Can I take St. John's Wort whilst taking MTX?

[Staten]

I have been disgnosed with depression but do not wish to take anti-depressents. Is it ok to take St. John's wort or will it interact with MTX?

[Hidden]

Hi there, In my opinion by taking the two together the St Johns wort could reduce the effectiveness of the MTX or other drugs you may be taking. Either way your Rheumatologist needs to now you are taking St John's wort as he really is the one to give the best advice on this.

Give him or your Rheumy nurse a call in order to clarify the situation, best to be safe than sorry!

All the best

mand xx

[Gina_K]

Or you could ask your pharmacist, they can check with drug company if there is contraindiction, I was'nt able to take some herbal suppliments I wanted with methotrexate. Ps. Can highly recommend Cymbalta, my Rheumatologist does'nt prescrive amatriptyline anymore Cymbalta great anti dep, plus pain relief,

[Hidden]

Ive always been told by my rheumy not to take any supplements without asking him first because a lot off them interact with the meds we take.

Give your rheumys office a call tomorrow and just doule check x

[Hidden]

Not a good idea they both work via liver.. will affect liver function readings and drug uptake

[Hidden]

meanrt st johns wot not a good idea hope that was obvious.. if you are female and in fetile years st johns wort also affects the contracetpive pil|!!, havent tried cymbalata but it is a good drug.. amititp still used but more for pain eg 10-25mg.. doses above give hit on head with hammer feeling next morn.. cymbalata might be a good bet also used for fibro and nerve pain ..unlinenced use!!.. if not plenty of anti d... trazodone hydrochloride gainig in poularity gain.. if not citalopram fairly safe bet too ..

[cathie]

Staten, I'm so sorry about being diagnosed with depression. its a horrible thing to have to cope with and I'm sure that many of us with RA are borderline depression. I'm sure these suggestions are just harmless and not terribly helpful, but here's a go. I live quite far north where we dont get enough sunshine, and they do say that we should get at least 20 mins sunshine every day if we can. I think getting out and having a wee bit of exercise must help too. But take care of yourself.

XXC