Meds interactions with Natural Alternatives

[ohmama]

Is anyone aware of a publication or website that would give information on any possible interactions by taking certain meds and a natural alternative such as amino acids, etc?

I'm thinking there must be something out there? There are Physicians Desk Reference publications and the Nursing Drug reference. How would someone be warned about using natural alternatives in combination with meds? We sure can't ask the doctors. They just don't know. Same goes for most pharmacists.

I think there is a real need for something like this.

[AustinsMom]

I've not used this much, but I believe Healthnotes Online does contain info about supplement/drug interactions. I think GNC has the Healthnotes service on their website.

As far as books, I have heard that the A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb Interactions is good. I think there is also one with something in the title about Herb Contraindications. Sorry I don't know the authors and have not used either one, just read about them in a healthstore newsletter. I bet you could find them on Amazon and read reviews to see if they look like they would be good.

It's hard when we have to fragment our kids care--get traditional medical care from pediatricians who (in my case) don't believe alternatives work, but do at least tolerate my requests like no dyes in antibiotics, etc. And often get supplement info from books, internet, N.D.'s where we can't get a good perspective of how it might relate/interact with traditional medicine. And you even have to watch to make sure all those "natural" alternatives you are trying can actually work together instead of antagonistically. But that's why I value the chance to bounce things off of people here, and I particularly appreciate your experience. So thanks.

[catatonic]

There's a kind of condensed interaction summary here, in alphabetical order by supplement. Far from comprehensive, but it's a start:
www.duffyslaw.com/current12.htm

HealthNotes remains about the best resource I've found online, and you can access it here:
www.healthwell.com/healthnotes/healthnotes.cfm?ContentID=2462000

Just as an example, if you look up "tyrosine" it will tell you that you need to include Vitamin B6, folic and copper along with this supplement, and that it interacts with drugs classed as "mixed amphetamines" (as in, Adderall).

[ohmama]

Thank you so much! This gives me some homework to do. Like I have the time.