Can you take st johns wort with levothyroxine?

St. John’s wort and Levothyroxine

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Levothyroxine are both commonly used medications that can be used to treat various health conditions. St. John's wort is a herbal supplement, and Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is used to treat thyroid conditions.

Levothyroxine is metabolized by several different enzymes in the body, including the cytochrome P450 enzymes. St. John's wort is known to induce the activity of these enzymes, which means that it can increase the metabolism of levothyroxine and reduce the amount of active drug in the body. This could potentially lead to a decreased effectiveness of Levothyroxine.

St. John's wort has also been shown to interact with several other medications, including certain antidepressants and oral contraceptives. It is important for individuals considering using St. John's wort to talk with a doctor first, especially if they are taking any other medications.

Possible interactions between St. John's wort and Levothyroxine include:

- Decreased effectiveness of Levothyroxine due to increased metabolism

- Increased risk of side effects from Levothyroxine due to increased absorption

- Altered absorption or elimination of Levothyroxine

- Increased risk of thyroid hormone imbalances

- Potential interactions with other medications that are taken at the same time.

It is very important to talk to a doctor before taking any St. John's wort if you are taking Levothyroxine. Your doctor can recommend a course of treatment that is safe and effective and will not interfere with your medication regimen.