Update 3/10/20. Relora? It’s an anti-anxiety-weight loss supplement that is touted to relieve stress and curb stress-related eating. Relora was even featured on the Dr.Oz show which endorsed it as having proof that it worked. The company that makes the product says the supplement has “undergone successful clinical trials”—but does that mean Relora works? Does it have any side effects? By the end of this review, you'll have a better idea if Relora is right for you.
Relora And Weight Loss
Here are the basics of how Relora is supposed to help weight loss: Too much stress keeps people from sleeping properly. This, in turn, might lead to gaining weight —not only from raiding the fridge at night—but also because it might increase levels of a hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol is a necessary hormone and as such, does some useful things. However, elevated cortisol levels over long periods of time, are linked to some bad things, including loss of muscle. Cortisol can also increase appetite. Belly fat also has cortisol receptors so they are influenced by cortisol also. To quote the Relora.com website:
Belly fat “has four times as many [cortisol] receptors, making it particularly sensitive to cortisol. In fact, belly fat responds to stress hormones by increasing in size.”
So, if I understand this correctly, Relora is supposed to block the effects of cortisol and in doing so, reduce stress —and stress-induced eating—helping people sleep better and reduce belly fat.
As an aside, the weight loss supplement Relacore is also touted to reduce cortisol levels. See my my review of Relacore for more information.
For more info on cortisol as it relates to appetite and weight gain, see this page from the University of New Mexico.
All this sounds good —but is there any proof that Relora reduces cortisol levels or helps people lose weight? There is some research on Relora and I will review that research below.
Relora Ingredients
Relora has 250 mg per serving and is composed of these ingredients:
- Magnolia Officinalis
- Phellodendron amurense Bark
Relora also has a little bit of calcium but because its only 38 mg per pill, I won't review it here. I don't think the calcium adds anything to the product. Relora is also Kosher certified.
Relora Research
On the product website, it's said that Relora “has undergone successful clinical trials.”
Here is a summary of the research:
Study 1
Anxiolytic properties of botanical extracts in the chick social separation-stress procedure. The word anxiolytic is science talk for “anti-anxiety.” This study was published in 2001 in the journal, Psychopharmacology.
This study used baby chicks. Researchers injected various herbal extracts into baby chicks and put them in stressful situations and measured how many “distress vocalizations” were heard.
To me, this sounds like they listened to how loudly the baby chicks cried when putting in a stressful situation.
At the end of the study, the baby chicks getting Relora (called “NPS00039” in the study) seemed to have fewer distress vocalizations than those getting other herbal preparations.
It's important to know these facts about this study:
1. Relora was injected into baby chicks.
2. This was not a human study.
3. Researchers did not measure levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Study 2
Relaxation During Weight Loss: Relieving Stress with an Herbal Combination. This paper relates various past investigations and summaries a new study where researchers took 26 overweight women (age 20-50) with a history of stress eating and gave them either relora or a placebo. It was said that the woman getting the placebo gained weight while those taking Relora lost weight.
But, there are some potential problems with this study:
- I could not tell how much relora the women took
- I could not tell how long the study lasted
- There were more people in the Relora group (16) than the placebo group (10). I wonder if this played a role in the study outcomes?
- It was said that there was a “non significant trend” toward lower average cortisol levels in the Relora group. That's fancy talk for cortisol did not change.
- Also, for the math nerds reading this, the p value was set to p<0.89. This is higher than many other studies.
- The head researcher was the CEO of Next Pharmaceuticals and appears on the Relora patent as one of the inventors of it.
Study 3
This study was published in 2006 in a journal called Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. As stated in the title, this is a pilot study (preliminary study). In the study, 42 healthy, overweight, premenopausal women were given either Relora (250 mg, 3 times per day, which is 750 mg total per day) or a placebo, for 6 weeks. I could not determine from the study what the placebo was.
All subjects completed a 3-day food journal before and after the study. The majority of people in both groups were Hispanic.
Results:
At the end of the study, researchers noted that:
- Only 28 people completed the study (15 people dropped out).
- Greater dropout rates occurred in the placebo group (unknown reasons why).
- Those getting Relora saw no significant gain in weight. Conversely, there was significant weight gain in the placebo group.
- Those getting Relora saw a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (5 mm Hg) compared to the placebo group.
- Both the placebo group and Relora group showed significant decreases in anxiety level.
- There were no significant changes in cortisol levels in either group. In the study, researchers said there was “a non significant trend toward lowered cortisol levels in the Relora group.” That's fancy talk for, “we didn’t see any significant changes in cortisol levels.”
Problems With This Study:
- A lot of people dropped out of the study.
- Both placebo and Relora groups showed significant reductions in anxiety.
- They didn’t tell us what the placebo was.
- Relora did not significantly reduce cortisol levels (Remember, Relora is touted to reduce cortisol levels).
Study 4
This study was published in 2008 in the Journal Nutrition and looked at the effects of Relora on stress, anxiety, and sleep in 40 healthy premenopausal women (only 26 women completed the study).
Women were randomly given either a placebo or Relora (250 mg 3 times a day, which is 750 mg total per day) for 6 weeks. We are not told what the placebo was except that it was identical in size, shape, and color.
Results:
- No significant change in cortisol levels in either placebo or Relora groups.
- Both groups reported significantly less anxiety on questionnaires but those in the Relora group reported almost twice as much of a decrease.
- No significant change in blood pressure in either Relora or placebo groups
- No significant change in any lab tests including TSH levels, which are an indication of thyroid function (This is odd. See the side effects section below).
- No significant changes in appetite or calories eaten in either Relora or placebo groups.
- No significant changes in body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference or waist- to- hip ratio in either placebo group or Relora group.
Summary Of Relora Research
Looking at the 4 Relora studies listed on the New Pharmaceuticals website, this is what I see:
1. A study from 2001 of baby chicks noting less anxiety when Relora was injected. No measurement of cortisol was taken.
2. A pre-publication draft of a review paper (2005 study).
3. A pilot study from 2006 with a high dropout rate showing no significant cortisol reduction —but no gaining of weight either —compared to placebo. Both placebo and Relora group showed “significant” reductions in anxiety.
4. A pilot study from 2008 noting no significant reduction in cortisol levels, no change in appetite or body weight.
5. There are 4 studies listed but only 3 seem to be original scientific research.
6. Of the 3 original research studies, only 2 studies involved humans (the 2006 and 2008 studies). Both of these studies are preliminary studies (pilot studies) with small groups of people and both had a high dropout rate.
7. Neither of the 2 human studies of Relora showed that it significantly reduced cortisol levels.
So, where is the proof that Relora reduces cortisol levels? Dr. Oz said there was proof.
Update
In 2013 a new Relora study published. It was titled Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. This study lasted 4 weeks and involved 56 men and women who randomly received either a placebo or 500 mg of Relora per day.
Note, 500 mg used in this study is less than that used in the 2 studies summarized above (which used 750mg per day).
People were screened for psychological stress, body fat and salivary cortisol levels. Cortisol was measured several times a day. Body fat was determined with the Tanita BDF-300A bioelectrical impedance, a device that, according to the product's website, is said to measure body fat levels within 5% of that obtained with DEXA scan (a very accurate body fat method).
At the end of the study, no significant side effects were reported.
The following changes were seen in those who received Relora compared to placebo:
- 18% reduction in salivary cortisol levels (significant reduction)
- Significant improvements in overall stress, mood, and several other indicators of psychological stress
- No significant change in body weight or percent body fat
The study notes that it was funded by Next Pharmaceuticals (the makers of Relora) but that they had no influence on the outcomes. The researchers had no financial ties to Next Pharmaceuticals. The study was conducted by SupplementWatch.com a website that reviews supplements. The study notes that two of the researchers are employees of MonaVie, which has a product that contains Relora as one of its ingredients.
For more information, here is my review of MonaVie Essential which is different than the product that contains Relora.
Dr. Oz And Relora
Here is the video clip of Relora featured on the Dr. Oz Show (the video has since been removed from the Dr. Oz website). While the clip has been removed from the Dr. Oz website, at about 1 minute into the segment, Dr. Oz says:
“They have done studies that have shown that that you can reduce those cortisol levels I'm speaking about, especially at night.”
But, in my review of research, I saw no good proof that Relora significantly reduced cortisol levels. I know Dr. Oz knows how to read a scientific study so, I believe Dr. Oz was basing his words on an incorrect summary of research his staff provided him.
Dr. Oz goes on to say:
“I want you to remember this. If you're taking these belly busters, you also have to do your part too, but I know you need crutches…”
I think this statement, in a nutshell, summarizes why Dr. Oz talks about weight loss products on his TV show. I believe his hope is that they will be used as “crutches” and not to replace diet and exercise.
I think his hope is that people might use them as something tangible —something that can be seen, touched, and tasted —to help them hold onto when the going gets tough.
In this way, I believe the weight loss supplements Dr. Oz mentions (all of them!) are, mostly like placebos, giving people something to believe in. This is not necessarily bad if the product is safe and does not break bank accounts.
For those who are interested here is Relora on Amazon.com. Be sure to read the reviews for more insights.
Does Relora Reduce Cortisol Levels?
If I look only at the research presented on the product website, there appears to be little evidence that Relora significantly reduces cortisol levels. Neither of the 2 human studies I summarized above, shows any significant reduction in cortisol after 6 weeks of Relora use. This is contrasted by the 2013 study summarized above which did find that Relora reduces salivary cortisol levels (by 18%). Based on these seemingly conflicting results, I believe more research is needed.
Does Relora Reduce Blood Pressure?
Currently, I think this is debatable. In the pilot study from 2006, researchers noted a small (5 mm hg) reduction in systolic blood pressure after Relora use. But, in the 2008 Relora pilot study, no significant change in blood pressure was seen.
Who Makes Relora?
According to the Relora website, the product is made by a company called, Next Pharmaceuticals. Next Pharmaceuticas was purchased by InterHealth Nutraceuticals. InterHealth was eventually purchased by the Swiss company called Lonza (Lonza.com)
Relora Side Effects
Since there is not much published research on humans, side effects are difficult to determine. In the Relora pilot study from 2006, side effects that were noted by one person included heartburn, hands shaking, perilabial numbness (numbness around the lips/mouth), sexual problems and thyroid problems. The physician overseeing this study noted that these effects “were possibly related” to Relora.
Another person in this study reported fatigue and headaches. The physician of the study noted that these side effects were “possibly not related” to Relora.
Heartburn, hands shaking, perilabial numbness, sexual problems and thyroid problems were also mentioned as side effects experienced by some people. The 2008 study above also noted that there were no changes in TSH levels from Relora. TSH is a measure of how well the thyroid if working. So, I'm not sure who was reporting thyroid problems?
In the 2013 study reported in the “update” above no side effects were reported.
People who took Relora and commented at Amazon -and gave it 1 star – noted that it was associated with headaches, feelings of drowsiness/foggy feelings. While some people feel Relora helped them lose weight and feel better, others say they felt no change at all.
In the comments section below, some people have reported vivid dreams and nightmares after taking Relora. See the comments for more information.
How Much To Take?
Dr. Oz said he recommended 250 mg, three times per day (one with every meal). That's 750 mg total per day. This is the same amount that was used in the two human studies I summarized above. In the 2013 study summarized above which did see reductions in cortisol, only 500 mg per day was used.
Tip. I think it's wise to start all new supplements with less than is recommended for the first week to see how you respond as far as side effects are concerned.
Does Relora Work?
I'm sure there will be people who say that Relora worked for them—and that’s great. But, my question is, did Relora work because people thought it worked (by acting as a crutch as Dr. Oz hinted) or because it actually reduced stress levels and cortisol levels? I'm inclined to think Relora may have an effect on your mood.
Sheena says
Did sassy23 lose weight with relora?
Joe says
Sheena, I’m not sure….
Sasha says
Sheena,
I did lose a few pounds rather quickly since my appetite and stress levels were reduced and my emotional eating was resolved while taking Relora. I also started using a magnesium supplement called Calm from Nature’s a Vitality for headaches, muscle aches and stress reduction, so the combo might have increased my results.
I have seen this supplement recommended at large 24 hour gyms as a weight loss supplement but I don’t know how they can legally sell it for that. I noticed an immediate change in my mindless noshing.
Hope that helps.
🙂
sassy23 says
I just wanted to share my experience with Relora. I first used it for help with stress management a few years ago on recommendation from a family friend because my job was overwhelming me. It helped me relax. I used it here and there for awhile and then stopped just because I couldn’t buy it regularly.
Recently I was going through a lot of life changes-moving to a new city, losing a dog, unwanted weight gain, etc. My menstrual cycle usually causes me some anxiety and this month was particularly bad so I grabbed some relora. Not only am I not anxious, my emotional eating and mindless munching have stopped completely…like I have no cravings for bad food, and I have a raging sweet tooth! I usually want something sweet all day long! I didn’t experience the change in food cravings previously, but I was eating really well when I used it last a, few years ago and in the last few months my diet was not the best!
Now I barely want to eat. I looked online tonight to see the effects and realized why I might not be craving junk food like I was without relora. Not sure if that means it works for everyone but for me it is for now.
Joe says
sassy23, that’s really interesting. Thanks much for taking the time to share your experiences with Relora. I really appreciate it and happy that its helping you 🙂
Christa says
My doctor just pulled me off Relora yesterday which my Naturopath asked me to start taking approx. 3 weeks ago. I have been feeling worse and worse since taking it but wasn’t linking it directly to that supplement as she was also having me take B12 , fish oil and thyroid supplement. My thyroid levels were normal as were my B12 but she was trying to adjust me for treatment of recurrent miscarriage.
Anyway, yesterday I decided to go for a walk to get a coffee and while I was in line I started to feel completely disoriented and kind of numb and drunk. I walked back to my office and got a ride to my doctors. She tested my blood pressure and noticed that I had orthostatic hypotension when standing. This is new to me. My symptoms have been very moody, don’t feel like I”m getting an sleep after sleeping 8 hours, wandering mind and difficult to remember last thought, and a lot of light headedness.
These are all new to me within the last three weeks. Even on my period, I don’t get moody, I usually feel rested in the morning, i have a great memory and am very good at focusing. So I didn’t take Relora today but am continuing with the rest for now. We’ll see how it goes after a few days, if I start to feel myself again I’ll know it was that.
The huge drop in blood pressure scared the * out of me. btw, I am 40 years old, healthy and was not on any other meds for anything prior to this.
Joe says
Christa, wow Im sorry that happened to you and hope you feel like yourself soon. let me know when you feel better.
Lynne says
Hi Joe, just wanted to let you know I am almost back to normal now having been off Relora since my message. My memory isn’t quite back to itself but definitely a huge improvement. I am feeling very well rested, back to my normal moods and no longer feel drunk. btw, I don’t drink. I spoke to a friend about Relora who was taking it after an accident and she had adverse effects as well with her memory. She had to start writing everything down. I guess it just doesn’t work with everyone. Glad you are all having the success you are. Take care.
Lynne says
Sorry I just realized I used my middle name in my first post, you are probably wondering who the heck was replying.
Joe says
Lynne, thats funny LOL. I do remember you 🙂
Joe says
Lynne, glad you are getting back to normal! 🙂
Jack LaBear says
You can do better than looking up relora research. Magnolia Officinalis is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and there is a lot of western research on it. Magnolol and honokiol have an impressive range of useful effects including gaba-ergic, antidepressant, anti-cancer, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor, neurotrophic, anti-oxidant etc.
Google PMC magnolia officinalis for full text articles. Example:
“Furthermore, the mixture of honokiol and magnolol reduced elevated corticosterone concentrations in serum to normalize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) hyperactivity in the CMS rats. It also reversed CMS (chronic mild stress)-induced reduction in platelet AC activity, via upregulating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway. These results suggested that the mixture of honokiol and magnolol possessed potent antidepressant-like properties in behaviors involved in normalization of biochemical abnormalities in brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA, serum corticosterone levels and platelet AC activity in the CMS rats. Our findings could provide a basis for examining directly the interaction of the serotonergic system, the HPA axis and AC-cAMP pathway underlying the link between depression and treatment with the mixture of honokiol and magnolol.”
Also, relora is not the only or best source of the extract.
Joe says
Jack, thanks. My main goal here was to look at Relora. the data you cited may shed some light on the antidepressant effects some people said they were experiencing.
Eileen says
Can I take Phentermine with Relora?
Joe says
Eileen, Im really not sure. why dont you run that past your pharmacist or doctor to see what they think.
Michelle says
Hi Joe, I just started researching Relora today. Have you seen this article? “Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora(R)) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects” in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: http://www.jissn.com/content/10/1/37/abstract
This might give a little more credence to the company’s claims, at least as it concerns reduction of cortisol. What do you think?
Joe says
Michelle, thank you very much for telling me about this study! I have updated my Relora review with a summary of the study. What I noted was that they saw that Relora lowered cortisol levels (by 18%) even though they used less (500 mg/day) than previous studies had used (750mg/day). Since we now have a study that shows reductions in cortisol and other studies showing no reduction, Id like to see at least one more study. Still this study you provided looks overall pretty good to me. I mention other stuff about the study in the “update” section on my review, located just under my breakdown of the Relora research.
Again, Thanks for showing me this 🙂
Irene says
I have been taking Relora for probably close to a year. I also have migraines which have lessoned since taking Relora. Still get them but less severe and shorter duration. As far as sleep, no real change there. I am a Cancer survivor.
valesca says
Yes, tried it yesterday. Three doses of 250mg each with food but not in conjunction with any other herbs or vitamins. Slept horribly, woke at 2a.m. & had a bad time falling back to sleep. Creepy nightmares (SO unlike me) & in a fog today – bad headache since I woke-up. I will no take this Relora again.
Joe says
Valesca, nightmares with Relora is interesting and Ive heard that from a few people. I may have to experiment to see if I get them.
valesca says
Joe, it is not worth experimenting with. The odd thing is that normally I remember about 15 dreams a year. This was a creepy dream and had clear memory of it. The 20 hour HA was the worst part.
Joe says
Valesca, thanks for that! there was no guarantee I would experiment with Relora, The scientist in me wants to but the guy who doesn’t like creepy dreams probably might win out this time.
valesca says
No Way! I thought the head ache would deter you more than anything else. May I add that I took three Naproxen Sodium (purchased some Aleve). I never take this garbage! This was after trying for 3 hours to hit it with a homeopathic for head aches. It did nothing. Three Aleve took 6 hrs for it to subside a bit & 14 more hrs before it went away. HORRIBLE.
Joe says
Valesca, I’m not a fan of headaches. Thanks for the heads up.
Phon says
I bought a bottle and I have tried one pill of 250 mg per night. I had nightmares every night. It was so scary and even after I woke up, but I feel that I was not as tired as I used to. I am going to try it in the morning to see if it help. Anyone out there having the same night mare problem as me?
anomous says
I have had much stress in past 4 years, spent tons of money, due to excema , rash, severe on face & neck., which were always clear.
Doctors had me on & off prednisone steriod, which blocks cortisol, and my rash subsides, but as soon as week, rash comes back , worse, It was explained to me that my body is trying to produce cortisol, ( I might produce to much cortisol ) and it was suggested by nurse , to try cortisol blocker, so as to get off prednisone and help stress relief, and esp. the severe rash, I’m going to buy Relora asap, and hope it reduces production of cortisol and rash clears, without daily use of prednisone steroid which cause many side affects.
If anyone has tried this relora product in relation to excema or skin rash, been on prednisone, etc. If you have found relief , please respond. Sincerely,
Grace Cleome says
I was taking a product called Theanine Serene with Relora. I stopped taking the product when I got an ulcer. I stopped taking most supplements at that time. I could not understand why I was eating almost nothing and gaining weight. It made no sense at all. A naturopath muscle tested (Kinesiology) And found out that it was cortisol that was making me gain the weight. She told me to go back on the relora. I lost a pound a day for a week when I went back on it. The weight I had gained plus more weight came off quickly. As you might guess, I am now a very big fan of relora. But it is not for everyone.
Nessa says
I am a 40+yo female and I’ve been taking Relora (300 mg x2 daily, NOW brand) for the last 60 days to help my body deal with stress and sleeplessness. I’ve noted that it seems to enhance both the amount and the quality of my sleep in a significant way. It could be a psychosomatic response, I suppose, but I don’t know how I could prove/disprove it.
I’m not sure if it helps with stress but I have lost weight, about 18lbs, which was unexpected but not unappreciated. For what it’s worth, my husband, completely unsolicited and knowing nothing about any supplements I’m taking or what they might be for, told me this morning that he can tell I’ve lost a lot of weight in my stomach.
Because it seems to do what it says it will, I would really like to see some type of scientific evidence one way or another to know for sure; and that is what I came online this morning searching for. I’ve found plenty of testimonials of people swearing that it works, and just as many educated opinions saying it isn’t very probable. I guess if it’s working for me it shouldn’t really matter, but it actually does matter to me…a great deal…am I a gullible flake or does this rather pricey supplement work? Really wish I knew.
Joe says
Nessa, glad your husband has noticed a difference. I also would like better research than what they currently have.
sean says
Been taking Relora for about 8+ish years.. off and on and only one pill per night not the recommended dosage of 3.. waste imo.. ill say that it helps me sleep I get a good amount of REM sleep compared to when I don’t take it.. No signs of weight loss from me, but I take it for a good night sleep and I wake up feeling ready to take the day!
Joe says
Sean, thanks for your feedback.
Anonymous says
Thanks for the information. I bought Relora two days ago and have had a headache thus far and sleep issues last night. I am going to stop taking this product since I am sensitive as well to most pills, yet I was hoping this would be a natural remedy to help me in my weight loss, exercise and eating healthy routine.
Joe says
Anonymouse, sorry you had those side effects. Im glad I was able to help.
joy says
i was takeing phentermine diet pill and i have lost 10lbs in one month with just little almost no exercise ..well i have joined a gym the trainer said he has taken it and he lost 40lbs…i was thinking he was just trying to sale me the relora…well today is my first day taking it i have ran out of the phentermine so started today…how much different is this compared to the phentermine ? and is this stuff really work? oh and im 165lbs trying to get to 130lbs
Joe says
Joy, phenntermine is a stimulant drug while relora is a supplement marketed to reduce stress that might cause people to overeat. I hope it works for you. Do let me know how it goes.
laura says
I have been taking Relora for about a month- I have noticed that I do stay a lot calmer and I have lost about 3 lbs. I feel like I have more energy and a better attitude. Is all this from Relora?- I don’t know- but I do know I am feeling much better than I have in a very long time. I think Relora works for some people and some it may not work for.
rambette says
I also take relacore and for me it works very well, when nothing else did and it also helped me calm down.
linny says
I started taking Relora for anxiety. I dissolved it under my tongue for 5 days. On the 6th day I woke ups with sores under my tongue. It’s extremely painful. Have you heard of this before?
Joe says
Linny, I have not. maybe somebody else has.
Julie says
Excellent explaination of this product and what the studies show. I am a big fan of Dr. Oz; however it is vital people realize he cares so much that just hopes people will do about 30% to 50% of what he recommends. I believe he wrote this in his first book and I know he does say it from time to time on his Tv show. I will not be purchasing Relora. Thank you for your excellent article. Julie
Joe says
Julie, you are quite welcome 🙂
Angie says
Thanks for the explanations. They make sense. Will now ignore all the trainers at the gym that keep trying to push this on me. I did get “suckered” into a cortisol level test … but what did that really tell me. nothing i dont know already! just work on eating right, getting exercise, and relaxing!
Joe says
Angie, tell those personal trainers that their personal trainer insurance (and the health clubs too) will not protect them from law suits stemming from recommending supplements. Please show them this:
http://www.joe-cannon.com/personal-trainer-recommend-supplements-ephedr/
Carolyn says
I was taking a combination 250mg Relora & 85 mg Sensoni, for cortisol management. It had adverse effect for me–elevating blood pressure and changed thyroid. Prescribed by my doctor. I am highly sensitive to all meds, especially chemicals.
Joe says
Carolyn, sorry that happened to you. I hope you keep in contact with your doctor to get the right help
BARBARA PORIOTIS says
CAN I TAKE RELORA IF I AM MEDICATION
FOR BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL AND MY HEART
REGARDS BARBARA
Joe says
Barbara, Im not sure because there isn’t a lot of research on Relora ingredients. I recommend you ask your pharmacist about this. They know a lot about drug interactions.