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Passion Flower Side Effects and Contraindications

Passion flower, also referred to as passionflower, is an herbal remedy with calming effects. Its primary uses are for relieving anxiety and treating insomnia. Scientists theorize that passion flower increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). GABA reduces the activity of certain brain cells, which makes the person more relaxed. Passion flower is considered very safe and most people do not experience side effects.

  1. Sedating Effects

    • The main side effects associated with passion flower are drowsiness, sedation and mental slowness. Some people may experience dizziness, mild confusion and coordination problems like those occurring with alcohol use, according to EMedTV. These side effects call for caution when driving or operating heavy machinery. Because of the sedating effects, passion flower can increase the effects of sedative medicines. These include some anti-seizure medications, as well as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants and sleep aids.

    MAOI Interaction

    • Passion flower may increase both the beneficial and negative effects of antidepressant drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which interact with numerous substances. People taking isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate) should not use passion flower.

    Increased Bleeding

    • Passion flower may lengthen time needed for blood to clot and thus increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. People with bleeding disorders should be cautious about using this herb. Anyone taking medications or herbs with blood-thinning effects, such as aspirin, warfarin or ginkgo biloba, also should be cautious if combining them with passion flower.

    Rare Side Effects

    • A few reports have been received of allergic reactions, rashes, asthma, sinus problems and vasculitis, according to the NIH. The agency notes that these reactions may have occurred due to contamination of commercial products rather than from passion flower itself. EMedTV cautions that herbal supplements are not regulated as drugs are, and some have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals, prescription drugs and other substances. Consumers should buy supplements only from reputable manufacturers to avoid these contaminants.

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