If you take prescription medications, interaction risk is the default — not the exception.
¶ What This Is (and Isn’t)
- This is: a structured way to identify interaction risk and decide when to avoid self-experimentation.
- This isn’t: a substitute for a clinician, pharmacist, or medication label guidance.
One compound changes how another is absorbed/metabolized/cleared (e.g., via CYP enzymes or transporters). This can raise toxicity risk or reduce effectiveness.
Two compounds push the same physiological system in the same direction (e.g., both lower blood pressure), increasing side-effect risk even if blood levels don’t change.
If you’re taking any of these, pause and consult a clinician/pharmacist before stacking:
- Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (bleeding risk)
- Blood pressure medications (hypotension, dizziness, syncope)
- Diabetes medications (hypoglycemia risk)
- SSRIs/SNRIs/MAOIs and other psychoactives (mood, sleep, serotonin risk patterns)
- Antiarrhythmics and QT‑sensitive meds (rhythm risk)
- Immunosuppressants and transplant meds (narrow therapeutic windows)
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding (many supplements lack safety data)
- Chronic kidney disease or significant liver disease
- History of severe allergic reactions
- Prior arrhythmias or unexplained syncope
- Any new red-flag symptom: Red Flags
When you read a protocol/intervention page, look for:
- Contraindications and caution groups
- Interaction notes (drug/supplement)
- A stop rule (what symptoms/lab changes should end the experiment)
For evidence standards, see: Evidence Grading & Editorial Policy