Report on Jimsonweed Side Effects and Usage

Jimsonweed

Natural health supplements sometimes have unexpected side effects or interactions with medication that can lead to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening. The following is a list of cautions that you should be aware of before using Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium). These are referred to as drug/herb interactions.

Warning 1 – Amantadine: Jimsonweed increases antocholinergic effects.

Warning 2 – Antacids: decrease the action of Jimsonweed.

Warning 3 – MAOIs: Jimsonweed increases the anticholinergic effects of MAOIs. Experts recommend avoiding concurrent use.

Warning 4 – Phenothiazines: Jimsonweed decreases the action of phenothiazines.

Warning 5 – Tricyclic antidepressants: The use of jimsonweed with tricyclic antidepressants increases the anticholinergic effects.

Warning 6 – Toxic: Jimsonweed contains toxic tropane alkaloids, which have caused poisoning and death in humans and other animals. It is generally considered too toxic for medical applications nowadays.

Used as a natural health remedy: Jimsonweed has been used internally for:

  • asthma
  • cough
  • epilepsy
  • madness
  • melancholy

There is very little data to support the therapeutic use of jimsonweed.

Side Effects of Jimsonweed

The known side effects of Jimsonweed include:

  1. Agitation
  2. Blurred vision
  3. Confusion
  4. Decreased GI tract motility
  5. Dilated pupils
  6. Dry mouth
  7. Dry mucous membranes
  8. Dry, flushed skin
  9. Emotional lability
  10. Headache
  11. Hypertension leading to hypotension
  12. Hyperthermia
  13. Intensely negative hallucinations
  14. Loss of consciousness
  15. Motor incoordination
  16. Nausea
  17. Photophobia
  18. Restlessness
  19. Tachycardia
  20. Tachypnea
  21. Urinary retention
  22. Vomiting

Jimsonweed is listed as an unsafe herb by FDA and is not recommended for routine therapeutic use.

As with any herb, a serious allergic reaction is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. These may include a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

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For questions and answers about the side effects of herbs see the Herb Forum

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