Headache ginseng

Some dietary supplements have no known precautions, while others have many precautions and contraindications. It is recommended that the use of ginseng be avoided in patients with hypertension, psychological imbalances, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia, asthma, inflammation, infections with high fever, or pregnancy and in children [37]. 

Side effects may be as mild and rare as headache, nausea, and stomach upset for saw palmetto [23,24], However, some supplements may have serious side effects. Hypertension, euphoria, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, skin eruptions, edema, and diarrhea were reported in 22 patients following long-term ginseng use at an average dose of 3 g of ginseng root daily [38]. Side effects reported with valerian use include headaches, hangover, excitability, insomnia, uneasiness, and cardiac disturbances. Valerian toxicity including ataxia, decreased sensibility, hypothermia, hallucinations, and increased muscle relaxation have been reported [39]. 

Two case reports describe symptoms such as insomnia, headache, tremulousness, irritability, and visual hallucinations when taking phenelzine concurrently with ginseng [43,44]. Reduction of the international normalized ratio (INR) may be observed when ginseng and warfarin are taken together [45]. 

Ginseng tea (38) Female/64 Depression Phenelzine 45-60 mg/d (dose and duration not reported) None mentioned Insomnia, headache, tremulousness Increased cAMP levels by ginsenosides... 

Warfarin Phenelzine Alcohol Ginseng (Panax spp.) Decreased INR Headache and tremor, mania Increased alcohol clearance Ginseng increases the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase... 

Ginseng. This herb may react with the drug phenelzine, causing headaches, tremors, and manic-like symptoms, according to reports. However, it is possible that the ginseng in these cases may have been contaminated with caffeine. Ginseng also lowers blood concentrations of alcohol and warfarin. 

Interactions of antidepressants with herbal medicines have been reported (53). Ginseng has been reported to cause mania, tremor, and headache when used in combination with conventional monoamine oxidase inhibitors. 

Anise 2. Asian ginseng 3. Cereus 4. Ephedra 5. Ginseng 6. Parsley 7. Shepherds purse 8. Verbena (vervain) 9. Capsicum 1. Phenelzine 2. Tranylcypromine 3. Modobemide May cause T blood pressure with anise and ephedra. T risk of side-effects such as psychosis and hallucinations with Asian ginseng. Headache, tremulousness and manic episodes have been reported with ginseng and phenelzine Unknown mechanism (anise, Asian ginseng) Inhibits metabolism of ephedra (MAOIs inhibit the metabolism of ephedra) Avoid concomitant use... 

The authors of a review of the adverse effects associated with P. ginseng concluded that it is generally safe but at high doses can cause insomnia, headache, diarrhea, and cardiovascular and endocrine disorders (5). Inappropriate use and suboptimal formulations were deemed to be the most likely reason for adverse effects of ginseng. The authors of a systematic review reached similar conclusions and showed that serious adverse effects of ginseng seem to be true rarities (6). 

Isolated reports describe two patients taking phenelzine who developed adverse effects (including headache and insomnia) after taking ginseng. 

Improper use of American ginseng is reported to cause side effects such as headache, weakness, apathy, aversion to cold, distended abdomen, vomiting, and delayed menstruation. Allergic reactions including asthma and drug rashes have been reported (Bensky et al. 2004). 

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