Q I am taking SSRIs prescribed by a psychiatrist. Is it safe to take herbal medicine at the same time?
A In most cases, concurrent use of SSRIs and herbal medicine is possible. However, certain ingredients such as St. John's Wort can interact with SSRIs, so you must inform your Korean medicine doctor of all medications you are currently taking.
Detailed Answer
Concurrent use of SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram, etc.) and herbal medicine is generally possible without problems when properly prescribed. The key caution is that some Western herbs — especially St. John's Wort — can affect SSRI blood levels and must not be taken together. Traditional herbal formulas in the Gamisoyo-san and Sihogayonggoulmoryeo-tang family used at Dongjedang have few reported interactions with SSRIs, but a safe prescription requires accurate disclosure of all medications currently being taken before the formula is written. If new symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or changes in sleep appear after starting, please notify us immediately.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, when concurrent use with SSRIs is planned, we design prescriptions to maintain the medication's anti-anxiety effect while using herbal medicine to address secondary symptoms such as sleep quality, digestion, and fatigue. The two treatments are collaborative, not competing.
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