Ashwagandha

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 7, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Physalis somnifera
• Withania somnifera
• Ajagandha
• Amangura
• Amukkirag
• Asan
• Asana
• Asgand
• Asgandh
• Asgandha
• Ashagandha
• Ashvagandha
• Ashwaganda
• Ashwanga
• Asoda
• Asundha
• Asvagandha
• Aswaganda
• Aswagandha
• Avarada
• Clustered Winter Cherry
• Indian Cherry
• Indian Ginseng
• Kanaje Hindi
• Kuthmithi
• Samm al ferakh
• Winter Cherry
• Withania
• Withania Somnifera

What is this product used for?

Ashwagandha may help the body cope with stress. It may help improve sleep in some people with sleep problems.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking, especially digoxin.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you have stomach problems or ulcers.

• Do not use this product if you have health problems that are sensitive to testosterone. These are problems like prostate cancer.

• Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) while taking this product. It may cause you to become sleepy or drowsy.

• Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.

• This product may cause you to be sleepy. Take extra care driving and doing tasks that you need to be alert for while taking this product.

• Take extra care if you are using drugs to help you relax or sleep. These are drugs like diazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, or zolpidem.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with your thyroid. These include drugs like thyroid desiccated, levothyroxine, or liotrix.

• Take extra care if you are taking iron supplements. This product can contain high amounts of iron.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Heart problems

  • Blood pressure problems

  • Blood sugar problems

  • Thyroid problems

  • Immune problems

  • Liver problems

  • Cancer

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Feeling lightheaded, tired, or sleepy

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of liver problems like upset stomach or throwing up, belly pain, feeling tired, dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, not hungry.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools

• Change in balance, feeling shaky, or unsteady

Last Reviewed Date

2024-03-01

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