What are the side effects? Side effects are not common, but may include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, high blood pressure, back pain, headaches, erection problems, decreased sexual drive, and difficult or painful urination.

Does saw palmetto increase your blood pressure?

Several of these supplements can increase blood pressure and heart rate, including caffeine, chondroitin, dong quai, ephedra, ginkgo, ginseng, glucosamine, goldenseal, jimson weed, licorice, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and yohimbe.

What are side effects of taking saw palmetto?

When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is likely safe when used for up to 3 years. Side effects are usually mild and might include dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

Who should not take saw palmetto?

Some of the most commonly reported side effects are headache, dizziness, nausea, and constipation ( 19 ). However, saw palmetto is not recommended for everyone. For example, those who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this supplement, as there is limited research on its safety and long-term effects ( 23 ).

What medications does saw palmetto interfere with?

Do not take saw palmetto without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• medicine to prevent blood clots —clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven, and others; or.

Is saw palmetto bad for your heart?

A possible link between heart disease and saw palmetto is that saw palmetto contains the chemical beta-sitosterol which is similar to cholesterol. Raised sitosterol concentrations are linked to an increased frequency of heart problems in men at high risk of coronary heart disease [4].

Does saw palmetto cause blood thinning?

Side effects and interactions Saw palmetto may thin your blood and can cause excessive bleeding during surgery. Always tell your doctor all of the supplements you're taking before beginning any new type of treatment and before surgery. Interactions may occur between saw palmetto and some other medications.

Does saw palmetto affect the heart?

Saw Palmetto And Heart Disease Raised sitosterol concentrations are linked to an increased frequency of heart problems in men at high risk of coronary heart disease [4].