The use of St. John's wort to treat mental disorders dates back centuries and continues today because of its effectiveness in helping people with mild to moderate depression, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. If you try it to help to treat depression, you may experience side effects, but high blood pressure and an increase in sweating are not among those linked to use of the herb. Before you take it, however, you should consult with a doctor who can teach you how to take it safely.
Proper Dosing
The safe and recommended dose of St. John's wort for use in treating depression depends on the supplement you use. For a standardized extract containing 0.3 percent hypercin, take 300 mg three times a day, MedlinePlus advises. If you have a supplement containing 0.2 percent hypercin, use 250 mg twice a day. For supplements containing 5 percent hyperforin, another chemical in the herb, use 300 mg per day. Children younger than 12 who use St. John's wort can use 300 mg per day of a supplement containing 0.3 percent hypercin. Before using St. John's wort to treat depression, consult with a doctor who can advise you on how to do so safely.
Side Effects
While high blood pressure and increased sweating have not been linked to St. John's wort, many users do experience side effects. Known effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, headaches, dizziness, skin rash, dry mouth and skin tingling. Taking the supplement in the morning can help to prevent sleep problems associated with its use, MedlinePlus reports. Always consult with a health practitioner before using St. John's wort so you know what to expect while using it.
Safety Precautions
In some cases, you should not use St. John's wort because of how it may affect other, pre-existing conditions you have. You should not use it if you suffer from bipolar disorder because it can precipitate manic episodes, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. It can also bring on manic episodes in people with major depression, and psychosis in people with schizophrenia. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should avoid it because it can worsen symptoms. It also may worsen dementia in people who have Alzheimer's disease. People scheduled to undergo surgery should stop using St. John's wort because it increases the risk of suffering heart complications. Finally, it may interfere with fertility and is not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use St. John's wort to improve your health in any way unless you have consulted with a doctor familiar with your health history who can advise you of how to use it safely.
Drug Interactions
Many prescription medications can cause potentially dangerous interactions when used in combination with St. John's wort and must be avoided. If you take any of these drugs, do not also use supplements containing St. John's wort: antidepressants; birth-control pills; protease inhibitors; narcotics; nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; photosensitizing drugs that increase light sensitivity; P-Glycopretein substrates; barbiturates; medications changed by the liver, such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, phenytoin, citalopram, diazepam, amitriptyline, carisoprodol, and warfarin; digoxin; tramadol; tacrolimus; alprazolam; aminolevulinic acid; fenfluramine; cyclosporine; irinotecan; imatinib; paroxetine; phenobarbital; phenprocoumon; nortriptyline; pentazocine; meperidine; reserpine; mephenytoin; and nefazodone. Before taking St. John's wort make sure to talk to a pharmacist or doctor about all other medications you are taking to help prevent dangerous interactions.
