What is damiana?
The use of damiana in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Damiana is also known as Turnera diffusa, Mexican damiana, old woman's broom, and herba de la pastora.
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What are the possible side effects of damiana?
Although rare, allergic reactions to damiana may occur. Stop taking damiana and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects have not been reported, although they may occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I take damiana?
The use of damiana in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. If you choose to take damiana, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
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What is the most important information I should know about damiana?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you take a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others; have a history of breast cancer; have a psychiatric disorder such as mania or schizophrenia; have Alzheimer's disease; or have Parkinson's disease.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of damiana. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
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What other drugs will affect damiana?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you take a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others. Damiana may interfere with the control of blood sugar levels. Interactions between damiana and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements may also occur. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking damiana if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether damiana will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether damiana will harm a nursing infant.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a damiana overdose are not known.
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What should I discusss with my health care provider before using damiana?
Do not take damiana without first talking to your doctor if you take a medicine to treat diabetes or to control blood sugar levels such as insulin, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), tolbutamide (Orinase), metformin (Glucophage), acarbose (Precose), troglitazone (Rezulin), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others; have a history of breast cancer; have a psychiatric disorder such as mania or schizophrenia; have Alzheimer's disease; or have Parkinson's disease.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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