
Q I am an office worker in my 40s taking antidepressants (SSRI/SNRI) for fibromyalgia. Is it okay to take them together with herbal medicine?
A Since some components of antidepressants can simultaneously affect the serotonin system when used in combination with herbal medicine, you must inform your attending Korean medicine doctor about the medications you are currently taking. In most cases, combination is safe, but ingredient adjustments may be necessary depending on the prescription. Do not stop or reduce your medication on your own; please share your current situation with both your Western medicine doctor and your Korean medicine doctor.
Detailed Answer
SSRIs (such as fluoxetine) and SNRIs (such as duloxetine and milnacipran) prescribed for fibromyalgia act on pain control pathways by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. While some herbal ingredients (e.g., imported products containing St. John's wort) can affect the serotonin system, traditional medicinal herbs used in domestic Korean medicine clinics generally have a low risk of such interactions. However, as this varies depending on the individual prescription composition, it is essential to provide the Korean medicine doctor with a list of all medications currently being taken. You must never discontinue Western medicine medication on your own. At Dongjedang, we strictly verify the list of all Western medications currently being taken during the initial consultation. For fibromyalgia patients taking antidepressants, we take care to ensure that serotonin-related components in the herbal prescription do not cause dual effects, and we prioritize a safe composition that replenishes energy and stabilizes the mind. Since acupuncture can be performed concurrently without drug interactions, the safest approach is to proceed with both medication and acupuncture while adding herbal medicine in stages under the consultation of a doctor. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking the medication, please inform us immediately so that we can adjust the prescription.
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