 The
following is a compilation of possible toxicities/overdose/adverse effects of
the alternative therapies discussed on this website. Consult your doctor
before beginning any new therapies (alternative or traditional), especially if
already on medication. Certain medications can have serious interactions,
it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
Diet, Nutrition, Vitamin and Mineral
Supplementation
| Hypercalcemia |
Depression, fatigue,
cardiac conduction abnormalities, constipation, mental confusion. |
| Hyperkalemia |
Cardiac arrest; DO NOT TAKE IF ON BP
MEDS, CARDIAC MEDS, OR HEPARIN. |
| Hypermagnesemia |
Lethargy, respiratory depression, fatigue,
tachyarrhythmias, nausea, vomiting; 3-5 grams per day over a prolonged
period can be fatal. |
| Hypernatremia |
Elevated blood pressure, increase fluid retention. |
| Hyperphosphatemia |
Hypocalcemia, tetany, metastatic calcifications. |
| Iron (acute
intoxic) |
Shock, metabolic acidosis, coma, death,
necrotizing gastroenteritis. |
| Vitamin A |
Large amounts can cause
liver and bone damage. Women who are pregnant
or planning to become pregnant should not take due to risk of birth
defects. |
| Vitamin B1(thiamine) |
More than 3grams per day
is toxic to adults causing headaches, irritability, insomnia, rapid pulse,
weakness, pruritis. |
| Vitamin B3
(niacin) |
Very high doses (3-6
grams per day) can damage the liver. 200mg per day can cause
flushing. |
| Vitamin B6(pyridoxine) |
Doses between 2-7 grams
per day can cause nerve damage. Sensory loss has been reported at
doses between 50-500mg per day. |
| Vitamin C |
May cause kidneys stones
in people who produce too much oxalate in response to high doses. |
| Vitamin D |
Hypercalcemia.
Infants are most at risk at doses over 50 ug per day from calcium deposits
in the arteries and excessive calcification of the bones and internal
organs. |
| Vitamin E |
Do not
take with anticoagulants. |
| Selenium |
Serious problems occur
at intakes above 750ug a day. |
| Zinc |
Poisoning can occur at
daily intakes of 2 grams or more. Long-term exposure to 75-80 mg a
day can lead to anemia. As little as 50mg a day interferes with the
metabolism of iron and copper. |
Herbals
| Black Cohosh |
Use
in pregnancy is contraindicated due to risk of spontaneous abortion; can
potentiate the effects of antihypertensives resulting in hypotension; gastrointestinal discomfort;
taken in very high doses, may lead to headaches,
dizziness, limb pain and lowered blood pressure. |
| Chaste Tree Berry |
Itching, urticarial exanthemas, possible interaction
with dopamine receptor agonist, headache, and increased menstrual flow. Due
to its dopaminergic effect on the pituitary, there is concern for its potential
to cause ovarian hyperstimulation. Concomitant use with oral
contraceptives is not recommended because if its potential to decrease the
efficacy of birth control. This drug should not be used during pregnancy
or breastfeeding. |
| Dong quai |
Caution should be exercised when
using dong quai with anticoagulants or anti-platelet aggregating agents due to possible interaction and increased risk of bleeding. |
| Evening Primrose
oil |
Mild bloating, nausea; this
should not be taken by anyone who has a history of seizure disorder, for
it has the potential to lower the seizure threshold. |
Acupuncture
Complications include:
Infection, profuse bleeding from piercing large blood vessels,
nerve damage, pneumothorax with chest acupuncture, bowel perforation with
abdominal acupuncture.
Interferential Electro-Therapy
CONTRAINDICATED:
PERSONS WITH PACEMAKERS, CANCERS
Warning:
*Use caution in people with cardiac problems or seizure
disorders
*Not to be used 1). transcerebrally 2). Over carotid sinus 3). Over
swollen,
infected,
inflamed areas, or skin eruptions 4). Over heart.
*If used over neck or face, severe spasms of
the laryngeal and pharyngeal
muscles may be strong
enough to close the airway or cause difficulty
breathing.
*Patients can have allergic reactions to the electro-therapy patches
*Do not use after acute trauma or head injury
|
