Meta Information
ID:lemon-balm
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (Sedatives, Opioids, Barbiturates)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lemon balm has sedative properties that can add to the drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination caused by other central nervous system depressants.
Actionable advice:
Exercise extreme caution and consult a healthcare provider before combining with any sedative medications.
Target id:
/class/benzodiazepines
Target name:
Benzodiazepines
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lemon balm may enhance the sedative and hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines by acting on the GABA neurotransmitter system, increasing the risk of excessive drowsiness.
Actionable advice:
Avoid concurrent use unless directed by a physician, especially before driving or operating machinery.
Target id:
/intervention/alcohol
Target name:
Alcohol
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Combining lemon balm with alcohol can lead to additive sedative effects, resulting in significant drowsiness, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination.
Actionable advice:
Avoid consuming alcohol when taking lemon balm, particularly in the evening.
Target id:
/condition/thyroid-disorders
Target name:
Thyroid Disorders (especially Hypothyroidism)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lemon balm may interfere with thyroid function by blocking the binding of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to its receptors and potentially inhibiting the conversion of T4 to T3.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before using lemon balm if you have any thyroid condition or are taking thyroid medication.
Target id:
/intervention/levothyroxine_systemic_disease
Target name:
Levothyroxine
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
By potentially interfering with thyroid hormone production and action, lemon balm may reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using lemon balm if you are being treated for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lemon balm may have a mild glucose-lowering effect, which can be additive with diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose levels closely and consult your doctor if combining with any glucose-lowering medications.
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Due to its sedative properties, lemon balm can dangerously enhance the effects of anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery, leading to excessive CNS depression.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
There is insufficient reliable data on the safety of lemon balm during pregnancy; therefore, its use is not recommended due to potential unknown risks to the fetus.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using lemon balm completely during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
It is unknown if components of lemon balm are excreted in breast milk or what effects they might have on a nursing infant; its use should be avoided.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using lemon balm completely while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
0.5
Description:
Lemon balm's calming properties, mediated through the GABA system, can help reduce sleep latency and improve sleep quality.
Actionable advice:
Take 30 minutes to 2 hours before your intended bedtime to promote relaxation and sleep.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Other Sedating Herbs (Valerian, Passionflower, Kava)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Combining lemon balm with other herbs known for their sedative effects can result in additive drowsiness and cognitive slowing.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining multiple calming herbal supplements.
Target id:
/class/cholinesterase-inhibitors
Target name:
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Description:
Lemon balm may inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of medications used for Alzheimer's disease.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and under medical supervision if taking cholinesterase inhibitors.
Target id:
/class/anticholinergic-medications
Target name:
Anticholinergic Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Description:
The potential pro-cholinergic effects of lemon balm (by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase) may counteract and reduce the effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs.
Actionable advice:
Be aware that lemon balm might slightly reduce the efficacy of anticholinergic medications.
Target id:
/class/cyp2d6-substrates
Target name:
CYP2D6 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
In-vitro evidence suggests lemon balm might mildly inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme, which could theoretically increase levels of drugs metabolized by this pathway, though clinical significance is unproven.
Actionable advice:
While likely not clinically significant, be aware of this theoretical interaction if taking sensitive CYP2D6-metabolized drugs.
Target id:
/condition/glaucoma
Target name:
Glaucoma
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Description:
A single animal study using lemon balm essential oil suggested a potential to increase intraocular pressure; this is a theoretical risk for oral extracts.
Actionable advice:
Individuals with glaucoma should use lemon balm with caution and consult their ophthalmologist.