Sick to My Stomach: Managing GI Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications with Botanicals
Presenter: Brian Keenan, ND, DOM, LAc
Original Date: January 10, 2026
Psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, often carry gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and dyspepsia. These symptoms can significantly impact adherence, quality of life, and overall treatment outcomes. This presentation will explore evidence-based botanical strategies to alleviate GI side effects associated with psychiatric pharmacotherapy. We will examine pharmacological mechanisms, safety considerations, potential herb-drug interactions, and practical clinical applications for integrating botanicals to improve digestive comfort in patients using psychotropic medications.
Bio: Dr. Keenan is a naturopathic doctor whose goal is to serve as many people as he can through the utilization of mind-body practices, botanical medicines, and targeted nutraceutical supplementation when needed. He sees healing as a collaborative journey between patient and practitioner.
The most common conditions he sees involve stress management, nutritional counseling, weight loss, digestive problems, insomnia, metabolic and endocrine diseases, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Additionally, he has experience in pediatrics, specifically working with children over the age of 4 in issues such as eczema and psoriasis, digestion concerns, and some auto-immune conditions. Furthermore, he utilizes cranio-sacral treatments to help balance the mind, body, and spirit, which he sees as deeply connected.
He is passionate about working in collaboration with your care team to find the root cause of illness, address it, and watch as you to go after your unique passions and lead the life you want to lead! Furthermore, he is diligent about staying current on the latest research and clinical trials in complementary medicine and practices holding both ancient wisdoms and current scientific evidence in both hands as he treats you as a unique individual in body, mind, and spirit with your own preferences and desires for care. He is an expert and educator in herbal medicines having taught at Bastyr University for 5 years on the subject and utilizes herbs extensively in his practice. When he is not in the office, it’s a solid bet he is walking in the woods or by the sea, rain or shine.
NUNM is accredited by the North American Naturopathic Continuing Education Council (NANCEAC). This activity qualifies for 1.5 Pharmacology CEUs Total.