St. John's Wort?

Question

I've recently started taking St. John's Wort for depression, I am aware that it interferes with the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, therefore is there any point in still taking The Pill, does it render it useless, or is it only slightly affected?

That's interesting Wyntjies, from your answer, it looks like you assumed I was sleeping around and acting carelessly. I have been with my husband for ten years and I don't need any advice on the transmission of STD's thankyou very much!

Answer 1

Possible Interactions with: St. John's Wort
Also listed as: Hypericum perforatum; Klamathweed


St. John's wort interacts with a range of medications. In most cases, this interactions leads to reduced the effectiveness of the medication in question; in other cases, however, St. John's wort may increase the effects of a medication.

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use St. John's wort without first talking to your healthcare provider:

Antidepressants
St. John's wort may interact with antidepressant medications that are used to treat depression or other mood disorders, including tricyclics, SSRIs (see earlier discussion), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine. How St. John's wort works is not entirely clear, but is believed to be similar to how SSRIs work. Therefore, using St. John's wort with this class of antidepressants in particular can lead to exacerbation of side effects including headache, dizziness, nausea, agitation, anxiety, lethargy, and lack of coherence.

Digoxin
St. John's wort should not be taken by those on digoxin because the herb may decrease levels of the medication and reduce its effectiveness.

Immunosuppressive medications
St. John's wort should not be taken by those on immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine because it may reduce the effectiveness of these medications. In fact, there have been many reports of cyclosporin blood levels dropping in those with a heart or kidney transplant, even leading to rejection of the transplanted organ.

Indinavir and other protease inhibitors
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory in February 2000 concerning the probable interaction between indinavir and St. John's wort that resulted in significantly decreased blood levels of this protease inhibitor, a class of medications used to treat HIV or AIDS. The FDA recommends that St. John's wort not be used with any type of antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV or AIDS.

Loperamide
There has been a report of a possible interaction between St. John's wort and the antidiarrheal medication, loperamide leading to delirium in an otherwise healthy woman.

Oral contraceptives
There have been reports of breakthough bleeding in women on birth control pills who were also taking St. John's wort.

Reserpine
Based on animal studies, St. John's wort may interfere with the intended action of this medication used to treat high blood pressure.

Theophylline
St. John's wort can reduce levels of this medication in the blood leading. Theophylline is used to open the airways in those suffering from asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Warfarin
St. John's wort interferes with the anticoagulant medication, warfarin, by reducing blood levels as well as the effectiveness. This leads to the need to for adjustments in doses of this medication.

Answer 2

You have started something that you don't know about? Wouldn't be wise to study up on St. John's Wort before you start taking it? St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain. In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites. Today, St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.

Answer 3

I would suggest it is a good idea to check with your doctor. Depression can be helped by St John's Wort but if you are low you may be able to be helped by say exercise, talking it through in case you're not keen on taking antidepressants. I'm not sure of how St John's Wort affects the pill but also a Pharmacist should be able to tell you if not your dr.

Answer 4

I wouldn't stop taking it just yet, speak with your doctor first on this. St. John's Wort does interfere with the way birth control pills work, but I don't know if that is like a 100% interference, you know? I mean, it may still work, although its efficiency is greatly decreased. But just because it is decreased doesn't mean that it simply doesn't work anymore. I would stay on the pill, but be extra cautious. Speak with your doctor and see what s/he would recommend.

Answer 5

Try not to stay on St John's Wort or else you will rely on it

Get a grip and talk to somone you know

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

I think that it has a big effect on the pill check it out with family planning or your GP

Answer 9

Even if its slightly effected then i'd go for another contraceptive completely.

Answer 10

The pill can't be slightly affected, either it will work or it won't.