Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Mental Health (Expert Forum)
St. John's 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.
St. John's wort
by kim, Feb 24, 2000 12:00AM
My husband, baby and myself just moved across the country away from our family and friends. We have lost a certain quality of life as a result of our move and I think I may be mildly depressed. Someone suggested that I take St. John's wort. I've heard that with depression drugs like Prozak, once you start them, you're not really supposed to stop. Is that also the case with St. John's wort? If it will give me a push in the right direction, then maybe I'll try it, but I don't want to get myself into something that I can't stop. I'd appreciate any advice on what to do. Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS-M.D-HG, Feb 24, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Kim,
I can understand your concern about being far away from friends and family. Stress due to any reason can precipitate depression. St. John’s wort has been used by many people for depression. The quality and efficacy of the contents of this medication are not controlled by FDA which would question the safety of using this medication. If you think you are depressed, I would recommend that you consult a Mental Health Professional for a comprehensive evaluation. Medications such as Prozac need to be taken regularly in order to be effective but doesn’t have to be taken lifelong especially for a first episode of depression. I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck to you.
Sincerely,
HFHS-M.D
I can understand your concern about being far away from friends and family. Stress due to any reason can precipitate depression. St. John’s wort has been used by many people for depression. The quality and efficacy of the contents of this medication are not controlled by FDA which would question the safety of using this medication. If you think you are depressed, I would recommend that you consult a Mental Health Professional for a comprehensive evaluation. Medications such as Prozac need to be taken regularly in order to be effective but doesn’t have to be taken lifelong especially for a first episode of depression. I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck to you.
Sincerely,
HFHS-M.D
