Anyone ever used St. John's Wort?

[LauraDelango]

Hi everyone, so my therapist recommended St. John's Wort to me for mild anxiety. I was just wondering if anyone has used this? I have read mainly positive reviews and am really excited about this, but I am still very nervous about taking it. I bought a bottle from GNC (it seemed to be a good, trusted brand), but am still a little unsure. I am also not sure how to start taking it. You can take 1-3 tablets a day, but I think it would be wise to start with one or even half for the first couple days? Not sure. I am only about 100 pounds, so I don't think I should start the dosage too high.

Anyway, I was just hoping to get some information/reviews/testimonials from any of you that may have used it. Thanks!

[Yummimummi]

Hi

I've used it in the past, just use the recommended dose or if your unsure ask the chemist for some advice.

Hope you have a nice day xx

[Sidhewolf]

I have used it, also called Hypericum, if you are on contraceptives it can lessen the effect of them, you will need to cover up in sunshine as StJ.W makes the skin and eyes photosensitive. Prolonged usage can bring about migraine type headaches and migraine haloes (sparkly bits in your vision). I would take advice from a qualified herbalist and see you doctor about further contraindications.

What are the side effects?

The most commonly reported side effects of St John's wort include:

symptoms affecting your stomach and digestion such as feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea

headache

allergic reactions

feeling tired

dizziness

confusion.

Some people get a dry mouth.

A rare side effect is increased sensitivity to sunlight; if you think this is affecting you, you should consider using a high factor sunscreen, or cover up, or stay out of the sun. You should also be cautious with taking St John’s wort if you use a lamp box for seasonal affective disorder. (See Seasonal affective disorder.)

Can I take St John’s wort with other medicines?

St John's wort has significant interactions with a large number of medicines which are in common use (in addition to those mentioned below). This means that it may affect the levels of some other drugs in the body, and may make them less effective, or more likely to cause adverse effects. These drugs include both prescribed drugs, contraceptives and medicines you can buy for yourself, such as paracetamol.

Because of this, it is very important that you get professional advice from a pharmacist, medical herbalist or doctor before taking St John's wort at the same time as any other medicine.

You should not take St John's wort at the same time as any other antidepressant.

St John's wort may prolong the effects of some sleeping pills and anaesthetics. If you are to receive an anaesthetic you should tell the anaesthetist if you are taking St John's wort.

St John's wort reduces the level of oral contraceptives in your blood, increasing the risk of pregnancy and breakthrough bleeding.

Will I get withdrawal symptoms when I stop taking St John’s wort?

Information on withdrawal symptoms is anecdotal and inconsistent. Some people have reported feeling sick, dizzy and tense when they stopped taking St John’s wort abruptly.

As St John’s wort has similar properties to prescribed antidepressants, it is advisable to withdraw slowly to reduce the chance of withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have been taking it for longer than a few weeks.

[Hidden]

Morning laura,

have a word with the chemist I say first. I have never taken it so sorry not been much help.

Gardener x

[Hidden]

Hi

I have tried different herbal remedies before & some have worked others I am not sure if they have or not

It is always worth a try though as well as just checking with the chemist if you are taking any other meds & that it will be ok to take them

If you do give them a go you will have to let us know if they worked for you

Take Care

Love

whywhy

xxx

[Dragonmum]

I have taken them for years for mild anxiety, mainly panic attacks, and find them highly effective. I think they stress that you do not take them in tandem with other prescribed drugs, diazepam for example. Have never had any side effects, but we are all different.

[Mishkacat]

I have tried KIRA SJW from Boots for past two year on and off.You can take more than one a day and I believe they work.If you research it you will discover SJW is prescription only in Germany.....I wonder why they wont prescribe it here...I take SJW and Rhodiola Rosea by Virvidian. Remember buy the best make you can afford and highest strength.As herbal remedies aren't regulated you're safer that way....you wont regret it.take care.

[Petita]

Hi. I am currently taking it and have been for the past 2 weeks. I take the 3 a day. One in the morning, afternoon and night. I'm not sure if it's working as I am also trying tons of other stuff for my anxiety (yoga, meditation, vitamin B shots). But I'm giving it a go and hoping for the best. I have not noticed any side effects but am trying to take note of things as they come. Good luck to you as well!