Ashwagandha

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 18, 2021.

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.

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.

• 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

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.