supplements:start
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Supplements
Supplements are pharmacologically active substances — even when sold over-the-counter.
If it changes physiology, it can change labs, interact with medications, and cause toxicity.
This section connects supplement mechanisms to PharmAtlas drug classes and clinical decision-making.
When to Use This Section
- A patient asks: “Can I take this with my meds?”
- Unexplained LFT elevation, CK elevation, INR instability, or blood pressure changes
- A patient stacking supplements for weight loss, sleep, libido, pain, or “immune boosting”
High-Risk Supplements (Clinically Important)
- St. John’s Wort → CYP induction → ↓ efficacy of SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, Oral Contraceptives, Transplant Immunosuppressants
- Kava → hepatotoxicity risk (consider LFT monitoring)
- Red Yeast Rice → statin-like (lovastatin analog) → similar risks as Statins and myopathy risk with Atorvastatin / Rosuvastatin
- High-dose Biotin → interferes with Thyroid labs and troponin interpretation
- Yohimbine / Stimulant blends → HTN, tachycardia, anxiety; arrhythmia risk (caution in Hypertension and with Beta Blockers)
Supplement Categories
1) Metabolic / Weight Loss
Often used alongside diabetes/obesity pharmacology:
- TZDs (e.g., Pioglitazone)
- Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists (e.g., Tirzepatide)
Common supplements:
2) Cardiovascular / Lipids / Blood Pressure
3) Sleep / Anxiety / Mood
Often combined with (interaction risk when stacking sedating agents):
Common supplements:
4) Pain / Inflammation
5) Immune / “Cold & Flu”
Common supplements:
Relevant medication considerations:
6) GI / Microbiome
Common supplements:
Related PharmAtlas area:
Common co-medications:
7) Sexual Health / Testosterone / “Performance”
Often used alongside:
Common supplements:
8) Vitamins & Minerals
Common supplements:
Often relevant in patients with:
Related
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