Drug interactions
Sage + Valproic acid
Severity: Minor
Sage and Valproic acid: 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, a constituent that can provoke seizures, so sage products could theoretically oppose the antiepileptic effect of valproate. This is based on theory rather than reported cases.
What this interaction means in plain words
Sage and Valproic acid 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
Pharmacodynamic opposition by convulsant constituents such as thujone in some sage species.
What to do
Advise patients with epilepsy to avoid concentrated sage oils or supplements and report any breakthrough seizures.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Sage with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Sage and Valproic acid 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, a constituent that can provoke seizures, so sage products could theoretically oppose the antiepileptic effect of valproate. This is based on theory rather than reported cases.
How serious is the interaction between Sage and Valproic acid?
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 patients with epilepsy to avoid concentrated sage oils or supplements and report any breakthrough seizures.
What other medicines interact with Valproic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valproic acid with, for example, Ertapenem, Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam, Imipenem / cilastatin. The full list is on the Valproic acid page.
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