Evening Primrose Interactions

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)is a native North American plant. The yellow flower has four leaves and blooms as the sun sets. Also called evening star, fever plant, night willow herb, scabish, scurvish and field primrose, evening primrose has historically been used to relieve hangover symptoms. Today, the oil of the flower is used to treat many ailments and should be used with caution.

Composition

• The oil of the flower contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an essential fatty acid (EFA). Since the body cannot make EFA for itself, it must be ingested through the diet or by taking supplements.

What is it used for?

• Evening primrose oil is a natural health supplement. According to the WebMD, it has been found to help improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the oil is often used to relieve the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and the pain of fibrocystic breasts. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternaive Medicine, research trials do not support the use of evening primrose oil for menopause and premenstrual symptoms.

  The oil is also reported to offer mild relief of eczema and possibly rheumatoid arthritis.
  It is also used to treat heart disease, circulatory disease, coughs, breast disorders, Sjogren's syndrome, post-viral fatigue syndrome, asthma, diabetic neuropathy, zinc deficiency, high cholesterol and cancer.

Interactions with medications

• Consult a doctor before administering evening primrose products to anyone with epilepsy since it may reduce the effectiveness of medications. Also, always seek professional advice before treating children with evening primrose.

  According the WebMD's article entitled Bipolar Disorder Medication, Herbs, and Supplements, evening primrose oil can be "unsafe when taken with some anticonvulsants" such as Lamictal, a drug used to treat bipolar disorder.

  According the an article entitled "What is the most important information about evening primrose?"people who "are taking a phenothiazine medication including chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin, Permitil), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), or triflupromazine" should not take evening primrose oil.

Adverse physical reactions

• In addition to the risk of harmful drug interactions and an increased risk of seizures, some people experience symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, loose stools and rashes after taking evening primrose oil.

  People with epilepsy or other seizure disorder may have an increased risk of having seizures if they take evening primrose.

Recommendations

• Consult medical doctor

  Even though evening primrose oil is readily available in most health food and grocery stores, it is not safe to take in all cases. Anyone taking medication should check with the attending physician and check for the latest research on interactions between medications and evening primrose oil. Also be sure to ask if the oil is safe in light of any diseases or disorders in the body.