Supplements That Can Make You Feel Dizzy
Many people take supplements to improve their health, but not everyone realizes that some of these products can cause dizziness as a side effect. Understanding which supplements might make you lightheaded can help you make informed decisions about what you put in your body.
St. John’s Wort and Mood Support
St. John’s wort is a popular natural supplement that people often use to help with depression and mood issues. The supplement has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, going back to ancient Greece. However, dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects that some people experience when taking it. When you first start using St. John’s wort, you might feel confused or disoriented along with the dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the supplement over time. Because of these effects, it’s wise to avoid driving or doing activities that need coordination or mental focus when you first begin taking it. You should also stay away from alcohol or other substances that could make the dizziness worse.
One serious concern with St. John’s wort is that it can cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome if you combine it with prescription antidepressants. This happens because the supplement affects serotonin levels in your body, and mixing it with certain medications can create a buildup of serotonin that becomes harmful. Always talk to your healthcare team before taking St. John’s wort, especially if you’re already on other medications.
Lithium and Brain Health
Lithium is a medication that some people take for mood disorders, and it can cause dizziness as one of its side effects. Beyond dizziness, lithium may also cause drowsiness and make you less alert than normal. This means you shouldn’t drive or do anything dangerous while taking it. In rare cases, lithium can cause a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri, which is increased pressure in the brain. If you experience blurred or double vision, eye pain, severe headache, or nausea and vomiting while taking lithium, you should call your doctor right away.
Methylene Blue Supplements
Methylene blue is another substance that can trigger dizziness when taken intravenously or as a supplement. People who take methylene blue might experience dizziness along with other side effects like a fast heartbeat, rash, itching, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness. When methylene blue is combined with certain drying medications, the risk of dizziness increases along with dry skin, fast heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Ginkgo Biloba and Memory Support
Ginkgo biloba is commonly used by people who want to support their memory and circulation. While it’s generally considered safe for many people, it can interact with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs in ways that increase bleeding risk. This interaction can lead to dizziness and other complications. If you take blood thinners or have surgery planned, you should talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking ginkgo.
Fish Oil and Omega-3 Supplements
Fish oil and omega-3 supplements are known for supporting heart health, but at high doses they can thin the blood and increase bleeding risk. This can potentially cause dizziness and other side effects. Moderate doses of fish oil are usually safe, but you should always tell your pharmacist if you’re using them along with heart or blood pressure medications.
How Supplements Interact with Medications
Many supplements contain ingredients that are also found in prescription medications or other products you might already be taking. This overlap can lead to accidental overdosing, which increases the risk of side effects like dizziness. For example, a multivitamin might already include vitamin D, and adding a separate vitamin D supplement could push your intake above safe levels. Similarly, cough or cold medications might contain acetaminophen, and taking it alongside a pain reliever with the same ingredient could increase liver toxicity risk and cause other problems.
When you visit your pharmacy, it’s helpful to bring a complete list of your prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Your pharmacist can help you recognize signs of drug-supplement interactions, such as dizziness, stomach upset, or unexpected fatigue.
General Causes of Dizziness from Medications
Dizziness can come from different sources. Lightheadedness happens when your blood pressure drops or your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. Vertigo, on the other hand, occurs when there’s a conflict between the signals sent to your brain by the different systems in your body that sense balance and position. Your brain uses input from four sensory systems to maintain your sense of balance and orientation to your surroundings.
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause lightheadedness or vertigo. These problems may develop from changes in blood pressure, effects on the nervous system, or interactions with other substances. Alcohol and many medications can make you feel lightheaded or affect your balance. Dehydration can also cause or increase lightheadedness, especially if you have an illness that causes diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever.
If you experience unexplained dizziness or fainting spells, you should have them checked by a doctor. Sometimes the cause of lightheadedness is an abnormal heart rhythm, which is a serious condition that needs medical attention.
Safety Tips for Dizziness
If you’re feeling dizzy, don’t drive a motor vehicle, operate equipment, or climb on a ladder. You should also avoid substances that can affect your circulation, including caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. These can make dizziness worse or create additional health risks.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lithium-oral-route/description/drg-20064603
https://www.gulfcarepharmacy.com/blogs/what-to-know-before-combining
