alternative therapies

Question 1

Saw Palmetto

Answer 1

Use: treat BPH

med interactions: additive effect to anticoagulants
*discontinue use prior to surgery

Question 2

Valerian Root

Answer 2

Use: insomnia, migraines, menstrual cramps

med interactions:additive effect with barbiturates and benzodiazepines
*discontinue prior to surgery; don’t drive

Question 3

St. John’s wort

Answer 3

Use: Depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety

med interactions: oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, warfarin, reduced antiretroviral effects, digoxin, Ca channel blockers, antidepressants

Question 4

Echinacea

Answer 4

Use: prevents and treats common cold; stimulates the immune system, promotes wound healing

med interactions: may reduce the effects of immunosuppressants.

may increase serum levels of alprazolam, ca channel blockers, and protease inhibitors (antiviral drugs for HIV)

Question 5

Garlic

Answer 5

Use: Blocks LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol, lowers triglycerides; Suppresses platelet aggregation and disrupts coagulation; acts as a vasodilator (can lower BP)

med interactions: increased risk of bleeding in clients taking NSAIDs, warfarin, and heparin; decreases level of saquinavir (HIV med) and cyclosporine

Question 6

Ginger root

Answer 6

Use: relieves vertigo and nausea; increased intestinal motility; increased gastric mucus production; decreases GI spasms; anti-inflammatory effect; suppresses platelet aggregation; used to treat morning sickness, motion sickness, and nausea from surgery; can decrease pain and stiffness from Rheumatoid arthritis

med interactions: use cautiously in pregnancy as high dose can cause contractions; interacts with meds that interfere with coagulation (NSAIDs, warfarin, heparin); can increase hypoglycemic effects of diabetes

Question 7

Ginkgo

Answer 7

Use: improves cerebral circulation to treat dementia and memory loss; decreases pain with walking in clients who have PAD

med interactions: may increase effects of MAOIs, anticoagulants, and anti-platelet aggregates; may reduce effectiveness of insulin

• may cause seizure with overdose
• discontinue 2 weeks prior to surgery

Question 8

Glucosamine

Answer 8

Use: relieves osteoarthritis; promotes joint health

med interactions: may increase resistance to anti-diabetic agents and insulin; may increase risk of bleeding

*beware if client has shellfish allergy; monitor BGL in diabetics

Question 9

Omega 3 fatty acids

Answer 9

Use: improves hypertriglyceridemia; helps maintain cardiac health

med interactions: may increase risk of vitamin A or D overdose

Question 10

Melatonin

Answer 10

Use: treats insomnia and jetlag

med interactions: beta blockers, warfarin, steroids

*not for pregnant or nursing women

Question 11

Black Cohosh
Evening Primrose
Wild Yam
Soy

Answer 11

used for menopause

avoid them during first and second trimester of pregnancy
avoid if HTN, or DM