Primrose is not the ideal panacea for the treatment of all of man's medical disorders. The supplement does have a few side effects which include:
Allergies: Reports of allergy or hypersensitivity to primrose oil are rare. Despite this good news, anyone with a history of allergies to plants should avoid primrose oil. Anecdotal reports do indicate that the supplement can also cause contact dermatitis
Seizures. Seizures have bee reported in some individuals who have taken primrose oil. However, these seizures have occurred in individuals with a prior history of seizures. It is believed that primrose oil makes individuals either more susceptible to seizures or lowers the threshold for seizures. Anyone with a history of seizures should not take primrose oil.
Anti psychotics: These drugs can interact with primrose oil and induce seizures
Anti depressant: Anti depressant drugs can lower the threshold for seizures and thus these individuals should avoid primrose oil.
General anesthesia: Anyone undergoing surgery under general anesthesia should stop taking primrose oil at least 2 weeks before the procedure.
Other side effects that have been reported with Primrose oil include:
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain, nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drop in blood pressure
There is not enough information to recommend the safe use of evening primrose oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding.