Hypertension in allopathy and ayurveda - #33172
Hello doctor I m 34 yrs old women I m taking amylodopine 5m in morning and sarpagandha (500mg) and ashwagandha (500mg) in night. Does these medicines cause any interaction effect ? Is it okay to continue to like this? Does taking sarpagandha taking long term cause depression? Please advice me on this as allopathy doctor are unaware about this topic and help me to do needful.
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Doctors’ responses
Hello, taking both medicines does not have any known interactions but there are long term side effects of allopathic medicines. Sarpagandha and Ashwagandha are commonly used medicines in Hypertension but as ayurved perspective diagnosis and treatment is important. Ayurved does not work symptomatically. Finding causes, avoiding them and having regular panchkarma also helps in treating Hypertension. In some cases it is seen that after ayurvedic treatment both allopathic and ayurvedic medicines are stopped and blood pressure is in control.
Hello Can continue Amlodipine in morning Also sarpagandha also Ashwagandha are recommended medicine for hypertension. Sarpagandha if it suits you and not experienced any problems you can continue but don’t increase the dosage beyond 500mg. You can add hypertension medicine Rasagandh 1-0-1, prasham 1-0-1 , these has both sarpagandha and ashwagandha along with other hypertension reducing medicine. Later as your blood pressure starts reducing you can gradually tapper off with Amlodipine but under doctor’s advice. Lessen intake of salt in your diet Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins daily twice. If taking different systems of medicine, it’s advisable to keep gap of 30 to 45 minutes between 2 different systems of medicine.
Combining amlodipine with sarpagandha is potentially dangerous due to the risk of severely low blood pressure and a slow heart rate. Long-term use of sarpagandha is also linked to depression.
While ashwagandha may also lower blood pressure, the risk of a significant interaction with amlodipine is lower than with sarpagandha.
Recommendations:
Discontinue sarpagandha immediately.
Consult your allopathic doctor
Be transparent about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Monitor your blood pressure closely.
No, using Amlodipine, Sarpagandha, and Ashwagandha together is not recommended and can be dangerous.
Here’s why:
Amlodipine is a powerful allopathic medication specifically designed to lower blood pressure. It is a calcium channel blocker.
Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) is a potent Ayurvedic herb that also has strong blood pressure-lowering effects due to its active compound, reserpine.
Ashwagandha also has mild blood pressure-lowering properties.
Taking multiple substances that lower blood pressure at the same time can lead to a dangerous and severe drop in blood pressure (hypotension). This can cause:
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Blurred vision
Fatigue
In severe cases, it can lead to shock and be life-threatening.
Furthermore, long-term use of Sarpagandha is a known cause of depression, which is a serious side effect.
Does not cause any interaction but keep atleast a gap of 1 hour between these two medicines As you are taking almlodepine at morning and sarpagandha at night it’s totally fine no need to worry
HELLO SUGANTHI JI, These medicines do not interact with each other when taken with atleast 1 hour gap. Prolonged use of sarpgandha may cause depresssion in some indivisuals,THEREFORE IT IS ADVISED THAT- AYURVEDIC MEDICINES SHOULD BE TAKEN AFTER CONSULTING AN AYURVEDIC DOCTOR ONLY. Take care Regards, DR. ANUPRIYA
Hello Suganthi
Please keep a watch on your blood pressure as you are taking a double dose of anti hypertensive drugs which can cause LOW BLOOD PRESSURE or HYPOTENSION…
It is advisable that if your bp remains below 140/100mmhg keep only one pathy drug on… It will also be good if you inform this to your allopathy doctor as well because if someday you may get sever hypotensive suddenly and your allopathy doctor may not find out the cause.
Dear SUGANTHI I am glad you reach out to clarify this because it is very important to make sure your medicines and herbs are working safely together Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to control high blood pressure Sarpaghandha is a strong natural antihypertensive that calms the nervous system and dialects blood vessels while Ashwagandha works as an adaptation, helping manage stress and gently supporting energy and hormonal balance Taking amlodipine together with sarpagandha is generally considered safe. If your blood pressure is monitored regularly and doesn’t not drop too low, both lawyer blood pressure, so there is a possibility of extra lowering if the combination is too strong for your body. If you check your BP regularly and if it stays in the normal range without symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue or dizziness you can continue this combination, but keep monitoring it
Regarding long-term use sarpagandha can sometimes leads to excessive calmness, lethargy or low mood used continuously for many months in higher doses. Traditionally, it is combined with other supportive herbs to prevent this effect. If you’re not feeling emotionally sad or overly sleepy since starting it that may be a sign to lower the dose or take. It under supervision in a balanced formulation
Ashwagandha is generally safe long-term and does not have harmful interactions with amlodipine In fact, it can be beneficial by reducing stress related BP spikes, and improving your energy levels
The best approach now used to track your BP daily at the same time and also observe how you feel during the day. Note any tiredness, dizziness or emotional changes. If your BP is stable, you can continue these medicine. If your BP is stable or lower then it is better to lower the dose of sarpagandha
Hello suganthi Amlodipine , sarpagandha and ashwagandha do not show any interaction with each other u can take all these medicines together but u should take a time gap between all these medicine and prolong use of ayurvedic medicine for a long time without prescribed by ayurvedic doctor can give negative effect too as it become satmya to the body aco to ayurveda so u should discuss your comlete case with a doctor and after that take medicine acordingly. Dr. Yash batra BAMS (Ayu. Physician)
Hello Suganthi ji, I can understand your concern your your hypertension but dont worry we are here to help you out😊
✅ 1. About Your Current Medicines
Amlodipine 5 mg (morning) - a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina, 500 mg at night) → classical Ayurvedic herb, also historically used in modern medicine (reserpine extract) for high BP.
Ashwagandha (500 mg at night) - adaptogen, reduces stress, mild BP balancing effect, supports sleep.
✅ 2. Possible Interactions
overall, the combination is not dangerous, but BP should be regularly monitored to ensure it doesn’t fall too low.
✅ABOUT LONG TERM ISE OF SARPAGANDHA Works well in resistant hypertension, calms nervous system, reduces insomnia.
Long-term high-dose use may cause low mood, depression, nasal congestion, excessive sleepiness, gastric irritation in some patients.
So yes – long-term, unmonitored, high-dose use may contribute to depression in sensitive individuals.
✅ADVICE TO YOU
1. Continue amlodipine as prescribed – do not stop suddenly. 2. Sarpagandha – If your BP is stable and not very high, you can discuss with your Ayurvedic doctor about reducing the dose or taking a combination formulation (like Sarpagandhadi Vati) instead of plain high-dose powder. 3. Ashwagandha – safe to continue, especially if you feel stressed or anxious. 4. Monitor BP at least 3–4 times a week and keep a record.
Your combination is generally safe, but keep monitoring BP. Long-term high-dose Sarpagandha can cause low mood, so better to take it in balanced Ayurvedic formulations under guidance.
With a proper diet and lifestyle, your dependence on medicines may reduce gradually.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Hi suganthis this is Dr vinayak as conscidering your problem no need to worry maa just conferm that just by taking those medicines your BP is under control then no need to worry you can cont the same medicine regularly check the bp and gradully reduce the dosage of medicine by regular followup …
Hii Suganthi Its totally fine to take them at different times. It will not cause any harm.So, don’t worry and feel free to ask any other doubt.
Warn Regards Dr.Anjali Sehrawat
HELLO SUGANTHI,
-Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against our artery walls -Normal= 120/80 mmHg -Hypertension= when. readings stay > 140/90 mmHg -Long term high Bp can strain your heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain-> risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, vision problems
WHY IT HAPPENS? IN AYURVEDA= imbalance of vata (irregular flow), pitta (heat, stress), and rakta (blood)
IN ALLOPATHY= due to genetics, stress, diet, inactivity, obesity, hormonal imbalance, kidney disease etc
TREATMENT GOALS -keep Bp under control (ideally below 130-140/80-90 mmHg) -Prevent complications= stroke , heart disease, kidney problems -Improve quality of life with energy, sleep , calmness -Avoid medicine side effects by balancing Allopathy + Ayurvedic carefully
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) ARJUNA CAPSULES= 500mg cap twice daily after meals for long term 3-6 months =strengthens heart muscles, regulates bp, reduces cholestrol
2) JATAMANSI CAPSULES= 500mg twice daily after meals =calming effect, helps with stress, insomnia, prevents depression (safer than long term Sarpagandha)
3) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at night =adaptogen, reduces stress hormones, balances vata, improves energy and sleep
4) SARPAGANDHA VATI= 1 tab at night for short term =strong antihypertensive but not for long term daily use
5) BRAHMI VATI= 500mg twice daily =imroves memory calms stress, supports heart
EXTERNAL THERAPIES= AT PANCHAKARMA CENTRA
1) SHIRODHARA (oil dripping on forehead with brahmi taila= reduces stress, LowersBp
2) ABHYANGA (oil massage with sesame oil)= balances vata, improves circulation
3) TAKRADHARA= for stress related hypertension
LIFESTYLE CHANGES -SLEEP= regular 6-8 hrs, avoid late nights -Work life balance= reduce overthinking, take breaks -EXERCISE= brisk walking 30 mins daily yoga 20 mins. Avoid heavy weightlifting -AVOID TRIGGERS= anger, stress, excess talking, excess screen time
YOGA ASANAS -shavasana -vajrasana -sukhasana -ardha matsyendrasana -bhujangasana
PRANAYAM -Nadi sodhana= balances vata-pitta -Bhramari= calms nervus system -Sheetali/sheetkari= cooing, reduces pita
MEDITATION =10-15 mins daily
DIET -Fruits= pomegranate, grapes, watermelon, banana, guava -Vegetables= bottle gourd, ridge gourd, cucumber, spinach, drumstick -Grains= whole wheat, barley, oats, brown rice -Oils= sesame oil, olive oil in moderation -Herbs/spices= garlic , onion, coriander, curry leaves
AVOID -excess salt, fried foods, pickles, bakery products -excess tea/cofffe, alcohol, smoking -canned/processed foods
HOME REMEDIES -Garlic (1-2 cloves raw or boiled daily)- natural BP regulator -Warm water with lemon + honey morning- mild detox, supports heart -Coriander + cumin seed water- boil, cool,drink= balances pitta
INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED -Blood pressure monitoring= at home 2-3 times / week -Blood test= lipid profile, kidney function, fasting sugar
-You are already doing the right thing by combining modern and traditional knowledge- but never self adjust medicines without supervision -Amlodipine is safe long term-> continue unless doctor changes -Sarpagandha = best used short term or occasionally not lifelong -Ashwagandha = safe, good for stress + bp -Focus more on diet, lifestyle, yoga, and supportive ayurvedic medications -Keep checking your Bp and consult both physician and Vaidya regularly for safe integration
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Taking both allopathic and Ayurvedic medications together can sometimes lead to interactions that may not always be immediately apparent. Amlodipine, which you are taking in the morning, is a calcium channel blocker used to manage hypertension, and it is generally considered safe. Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for its antihypertensive properties, as it can help in managing blood pressure. However, Sarpagandha contains reserpine, which may contribute to depression as a side effect, especially when used in high doses or long-term, as it can potentially deplete certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe and is used in Ayurveda to reduce stress and support overall wellbeing, offering adaptogenic benefits. It’s typically well-tolerated even when combined with other treatments, but its effects can vary from person to person. The combination of Sarpagandha with Amlodipine is not extensively studied, yet the key concern lies more with potential cumulative effects on your blood pressure and mood regulation.
It’s crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly and observe any changes in mood or symptoms over time. If you suspect adverse reactions, fatigue, lowered mood, or depression, it might be wise to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can reconsider your regime.
For continued use of Sarpagandha, doing so under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert may be wise, ensuring that the potency and dosage are adjusted safely according to individual constitution and current health status. They might suggest alternates or complementary therapies that align with both allopathy and Ayurveda.
In essence, while your current practice is not automatically harmful, vigilance is advised to avoid potential long-term complications. Consider discussing this with a professional familiar with both Ayurvedic and contemporary medical interactions, keeping your health and safety as priorities.
Combining amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to manage hypertension, with Ayurveda herbs like sarpagandha and ashwagandha can generally be done with caution, but consulting with a healthcare professional is essential. Amlodipine helps in reducing blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, whereas sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) has traditional uses in Siddha-Ayurveda for lowering blood pressure due to its mild sedative properties.
Long-term use of sarpagandha may potentially cause side effects like depression, as it’s known to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Frequency and dosage need careful determination. It’s critical to monitor your mental health signs if you’re taking it for extended periods.
Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is generally considered adaptogenic — it may help with stress and could complement blood pressure management by supporting overall vitality. While there are no direct known interactions between amlodipine and these herbs, the effects can vary based on individual constitution (prakriti) and how one’s body reacts to the combination.
For safe usage, I’d recommend you consult with a practitioner who understands both allopathy and Ayurveda thoroughly. They might adjust your dosages or suggest alternative herbs. Always inform your allopathy provider about any alternative medicines or supplements you decide to you take to ensure a holistic understanding of your treatment strategy.

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