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using St John's wort for mild depression and anxiety

has anyone had any success using this? Also, what are the long term effects that you have had.

Mon. Nov 26, 11:05am

Grade A from Mayo Clinic

Depressive disorder (mild-to-moderate)

St. John's wort has been extensively studied in Europe over the last two decades, with more recent research in the United States. Short-term studies (1-3 months) suggest that St. John's wort is more effective than placebo (sugar pill), and equally effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate major depression. Comparisons to the more commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac®) or sertraline (Zoloft®), are more limited. However, other data suggest that St. John's wort may be just as effective as SSRIs with fewer side effects. Safety concerns exist as with most conventional and complementary therapies.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 11:08 AM

it's not only healthy for you (because it's not a drug, but a supplement), osteopaths recommend it and it works great!

Monday, November 26, 2007, 12:29 PM

Just bear in mind that herbal remedies can interact badly with some prescription drugs. So if you're taking anything at all (antibiotics, BC pills, blood pressure meds, etc.), make sure it's compatible.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 12:33 PM

St Johns is an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) and some people already have low MAO levels, so St John's wort won't help much. In those cases, supplementing with l-tyrosine instead- BUT NOT at the the same time as St. John's wort. Also keep in mind SJW can react with dextramethorphan, which is common in cold remedies.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 12:50 PM

OP--try it and see how you feel. I LOVE it and refuse to take prescription drugs for mild sadness (not depression) during winter months when I never see the light of day and I just feel a little blue.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 4:00 PM

you do need to be careful if you are taking any medications, like birth control. my doc told me that it can decrease the effectiveness of the bc pill. ask a doc before you take it if it will interact with anything else.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 4:33 PM

I use st john's wort in a tea made by yogi that is mixed with valerian, lavendar and some other herbs. It is a very relaxing before bedtime beverage.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 4:51 PM

Been using it for years for seasonal affective disorder (winter blues) and I wonder if it works....I don't really know....but I don't want to risk feeling even lower energy in the winter.

Getting out in the sun and raising your level of activity can help with mild to moderate depression. Also read up on Vitamin D...there is recent research linking it to the tx of depression.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 5:50 PM

I have two family members that have used it and I wish they had stayed on it. It seemed to work well for them. I noticed a difference in their moodiness.

Monday, November 26, 2007, 11:12 PM

I experienced some mild depression following knee surgery and took St. John's Wort for awhile and begin having sucidial thoughts so went off it and no way would I take it again. I had a friend whom it affected the same way. So be very careful!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 9:24 AM

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