For the last month or so I have been on zoloft for anxiety, I find it helps but I really don't feel I need to be on it as my anxiety isn't that bad, my doctor has slowly tapered me off it and I have had no side effects as I was never taking more than 50 mg's a day, and I have been off it for 2 days. I bought some St. Johns Wort to help a little with the anxiety, I took a more herbal approach, I was just wondering if its safe to take it yet or should I wait a few more days, I know you are not supposed to mix the two as serotonin poisoning can result! thanks for any help
2006-12-04 15:10:14 · 6 answers · asked by whitelampshade 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Because St Johns Wort has serotonergic activity there is a risk of serotonin overdose aka serotonin syndrome. Give it a week to be on the safe side as we cannot take your clinical parameters (e.g. kidney function) into account. Try some gentle exercise and dark chocolate in the meantime to boost your natural serotonin levels. And best to confirm with your GP that they are happy for you to try St Johns Wort.
2006-12-05 00:57:12 · answer #1 · answered by Miss Emily 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wait a while before you take it. I had a bad experience with both of those meds (at seperate times) St. John's wort made me break out all over and just feel miserable in general. Also, stay totally out of the sun after you start taking it or you will get a horrible rash on your skin. I really dont recommend it to anyone. Theres more bad side effects than good results. I'm not telling you what you should do, just sharing my experience.
I have suffered from anxiety for 20 years and taken alot of prescription meds for it. I am glad to hear you are doing better and can get off the Zoloft. Thats great for you! Good Luck.
2006-12-04 23:14:54 · answer #2 · answered by I know, I know!!!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to switch to St. John's Wort you should wait at least 2 weeks to allow for receptor turnoverto stabilize. Also, if you're taking birth control pills, St. John's Wort can reduce their effectiveness.
2006-12-05 00:46:10 · answer #3 · answered by ivybear98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
St John's Wort is not safe anytime, it can cause liver damage too.
2006-12-04 23:11:51 · answer #4 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you can take it now, maybe you need to address you anxiety from another perspective. The good old pharmacist attitude pisses me off! Do you think our creator did not install adequate mechanisms to deal with anxiety? really...do you really think a cure is in a tablet? come on they just want your money....the mind is the creator of all experience...learn to deal with it from this perspective and you will get a cure not just a bandied treatment
2006-12-05 00:52:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is off label to prescribe sertraline for anxiety. Why havent you ever tried some type of benzodiazepine for your anxiety. Thats their MAIN use. Talk to your doctor about real medicines like, alprazolam, diazepam, or clonazepam, not some BS st.johns wart OTC crap.
2006-12-05 00:25:26 · answer #6 · answered by sourknot14 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋