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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Confused about safety of St Johns Wort
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Confused about safety of St Johns Wort
by Sarah__0__0, May 25, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by Sarah on May 25, 1999 at 04:37:31
I have been diagnosed with mild post natal depression and the pschiatrist suggested I try St Johns Wort, and some other things before I try anti depressants.
Now my doctor tells me that he read somewhere that St Johns wort has been ascociated with birth defects and fertility problems (also echinacia).
Does anyone know anything about that.
I am very confused. I have family members pushing me to keep away from the drugs and now I am told that that the natural way can also be dangerouse.
I'd like to know which direction to take and in which direction will I be safest. I am fed up, I want to get better already. My baby is already almost 16 months.
The things I am taking now are
Hyperiforte 1800 (st johns wort), kava calm, and valerian.
I'd apreciate some practical advice
thank you
Sarah
Posted by HFHS.TB-MD on May 31, 1999 at 15:34:45
Dear Sarah, St. John's Wort, also known as hypericum, is an over- the-counter alternative preparation for depression. At this time, there are no well researched studies to prove the efficacy of St. John's Wort in the treatment of depression. Commonly reported side effects include headache, nervousness and upset stomach among others. There is a possibility of toxicity to the fetus but there have been no studies in humans. I have no information regading St. John's Wort causing infertility at this time.
In regards to which direction you should take, I would discuss your concerns about St. John's Wort with your physician so that you can make the best decision possible. Prescribed antidepressants are FDA approved and have been very well studied.
I hope that this information has been helpful for you. It is intended for educational purposes only, and should not replace consultation with your physician. Ifr you would like to see a mental health professional at HFH, call 248-689-7476.
