I am currently taking St John's Wort tablets once a day. It works fairly well on me. I am considering also taking 5-htp supplements in combination.
What are the chances that this combination will have negative side effects on me? What are the chances of getting 'seratonin syndrome'?
2007-03-23 21:51:19 · 6 answers · asked by Jon B 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
i have read you have to be really cautious when starting to mix herbal treatments. you might want to check with a pharmacist
2007-03-23 21:54:09 · answer #1 · answered by kittycat 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I wouldn't be combining them without talking to your herbalist first. Esp. if you are bipolar. Many people that are bipolar, that have tried herbs, are the very ones that we read about in the papers that have killed themselves, or someone else/many times it was someone that was bipolar and wouldn't take their meds, but would take herbs. The bad thing about herbs, all of the side effects aren't known, and if the St. John's Wart works for you, stay with that, don't go mixing things, that is just asking for trouble, take one or the other, but don't mix them unless you talk to a professional first.
2007-03-24 05:05:36 · answer #2 · answered by Ikeg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is safe to mix St. John's Wort and 5-htp. You can buy supplements that contain both.
But I don't know about the dosage.
Definitely do NOT mix either of these with a prescription antidepressant.
It's best to ask a doctor!
2007-03-24 04:57:51 · answer #3 · answered by Zombie 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
St. John's Wort doesn't actually raise your seritonin levels in any significant way. It's just a placebo with other side effects. If it's working for you, great it means that you were never really depressed! Talk to your pharmacist about combining the treatments, but expect to be laughed at for being such a whiny *****.
2007-03-24 04:57:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
In case you are unaware of this, it is important to advise your doctor if you are taking St. John's Wort, as it can interfere with other medication.
2007-03-24 08:24:07 · answer #5 · answered by CLICKHEREx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it could causehallucinations and virtually put you on another planet. You should consult your doctor. The NationalPoison Control Center could help. Google it for phone number.
2007-03-24 05:04:26 · answer #6 · answered by gulfbreeze8 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋