Research about St. John's Wart.. Can I take it?
Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at
10:05 pm
Ok so I went to my doctor. She says that I do have depression. She recommended me to a counseler, who I am still seeing right now. Would it be ok to start taking St. John’s Wart to help my symptoms? I am only 15. My mom and I talked about it and she said that it would be ok as long as I’m not talking any other medications. How do I know if it’s ok to take it? I just don’t want to be taking it and have any health problems occur. Can someone give me some advice?
Filed under: Wart Symptoms
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An analysis of 29 clinical trials with more than 5000 patients was conducted by Cochrane Collaboration. The review concluded that extracts of St. John’s wort were superior to placebo in patients with major depression. St. John’s wort had similar efficacy to standard antidepressants. The rate of side effects was twice lower than for newer SSRI antidepressants and five times lower than for older tricyclic antidepressants.
St John’s wort on its own has few side effects other than photosensitivity however it reacts badly with traditional antidepressants, AIDS medications, hormonal contraception and immunosuppressants
For a full list of interactions check this website http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php and type in St Johns Wort
see the Doc and get some perscription drugs.something like lexapro………
Try combating your depression without drugs. Not every emotional problem can be solved with chemicals. Believe in yourself and fill your life with happiness and laughter and try not to worry about the things that get you down because if your a good person and your doing your best it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Just try and become satisfied with your own life. I mean your only 15, and I’m sure you’ve probably heard this before, but your problems now, as huge as they may seem won’t matter later on in life. Focus on your happiness and education, and to hell with what everyone else at school or work thinks as long as your happy with yourself that’s all that matters.
If you and your mom agree and she will watch for your mood and see if you are doing ok taking it then I would, it’s a herb I really don’t think it will have bad side effects and its a lot more safe In my opinion than rx anti depressants thats when you need to worry about other health problems occuring. Just read up about it online and talk to your doc.
Herbal remedies are not anywhere near an exact science. There are few reliable or valid studies, particularly where age is concerned. If you begin taking St. John’s Wart now and later start an antidepressant, the herb may still be in your body and interact with the antidepressant, not necessarily in a good way.
Also, herbal remedy doses for an adult or not is an "iffy" thing. I would take the advice of others here and wait to see your doctor who will then make the decision if and which antidepressant to prescribe you.
Kristi
Counseling is usually beneficial for REACTIVE depression..not so much for CLINICAL (the genetic kind that runs in families).
St. John’s Wort has a variety of uses, and since it’s pretty mild, unlike SOME natural remedies, it can be used safely. Just don’t expect miracles.
If the counseling doesn’t help your depression, then you might consider medication like SSRI’s (as long as you’re over 19).
By the way…how did the doctor determine you are depressed? I’m not saying you aren’t, but it is a REALLY common thing for teens, esp. females to be diagnosed as "depressed". It’s like a stereotype!
If your "symptoms" only include wanting to be alone, not following your parents’ orders and talking long walks and listening to music…I’d raise a BIG question about the doctor’s competence! These behaviors are normal for teens and should be required to CONTINUE to keep adults sane!
If there are other symptoms (sleeping all the time, not eating, avoiding everybody, having no friends, crying bouts), then yes, you probably are depressed.
Final advice: KNOW YOURSELF! Nobody knows you better than you!