Report on Vitex Side Effects and Usage

Vitex Agnus Castus

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 vitex agnus-castus (AKA chaste tree berry). These are referred to as drug/herb interactions.

Warning 1 – Contraindications: Vitex agnus-castus should be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of complications. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended.

Warning 2 – Psychiatric medicines: Vitex agnus-castus may interfere with psychiatric medicines (e.g., haloperidol, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine).

Warning 3 – Dopamine agonists: Vitex agnus castus may interfere with drugs used to treat high levels of prolactin in the body (bromocriptine).

Warning 4 – Oral contraceptives: This herb may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Used as a natural health remedy: vitex agnus castus is used internally for the following benefits:

  • control bleeding uterine fibroids
  • cyclical breast pain (mastalgia)
  • Luteal phase defect (ovarian cyst)
  • reduce premenstrual stress (PMS)
  • reduce symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • reduction of prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia)
  • relieve the symptoms of menopause, reduce hot flashes, increase vaginal lubrication (See other herbs for menopause)

Side Effects of Vitex Agnus Castus

Side effects of using vitex agnus castus are rare. Minor stomach upset, headache and mild skin rash with itching have been reported in less than 2% those using this herb. (See form below)

Vitex agnus-castus is also called Vitex, Chaste Tree, Chasteberry, Abraham’s Balm or Monk’s Pepper.

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