Can I take Folic acid and St John's wort together?

Por qué sucede esto

Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin, while St John's wort is an herbal remedy primarily used for low mood. They are processed by different pathways in the body and do not interfere with each other's absorption, metabolism, or effectiveness.

You can continue to take both as directed. However, always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking St John's wort, as it interacts with many other prescription medicines (such as the contraceptive pill, blood thinners, and antidepressants).

Vitamin B12 deficiency (Pernicious Anaemia)

Folic acid can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. If you have B12 deficiency, taking folic acid alone can allow serious nerve damage to progress even though your blood count appears normal. Your doctor must ensure your B12 levels are checked before or during treatment.

Depresión y Salud Mental

Al igual que otros antidepresivos, la hierba de San Juan puede aumentar el riesgo de pensamientos suicidas o autolesiones, especialmente al comenzar el tratamiento. Busque ayuda médica inmediata si su estado de ánimo empeora.

Interacciones con medicamentos

La hierba de San Juan reduce significativamente la eficacia de muchos medicamentos esenciales, incluyendo la píldora anticonceptiva, los anticoagulantes (warfarina), los medicamentos para la epilepsia y los fármacos para trasplantes de órganos. No la comiences sin que un farmacéutico verifique tus medicamentos actuales.

Síndrome de serotonina

Tomar hierba de San Juan junto con otros antidepresivos o triptanes (para la migraña) puede causar síndrome de serotonina, una condición potencialmente mortal que implica fiebre alta, agitación y rigidez muscular.

Fotosensibilidad

La hierba de San Juan puede hacer que su piel sea mucho más sensible a la luz solar, lo que puede provocar quemaduras solares graves o reacciones cutáneas incluso con una exposición limitada.

Alcohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking folic acid. Alcohol interferes with the way your body absorbs and uses folic acid, which can make the treatment less effective. Chronic alcohol consumption is a common cause of folate deficiency.

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking St John's wort. Combining them can increase drowsiness and dizziness, and may worsen the side effects of the herbal remedy.

Cafeína (Café, Té, Bebidas Energéticas)

St John's wort can increase your sensitivity to caffeine. This may lead to feelings of anxiety, a racing heart, or difficulty sleeping.

Foods high in Tyramine (Aged cheeses, cured meats, soy sauce, marmite)

Although the risk is low, St John's wort may interact with tyramine-rich foods, potentially causing a sudden increase in blood pressure. It is sensible to consume these foods in moderation.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Verificador de Interacciones de Medicamentos helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Descargo de responsabilidad

Esta información es solo para fines educativos generales y no debe considerarse como un sustituto del consejo médico profesional. Siempre consulte a su médico de cabecera, farmacéutico u otro profesional de la salud calificado antes de tomar decisiones sobre sus medicamentos. Las circunstancias individuales pueden variar, y solo un profesional de la salud que conozca su historial médico puede proporcionar orientación personalizada.