Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Sage
Severity: Minor
Carbamazepine and Sage: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Some sage species contain thujone, which has convulsant potential and could theoretically counteract anticonvulsant therapy. Clinical reports are lacking.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Sage have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Thujone in some sage species is a GABA-A antagonist, theoretically opposing carbamazepine's antiseizure effect.
What to do
Advise epilepsy patients to avoid medicinal doses or essential oil of sage. Culinary amounts are generally acceptable.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Sage?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Carbamazepine and Sage have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Some sage species contain thujone, which has convulsant potential and could theoretically counteract anticonvulsant therapy. Clinical reports are lacking.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Sage?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise epilepsy patients to avoid medicinal doses or essential oil of sage. Culinary amounts are generally acceptable.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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