Could herbal supplements affect my mother's ability to drive?
You're right to be concerned. Many people don't realize that even though herbal supplements can be purchased without a prescription, they can still have serious side effects. Just like other drugs, herbal supplements can affect a person's physical and mental condition -- and that includes her ability to drive safely.
One reason that herbal supplements pose a health risk is that manufacturers aren't required to meet the same safety standards that regulate over-the-counter and prescription medications. As a result, a number of herbal supplements have been found to be dangerous only after they've been on the market for some time.
Herbal supplements can also interact with other medications and cause serious health problems. Seniors may be at particular risk because they commonly take a range of different medications. Also, as people age, it takes longer for their bodies to metabolize drugs and other substances and eliminate them from their bodies.
Encourage your mother to talk to her physician -- and any specialists she sees -- about the supplements she wants to take.
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