Interaction Risk: Green Tea Consumption in Patients Taking Alprazolam

Abstract

developing area of clinical interest is the potential interactions between drugs and herbal products. The potential risk of an interaction between green tea (Camellia sinensis) and alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that is commonly recommended for anxiety disorders, is discussed in this review. Numerous bioactive components included in green tea, such as caffeine and catechins, may alter the pharmacokinetics of alprazolam by altering its metabolism, excretion, or absorption. It has been shown that green tea affects the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, which is involved in alprazolam metabolism. Green tea may increase alprazolam plasma levels and increase the likelihood of adverse effects, such as drowsiness or motor incoordination due to CYP3A4 inhibition, which will be studied from the existing literature and pharmacological evidence. While definitive clinical trials are limited, the aim of the review is to emphasize the necessity for increased awareness among healthcare practitioners and patients regarding potential drug-herb interactions, especially in individuals utilizing anxiolytic drugs along with green tea consumption. Additional clinical investigations are necessary to formulate solid guidelines for the safe consumption of green tea by those using alprazolam.

Keywords: Alprazolam; anxiolytic drugs.; cytochrome P450; drug-herb interactions; green tea; pharmacokinetics.