From the Guidelines
Garcinia cambogia supplements should be avoided if you are taking Keppra (levetiracetam) due to potential drug interactions and the lack of clear evidence on their combined use. While the study on pharmacotherapy for obesity 1 does not directly address interactions between Garcinia cambogia and Keppra, it notes that levetiracetam is considered weight-neutral, which does not necessarily imply safety in combination with other substances. The primary concern with combining Garcinia cambogia and Keppra is the potential for Garcinia cambogia to affect liver enzymes, which could alter the metabolism of Keppra and impact its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. Some key points to consider include:
- Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may influence liver enzyme activity and thus potentially interact with medications like Keppra that are metabolized by the liver.
- The risk of liver injury associated with Garcinia cambogia, although rare, is a significant concern when considering its use alongside medications that are liver-processed, such as Keppra.
- The variability in the composition of Garcinia cambogia supplements, including the potential presence of undeclared ingredients or contaminants, further complicates the assessment of potential interactions. Given these considerations and the principle of prioritizing patient safety, especially regarding medications that control critical conditions like seizures, it is advisable to consult with a neurologist or pharmacist before initiating any supplement regimen while on Keppra. Never stop taking prescribed Keppra without medical supervision, as this could lead to breakthrough seizures 1.
From the Research
Potential Drug Interactions
- There are no direct studies on the potential drug interactions between Garcinia cambogia and Keppra (levetiracetam) 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, a study on the interaction between Garcinia cambogia extract and lamotrigine, another antiepileptic drug, found no statistically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine when co-administered with Garcinia cambogia extract 6.
- In a 14-day pre-treatment study with Garcinia cambogia extract, a statistically significant decrease in the rate of systemic exposure to lamotrigine and an increase in apparent volume of distribution were found, but the clinical impact is expected to be minor or none 6.
- Levetiracetam is not associated with clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs, including other antiepileptic drugs 2, 3, 5.
- The mechanisms of action of levetiracetam involve neuronal binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A, inhibiting calcium release from intraneuronal stores, and opposing the activity of negative modulators of GABA- and glycin-gated currents, which may not be directly affected by Garcinia cambogia 2, 3, 4.
Pharmacokinetics and Mechanisms
- Levetiracetam has a novel structure and unique mechanisms of action, and is associated with rapid and complete absorption, high oral bioavailability, minimal metabolism, and primarily renal elimination 2, 3, 5.
- Garcinia cambogia extract may affect the pharmacokinetics of certain drugs, but its interaction with levetiracetam is not well studied 6.
- Combination therapy with levetiracetam and other anticonvulsants may provide additional therapeutic benefit, but the interaction with Garcinia cambogia is not clear 4.