Depression Learning

Can St. John’s Wort Treat Depression?

Most people are acquainted with some form of depression. There are several types of depression, such as major depression, dysthemia (chronic depression), postpartum depression, bipolar depression, cyclothymia (milder form of bipolar depression), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and existential depression (situational), as well as other mood disorders caused by medical conditions, medication, and substance abuse. Many people take depression drugs, such as the SSRI antidepressants, but there are a great number of individuals who want to get away from antidepressants. Instead of taking antidepressants, lots of people are using herbal supplements, such as St. Johns wort (Hypericum performatum). Many people believe in herbal remedies, because they feel they are natural, and people are less likely to have a bad reaction. However, you can have reactions from supplements also. It is truly a matter of choice, and there is no right or wrong. If your doctor doesn’t want you to take herbal supplements, you may have to insist or find another doctor.

St. John’s wort is widely used by people with mild, short term depression. There is no evidence that this supplement is effective for severe depression. Just like antidepressant drugs, St. John’s wort takes a few weeks before you notice an improvement in your depression. Most people see a difference in their depression symptoms in 2 to 3 weeks.

Compared to depression drugs, St. John’s wort has fewer side effects which are common to antidepressants, but they do have some possible side effects. Most antidepressants cause some sort of sleep disturbance, decrease in sex drive, headaches, and digestive problems. With St. John’s wort, there are fewer side effects, but there is a chance you can develop a rash if you spend time in the sun. This supplement may cause you to be more sensitive to the sun. If you are fair skinned, you may burn easier while taking it. If you want to try this supplement, you should definitely talk to your pharmacist, because you may be taking prescription medication that is not compatible with it. Do not take this supplement if you are already taking an antidepressant, and if you are taking medications to treat the HIV virus, do not take it.

All St. John’s wort supplements are not the same. It is important to only buy St. John’s wort from a reputable company. If you buy it, make sure it is a nationally known brand, and not some no-name brand, because St. John’s wort and other supplements may not be manufactured the same, which means some brands could have a lower or higher amount of the active ingredient. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, St. John’s wort – and other supplements – is not regulated by the government the same way. Supplements can be just as dangerous as prescription drugs can be.

Before taking St. John’s wort for the first time, consult your doctor or an herbalist. Your doctor may or may not agree with you taking an herbal remedy to treat depression. If you are taking any other prescription medications, the herbal supplement could interact with it. In some people this supplement can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, stiff neck, and high blood pressure. If you have any of these side effects, you should stop taking this supplement and contact your physician or herbalist. St. John’s wort could also induce seizures in some people. Whether your preference is depression drugs or herbal supplements, such as St. John’s wort, there are risks and possible side effects with each. You should always use consult a medical professional before using St. John’s wort or any herbal supplement, when taking it to treat depression symptoms.

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