Herbal products and serious side effects: a case of ginseng-induced manic episode.

OBJECTIVE

Ginseng root extract is a widely used herbal product not devoid of side effects. This report describes the development of manic symptoms after ginseng consumption in a patient with affective disorder. Other potentially harmful side effects of ginseng are also reviewed.

METHODS

A single case report.

RESULTS

A 56-year-old woman with previous affective disorder presented a manic episode during ginseng intake. Symptoms disappeared rapidly with low doses of neuroleptics and benzodiazepines after ginseng suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Ginseng may produce manic symptoms. A special risk situation seems to be affective patients under antidepressant medication. The case emphasizes the lack of harmlessness of herbal products. Patients should be routinely asked about the use of herbal products and diet supplements.