My doctor diagnosed me with mild depression about two years ago. Im not suicidal, and I dont hurt myself, except for when I take the medicine he prescribed. It actually made me feel worse. So I was wondering if saint johns wort would be a safe alternative to antidpressants. I quit taking the zoloft, and statred on the herb. I feel better, but is this a good idea. Any feedback would help. Thanks.
2007-03-23 08:26:48 · 6 answers · asked by Phoenix13's new account 2 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Many people need to try a few different drugs to find the one that works for you. If your depression is really mild and you want to give St. John's Wort a try, there's a really good quality supplement called Amoryn made of St. John's Wort extract and vitamin B. You can learn everything at www.amoryn.com. I have tried it and it proved really effective for me.
Hope it helps you feel better!
2007-03-23 10:46:08 · answer #1 · answered by Tac_aipes 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is better than the drugs doctors give out - I had a horrible reaction to anti-depressants. Only thing you need to watch out with if taking St Johns Wort is that you can't use it at the same time as some drugs like the contraceptive pill and maybe antibiotics etc - check with a doctor though but I am sure St Johns Wort stops some things working.
2007-03-23 17:32:47 · answer #2 · answered by Han 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
NCCAM is studying the use of St. John's wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.
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.
2007-03-23 23:48:16 · answer #3 · answered by Eden* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lots of the previous solutions are precise on the money. besides the fact that, you may no longer take st. johns wort and a prescription drug for melancholy/rigidity on an identical time. some issues that labored properly for me ( I had very comparable issues) grew to become into the st johns wort, sam-e, yet what helped the main grew to become into co enzyme q-10 and 5-htp the 5htp is a product with tryptophan in it an identical that makes you sleepy after ingesting turkey. it helps the innovations to offer extra serotonin. which keeps you from having the rigidity. anti melancholy DRUG reason innovations to take up the little bit of serotonin a depressed guy or woman has however the 5htp helps you create extra. so the organic stuff works extra ideal certainly. bypass the medicine. they only reason different area consequences. additionally 5htp taken at bedtime helps you sleep. good success
2016-10-20 07:26:19 · answer #4 · answered by goodgion 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
anything that is natural is much better than taking a drug, because as much as people wouldn't believe it, antidepressants actually do make people's symptoms worse in some cases. i don't take st. john's wort personally, but i know people who do, and they say it helps tremendously. of course, like w/ any supplement, you have to take it for a couple to a few weeks for it to really take effect, but i would keep using it if i were you, especially if you see it's made improvements in you.
2007-03-23 08:35:08 · answer #5 · answered by mrs sexy pants 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I took some of that and some Valerian root for the sme reason and it made me fail a drug test. Something about the benzodiazapine receptors. It showed up as a benzodiazapine...like Valium...Be careful taking it.
2007-03-23 08:37:46 · answer #6 · answered by ♠Brian♠ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋