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Does Herbal Supplement Cats Claw Interact With Any Other Drug?

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Posted on Sat, 19 Mar 2016
Question: I take 30mg of Lexapro, 60mg Cymbalta and strattera. Can the herb Cats Claw stop these meds from working? YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Munish Sood (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
limited scientific studies are available with no known drug drug interacti

Detailed Answer:
Dear
Thanks for contacting Ayurveda with your health concern and following is recommended guidelines and symptomwise approach:
i. Lexpro (escitlopram oxlalate) is used to treat depression
ii. strattera (atomoxetine) is used for the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and
iii. cymbalta ( duloxetine) for major depressive disorder (depression & anxiety) whereas Cats claw is used for multiple health problems thus:

1. Since controlled clinical trials are missing thus instead of multipurpose function/actions cat's claw is mainly used as an antiinflammatory,anti cancer and immnomodulator (based on limited animal studies, so do let me know for which purpose do you want to take the same.

PS. As such there is no drug drug interaction found between using above mentioned drugs with cat's claw (as suggested by FDA and recurrent studies) thus you can take them.

2. Is there any history of psychiatric problem/illness in your family?
3. Do you wish to take root bark or root bark extract?
4. Do you wish to undergo any surgical procedure (while on cats claw)? and whether using any immunosuppresant drug or (steroids)?
PS. Case reports are generally not there but some have reported interaction of cats claw with protease inhibitors (mainly AIDS medicine)
5. Watch for increased risk of bleeding alongwith anticoagulant therapy and taking cats claw, thus regularly check with blood profile:
B.T. : bleeding time
I.N.R. : International Normalised Ratio
Kidney function tests.

Do revert back with your clarifications

Dr. Munish Sood
Consultant & Physician
Naimittika


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Munish Sood (2 days later)
As a kinder teacher, I'm exposed to many germs and bactereia. I am considering takin cats claw to help bolster my immune system. How ever , I don't want to take anything that interferes with my meds. I take B complex, omega 3 and some vit. C
I got my flu shot and I still got sick. So I'm looking for other resources to help keep me healthy. When I get sick my students miss out on learning.

1. There is no known history of psychiatric history in my family that has been documented. Just some anxiety.
2. I don't know what root bark is for.
3. I'm not considering surgery at this time.



doctor
Answered by Dr. Munish Sood (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ayurveda Management

Detailed Answer:

Dear
Thanks for reverting back and step wise approach is:

1. Cat's claw is mainly prepared from one of its part i.e. root bark or extract from bark of root.
2. Since cat's claw interfere with clotting process BUT as you are not undergoing any surgical procedure thus can be safely consumed.
3. Lemon juice mixed with sugar in a glass of water helps release stress removing hormones from the body and bring mind at peace/rest.

TAKE: Apple, almond, banana, broccoli, cantaloupe, melon, carrot, cashew nut, corn, cauliflower, grapes, guava, lemon, XXXXXXX orange, pineapple, soybean, spinach have anti oxidant and detoxifying properties so take them in plenty.

4. Since looking for other natural options thus Rasayana drugs (Rejuvenation/Immunomodulators) should be instituted in your management as part of XXXXXXX (palliative) therapy i.e. which corrects the dysfunction of tissues without disturbing the functions of normal tissues, also Rasayana drugs potentiates humoral antibodies, by increasing  serum Immunoglobulin’s such as IgA,IgG and IgM.

i. Proteins are essential for antibodies production so milk, egg (white), beans, yogurt,soyamilk,pumpkin,squash,watermelon,peanuts,almonds, if non-vegetarian (meat) are choices

ii. Vitamin A: helps to maintain Thymus gland which is a powerful antiviral gland : thus XXXXXXX carrots,cantaloupe,egg yolk, apricots,pumpkin,papaya, are ideal

iii. Vitamin C: is needed for proper functioning of immune system: amla is best

iv. Vitamin E: is a powerful anti oxidant which helps to stimulate antibody production: peanuts, dried apricots, cooked spinach, taro root can be taken

v. Vitamin B is important for the activity of phagocytes: eggs, cheese, pistachio, raw garlic, sunflower and sesame oil.

vi. Ashwagandha,Mandukparni,Shatavari,Trikatu,Vacha,Guduchi,are best Immunomdulators, you can consult with an Ayurveda Physician there about the same.

Do revert back with your concern/ clarifications.

Dr. Munish
Naimittika

Note: Deal with your health issues naturally by getting closer to Ayurveda. click here to learn more.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Munish Sood

Ayurveda Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3701 Questions

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Does Herbal Supplement Cats Claw Interact With Any Other Drug?

Brief Answer: limited scientific studies are available with no known drug drug interacti Detailed Answer: Dear Thanks for contacting Ayurveda with your health concern and following is recommended guidelines and symptomwise approach: i. Lexpro (escitlopram oxlalate) is used to treat depression ii. strattera (atomoxetine) is used for the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and iii. cymbalta ( duloxetine) for major depressive disorder (depression & anxiety) whereas Cats claw is used for multiple health problems thus: 1. Since controlled clinical trials are missing thus instead of multipurpose function/actions cat's claw is mainly used as an antiinflammatory,anti cancer and immnomodulator (based on limited animal studies, so do let me know for which purpose do you want to take the same. PS. As such there is no drug drug interaction found between using above mentioned drugs with cat's claw (as suggested by FDA and recurrent studies) thus you can take them. 2. Is there any history of psychiatric problem/illness in your family? 3. Do you wish to take root bark or root bark extract? 4. Do you wish to undergo any surgical procedure (while on cats claw)? and whether using any immunosuppresant drug or (steroids)? PS. Case reports are generally not there but some have reported interaction of cats claw with protease inhibitors (mainly AIDS medicine) 5. Watch for increased risk of bleeding alongwith anticoagulant therapy and taking cats claw, thus regularly check with blood profile: B.T. : bleeding time I.N.R. : International Normalised Ratio Kidney function tests. Do revert back with your clarifications Dr. Munish Sood Consultant & Physician Naimittika