Collin County Living Well Magazine November/December 2017 | Page 59

retention and potassium loss. Do not use with diuretics or digoxin because it could lead to fur- ther loss of potassium, essential for heart func- tion. St. John’s Wort is a natural anti-depressant for mild to moderate depression. Do not take with other anti-depressants, HIV medications, oral contraceptives, some heart/blood thinning med- ications and Tamoxifen (a cancer drug). Valerian is a mild sedative with hypnotic effects, used to promote sleep. It should not be taken with alcohol or Valium. If your physician does not know about interac- tions with your medications, ask your pharma- cist. Bookstores also have entire shelves devoted to herbalism these days, and may outline pos- sible drug interactions. Since herb-drug interac- tions aren’t predictable, and are possible – es- pecially if you’re taking a range of prescriptions and herbal remedies – it’s best to play it safe and study the herbal medicine before adding it to your pillbox. One a secondary note, if you have not received your influenza, pneumonia, and shingles vac- cines yet, it would be wise to think about it. Pneumonia vaccine only needs to be given every 5-7 years, and the Shingles vaccine is a one-time immunization. If you have any questions or concerns, please, contact Texas Star Pharmacy @3033 W Parker Rd #100, Plano, TX 75023, 972-519-8475. TexasStaradforlivingwell.pdf 1 April 8, 2017 C M FREE 30 MINUTE NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATION WHEN YOU MENTION LIVING WELL! Y CM (By Appointment) MY CY CMY K Donna S. Barsky, Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy)/Owner 3033 W. Parker Rd., #100 • Plano, Texas 75023 (Corner of Parker and Independence) [phone] • [email protected] COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 57