Overview

Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia piscipula) is a tree. Its root bark is used to make medicine.

Jamaican dogwood root bark contains chemicals that might cause sleepiness and decrease muscle spasms.

People sometimes use Jamaican dogwood for anxiety, insomnia, nerve pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using Jamaican dogwood can also be unsafe.

Don't confuse Jamaican dogwood with American dogwood. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Jamaican Dogwood overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Jamaican dogwood is likely unsafe. It's considered toxic. Side effects might include numbness, tremors, salivation, and sweating. Elderly people are especially sensitive to these effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Jamaican dogwood is likely unsafe. It's considered toxic. Side effects might include numbness, tremors, salivation, and sweating. Elderly people are especially sensitive to these effects.

Pregnancy: Jamaican dogwood is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It can affect the uterus. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Jamaican dogwood is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Children: Jamaican dogwood is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Children are especially sensitive to its toxic chemicals. Do not give Jamaican dogwood to children.

Surgery: Jamaican dogwood might slow down the central nervous system (CNS), causing sleepiness. This might slow down the CNS too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using Jamaican dogwood at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Jamaican Dogwood

    Jamaican dogwood might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking Jamaican dogwood with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Jamaican dogwood might be. Jamaican dogwood might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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