Q Is it okay to take herbal medicine while taking SSRI anti-anxiety medication?
A While the combined use of SSRIs and herbal medicine is generally possible, you must inform the prescribing Korean medicine doctor of any medications you are currently taking, and it is necessary to verify that the medication does not contain St. John's Wort.
Detailed Answer
SSRIs (such as escitalopram and paroxetine) are metabolized by the liver's CYP450 enzyme system. Although some herbal ingredients may affect the activity of this enzyme, clinically serious interactions are rarely reported with general panic treatment herbal medicines (herbal medicines that relieve phlegm and stabilize the mind, or those that nourish both the mind and the spleen/stomach). St. John's Wort should not be taken with SSRIs due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. You must inform the Korean medicine doctor of a list of all medications you are currently taking.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we always verify medications such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines during the initial consultation. Herbal medicine is formulated to complement the anxiety-relieving effects of Western medicine while minimizing side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, and sexual dysfunction caused by sedation. We conduct safe concurrent treatment in cooperation with the attending Western physician.
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