Overview

Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) is a plant. Despite serious safety concerns, the leaves and seeds are sometimes used to make medicine and to cause hallucinations.

Jimson weed contains dangerous chemicals such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These chemicals can cause serious adverse effects, including death.

Despite serious safety concerns, people sometimes use jimson weed for asthma, cough, flu (influenza), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Some people also use it as a recreational drug to cause hallucinations and a heightened sense of well-being (euphoria).

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Jimson Weed overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Jimson weed is unsafe. It is poisonous and can cause many toxic effects including dry mouth and extreme thirst, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Jimson weed is unsafe. It is poisonous and can cause many toxic effects including dry mouth and extreme thirst, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, and death.

No one should take jimson weed, but certain people are especially at risk for toxic side effects:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Jimson weed is unsafe to take when pregnant or breast-feeding. It can cause serious adverse effects, including death.

Children: Jimson weed is unsafe when taken by mouth by children. Children are more sensitive than adults to the toxic effects of jimson weed. Even a small amount can kill them..

Congestive heart failure (CHF): Jimson weed might cause rapid heartbeat and make CHF worse.

Constipation: Jimson weed might cause constipation.

Down syndrome: People with Down syndrome might be especially sensitive to the dangerous side effects of jimson weed.

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions: Jimson weed can slow down the GI tract and change the way that it functions. People with GI conditions, such as infections, blockages, IBD, reflux, and others, should avoid jimson weed. Jimson weed can make these conditions worse.

Seizures: Jimson weed can cause seizures. Do not use jimson weed if you have a history of seizures.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma raises the pressure inside the eye. Jimson weed might raise the pressure inside the eye even more.

Rapid heartbeat: Jimson weed might make this condition worse.

Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention): Taking jimson weed might make this condition worse.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with Jimson Weed

    Jimson weed can block a chemical in the body called acetylcholine, which has many important functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, also block acetylcholine. There is some concern that taking them together might increase the risk for confusion, blurred vision, decreased sweating, and increased heart rate.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of jimson weed might be. Jimson weed can be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.
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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.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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