ST. Johns Wort what is known about this agent? What about its utilization for antepartum prophalatyic use of ST. Joh

  I have read that the prophalytic use of anti depressiants for wemea with a Hx of post partum depression is now a standard for practice. I would like to know if the herbal formulatiopns of a standardized extract are adviseable in lieu of SRI's? I have many clients ask about this and also if it's effects cross the placental barriers or Mothers milk barrier? What do you advise women who want as least intrusive or aggrssive agents?
Dear Jami:
Although there is a huge amount of information about St. John's Wort on the net and a small amount of information in the medical literature to support its value as an anti-depression therapy, I can not find solid information on the safety or effectiveness during pregnancy or when breast feeding.
Vitamin complex (especially B) has lots of believers: that is my first choice as a "natural product". I caution patients that safety information on herbal medications is limited and that the manufacturing processes may not guard against contamination by trace minerals or toxins.
I am not finding "prophylactic" therapy as standard when a woman has experienced postpartum depression. Certainly her risk of recurrence is high, as is true of everyone who has had a past depression.
This material is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered a formal medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your primary physician.
Keyword: St. John's Wort