Possible Interactions with: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use DHEA without first talking to your health care provider.
AZT (Zidovudine) -- In a laboratory study, DHEA enhanced the effectiveness of a drug used for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections called AZT. However, scientific studies in humans are needed before DHEA can be used for this purpose in people.
Barbiturates -- Animal studies suggest that DHEA may increase the effects of barbiturates, a class of medications often used to treat sleep disorders. These medicines include butabarbital, mephobarbital, pentobarbital, and phenobarbital. However, clinical studies in humans are needed before it is known whether this same effect occurs in people and whether it is safe for DHEA and barbiturates to be used together.
Steroids -- Laboratory studies suggest that DHEA may increase the effects of prednisolone, a steroid medication used to treat inflammation and other disorders. Additional research is needed to determine if this effect applies to people.
Estrogen -- It is possible that DHEA may influence the level of estrogen in the body. For this reason, some women on estrogen replacement therapy may need to adjust their dosage. This should be discussed with your health care provider.
Oral hypoglycemics and insulin -- DHEA administration has resulted in some degree of insulin resistance and therefore may decrease the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic agents (drugs used to lower blood sugar levels) and insulin.
Vaccines -- DHEA use has been suggested to result in a decreased rate of developing protective antibodies after influenza vaccination.
Drugs that may decrease DHEA levels -- Drugs that can decrease or lower the levels of DHEA in the body include antisychotic medications (including chlorpromazine or Thorazine and quetiapine or Seroquel), budesonide (Pulmicort), estrogens, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), dexamethasone (Decadron), metformin (Glucophage), and rosiglitazone (Avandia).
Drugs that may increase DHEA levels -- Drugs that may increase DHEA levels in the body include alprazolam (Xanax), amlodipine (Norvasc), anastrozole (Arimidex), nifedipine (Procardia), danocrine (Danazol), diltiazem (Cardizem), ethanol (alcohol) ,methyphenidate (Ritalin), and metopirone (Metyrapone).
Drug InteractionsAnticancer DrugsBarbituratesEstrogen-containing MedicationsPrednisolone and Gentamicin
Alternative NamesDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA); DHEA
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-2014 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Sign Up for Free Newsletters
Ask Your Doctor the RIGHT Questions!
the most from your doctor visit.
Emailed right to you!
The Ask Your Doctor email series
may contain sponsored content.
18+, US residents only please.
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Top Searches
- 1. Arthritis Management: Nature Heals
- 2. 5 Digestive To-Dos
- 3. Men: Should You Shave It or Leave It?
- 4. Today's Top Fitness Trends
- 5. Sugar and Osteoarthritis : The Link
- 6. Can't Afford Your Hospital Bills?
- 7. Stay Energized All Day Long
- 8. Phobias: Who Has Them and Why?
- 9. What If Your EpiPen Fails?
- 10. 5 Costly Medical Billing Mistakes
- 1. Ice Falls Can Cause Serious Injuries
- 2. Can Inactivity Act Like a Disease?
- 3. Kale Snack Recipe for Diabetics
- 4. How Running Affects Arthritis
- 5. Sugar and Your Immunity System
- 6. Do Weight Loss Supplements Work?
- 7. 5 Super Foods for Spring
- 8. The Hazards of Reusable Bags
- 9. How to Avoid Ingrown Hairs
- 10. Health Tip: Constantly Change Shoes
- 1. 4 Common Treatments for Epilepsy
- 2. What Does a Urogynecologist Do?
- 3. GERD Without Heartburn? It's Possible
- 4. Graston Technique: Can It Work on You?
- 5. Music Therapy Can Help Autism
- 6. 8 Ways to Fight MS-Related Fatigue
- 7. Can You Still Bleed After Menopause?
- 8. Be Your Own Health Care Advocate
- 9. Why Is Syphillis on the Rise?
- 10. Ideal Weight vs. Happy Weight
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.