodthinner) and ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement) and Vitamin E at the same time there would be an increase to the risk of internal bleeding since they all thin the blood.

In addition to interactions some supplements and vitamins have serious side effects on their own especially if taken in large doses. For example according to the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (a national non-profit organization established by The American Geriatrics Society) large doses of Vitamin A can influence bone health and large doses of vitamin B6 can influence nerves and cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy. Though dietary supplements can be complementary to traditional medical treatments the consumer should know that herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA like medications. Some dietary supplements can have serious side effects on their own, for example supplements containing ephedra may damage the heart and nervous system and have been linked to 17 deaths according to the American Council on Science and Health. Taking vitamins and minerals in excess can be harmful. Taking large does of vitamin D can damage the kidneys, large does of vitamin A can damage the liver and high does of Vitamin B6 can cause numbness and difficulty walking.

Seniors are more susceptible to drug interactions since they are more likely to be on multiple medications and older adults metabolize medications differently. According to the American Council on Science and Health while people over 65 make up only 13% of the population they make up 30 % of all prescription drug users, 25% of over the counter drugs and are more likely to use supplements. Two-thirds of adults over 65 take one or more drugs each day and 1 in 4 seniors take over 3 drugs each day.

Not only can supplements interact with medications they can decrease their effectiveness. For example the herb St. John’s wort decreases the effectiveness of many drugs used to treat heart disease, cancer and AIDS. In addition, combining ginseng with blood thinners can increase your chance of developing blood clots.

Drug interactions can cause serious side effects including death. Prescribed medications, over the counter drugs, herbal & dietary supplements and vitamins all have a place in maintaining our health however before making any changes talk to your health care professional. Doctors may not ask if you are taking anything besides what they have prescribed. You are responsible for you healthcare, do not assume because something says it is natural or it is sold in a health food store or over the counter at your local pharmacy that it is ok for you to combine with your other medications. Sometimes what the label does not say is what you most need to know.

For more information:
Northern New England Poison Center - 1-800-222-1222

Sarah Lemnah writes on senior issues for the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. This article originally appeared in the Burlington Free Press.