What is 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. Evening primrose is also known as Oenothera biennis, oil of evening primrose (OEP, EPO), scabish, king's cureall, night willow herb, sun drop, and fever plant.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
What is the most important information I should know about evening primrose?
Do not take evening primrose without first talking to your doctor if you have epilepsy or another seizure disorder; have schizophrenia; or are taking a phenothiazine medication including 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 while taking evening primrose if you have either or the conditions, or are taking any of the medications listed above.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Do not take evening primrose without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant. It is not known whether evening primrose will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take evening primrose without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether evening primrose will harm a nursing infant.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
Who should not take evening primrose?
Do not take evening primrose without first talking to your doctor if you have epilepsy or another seizure disorder; have schizophrenia; or are taking a phenothiazine medication including 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 while taking evening primrose if you have either or the conditions, or are taking any of the medications listed above.
Back to Top
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Back to Top
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Back to Top
Print
Email
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
