2006-08-09 07:38:02 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Side Effects and Cautions
St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills
Antidepressants
When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
St. John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care
2006-08-09 07:42:12 · answer #1 · answered by Sir J 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, St. Wort can effect the metabolism of other drugs, it inhibits certain cytochromes in your liver and can raise medicines in you blood to toxic levels, ask your pharmacist about medications if you are taking St. John's Wort. He may suggest a different anti-depressant or different medication, whichever is more benefitual.
2006-08-09 14:43:50 · answer #2 · answered by pkingman1274 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, St. John's Wort can cause cataracts. I took it and developed cataracts and then had cataract surgery. Later, a family member showed me an article in a British Medical Journal that implicated St. John's Wort in the development of cataracts. Do not use it.
2006-08-09 14:42:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes, but nothing major. i took it for awhile a long time ago and it seems like i had a minor side affect but not enough to make me want to stop taking it. and i don't remember what it was so it couldn't have been too bad. now Zoloft on the other hand....stay away from that! there is something i took called Serenity that is natural and really works and no side affects for me. Now i don't take nothing, cuz Jesus is my strength and he made my life better.
2006-08-09 14:42:40 · answer #4 · answered by Freedom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, I don't know, but I wanted to tell you that you have to take it for quite some time (months) before it starts working. I personally have some kind of sensitivity to herbal and vitamin supplements--they make my skin break out for a couple of weeks after I start taking them (after that, I'm fine). I don't know if that is a side effect, or if it's just me, though.
2006-08-09 14:45:12 · answer #5 · answered by Nobody 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at what it's mixed up with. If it is pure St. John's Wort, probably little to none.
If it is mixed with Kava Kava, it has been known to cause liver damage.
2006-08-09 14:41:53 · answer #6 · answered by <3 The Pest <3 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Bird Flu.
2006-08-09 14:41:01 · answer #7 · answered by c_igo 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It made my right side slower than my left side.
Now I can only walk in circles.
2006-08-09 14:42:32 · answer #8 · answered by newt_peabody 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not that I'm aware of, but it does interfere with the effectiveness of oral and transdermal contraceptives.
Check www.webmd.com for more info.
2006-08-09 14:41:47 · answer #9 · answered by hopethathelps 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes photosensitivity, that is being bothered by sunlight, and also dwosiness, but in general a safe herb
2006-08-09 14:41:05 · answer #10 · answered by joeseph p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋