What is it?
Ginseng is an herbal medicine/supplement used to increase physical and mental well being. It may also be used to treat tiredness, weakness, and mild depression.
Other names for ginseng include: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.
Tell your doctor if you
- are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
- are breast feeding
- have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Talk with your caregiver about how much ginseng you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking ginseng. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.
To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.
Drug and Food Interactions:
Do not take ginseng without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:
- Medicines used to treat bacterial infections (example: linezolid (Zyvox(R)) (1)
- Before taking ginseng, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding
Side Effects: Call your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or rash.
Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
- Diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset
- Vaginal bleeding, mastalgia
- Euphoria, nervousness, insomnia, mania
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness
1. Product Information: Zyvox(R) IV injection, oral tablets, oral suspension, linezolid IV injection, oral tablets, oral suspension. Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, New York, NY, 2008.
Last Updated: 6/12/2013