Ashwagandha Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database

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# Ashwagandha

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 10, 2022.

## What are other common names?

- Physalis somnifera
- Withania somnifera
- Ajagandha
- Amangura
- Amukkirag
- Asan
- Asana
- Asgand
- Asgandh
- Asgandha
- Ashagandha
- Ashvagandha
- Ashwaganda
- Ashwanga
- Asoda
- Asundha
- Asvagandha
- Aswaganda
- Aswagandha
- Avarada
- Clustered Winter Cherry
- Indian Cherry
- Indian Ginseng
- Kanaje Hindi
- Kuthmithi
- Samm al ferakh
- Winter Cherry
- Withania
- Withania Somnifera

## What is this product used for?

Ashwagandha may help the body cope with stress.

## What are the precautions when taking this product?

- Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

- Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

- This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking, especially digoxin.

- Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

- Do not use this product if you have stomach problems or ulcers.

- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product. It may cause you to become sleepy or drowsy.

- Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

- This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for while taking this product.

- Take extra care if you are using drugs to help you relax or sleep. These are drugs like diazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, or zolpidem.

- Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with your thyroid. These include drugs like thyroid desiccated, levothyroxine, or liotrix.

- Take extra care if you are taking iron supplements. This product can contain high amounts of iron.

- If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

- Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  - Heart problems

  - Blood pressure problems

  - Blood sugar problems

  - Thyroid problems

  - Immune problems

## What should I watch for?

- Upset stomach

- Feeling lightheaded, tired, or sleepy

## When do I need to call the doctor?

- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

- Very bad throwing up

- Very bad loose stools

- Change in balance, feeling shaky, or unsteady

- Not able to think clearly or change in thinking

## Where can I learn more?

US Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource

https://www.opss.org/article/ashwagandha-dietary-supplement-products

## Last Reviewed Date

2021-03-22

## Consumer information use

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## Further information

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