Drug interactions
St john's wort + Sumatriptan
Severity: Moderate
St john's wort and Sumatriptan: moderate 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
St John's wort has serotonergic activity, and combining it with a triptan may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Cases have been reported with St John's wort and triptans.
What this interaction means in plain words
St john's wort and Sumatriptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive serotonergic effects, as St John's wort inhibits reuptake of serotonin and other monoamines.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid St John's wort with triptans, or monitor for serotonin syndrome if use continues. Stop the herb if symptoms develop.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Sumatriptan
- Almotriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergoloid mesylates + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Sumatriptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take St john's wort with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. St john's wort and Sumatriptan can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. St John's wort has serotonergic activity, and combining it with a triptan may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Cases have been reported with St John's wort and triptans.
How serious is the interaction between St john's wort and Sumatriptan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid St John's wort with triptans, or monitor for serotonin syndrome if use continues. Stop the herb if symptoms develop.
What other medicines interact with Sumatriptan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sumatriptan with, for example, Almotriptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Sumatriptan page.
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