How should I take evening primrose?
The use of evening primrose in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts
accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take evening primrose, use it as directed on the package or as directed by
your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Evening primrose is commonly available in capsules and as an oil. Other formulations
may also be available.
Do not take more of this product than is directed. Too much could be dangerous.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, topical formulations, teas, tinctures,
and others) of evening primrose at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health
care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of
evening primrose.
Store Evening primrose as directed on the package. In general, evening primrose should
be protected from light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of evening primrose. Consult your
doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you require further information.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately.
Reported symptoms of a evening primrose overdose have included loose stools and
abdominal pain. Reported overdoses have not been life-threatening.
What should I avoid while taking evening primrose?
There are no known restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking evening
primrose, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.
What are the possible side effects of evening primrose?
Although uncommon, serious side effects have been reported with the use of evening
primrose. Stop taking evening primrose and seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
Other less serious side effects that have been reported more commonly
include:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect evening primrose?
Do not take evening primrose without first talking to your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines:
-
any medicine to treat seizures or epilepsy,
-
chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
-
fluphenazine (Prolixin, Permitil),
-
mesoridazine (Serentil),
-
perphenazine (Trilafon),
-
prochlorperazine (Compazine),
-
promethazine (Phenergan, Promethegan),
-
thioridazine (Mellaril),
-
trifluoperazine (Stelazine), or
-
triflupromazine.
There may be an increased risk of seizures in patients who take
evening primrose with any of the medications listed above. You may not be able to take evening
primrose, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.
No other interactions between evening primrose and other medicines have been reported.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about
evening primrose.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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