# St. John's Wort **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 1, 2000, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295 "2000-07-01T19:41:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![chique](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@chique](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chique)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/1 "2000-07-01T19:41:49Z")
Anyone here use it? Have a friend or relly that uses/used it? Any stories you care to share? Please don’t send me links, I’ve already done extensive research. I just want to hear some personal testimonials. Thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Persephone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@Persephone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Persephone)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/2 "2000-07-01T19:47:34Z")
My mom takes it. She says it works. Other than that, I can’t tell you anything! ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/3 "2000-07-01T20:25:00Z")
My mom suggests it to patients who don’t wish to be doped up on Prozac for depression. Seems to work, despite the FDA and their warnings. As far as the warnings go, use it as directed, don’t take too much of for terribly long. Read up on it online, and understand it’s actions and possible drug interactions/side effects. -Sam ---
**Author:** ![Initial\_Entry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e9a140/32.png) [@Initial\_Entry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Initial_Entry)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/4 "2000-07-01T20:32:32Z")
I tried it once, out of curiosity. All it seems to do for me is make me horny. I’m already 19 and male, I don’t need something to do that to me. ---
**Author:** ![Silo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@Silo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silo)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/5 "2000-07-01T23:03:35Z")
Many claim it works. It is the drug of choice for treating depression in some other countries, however the chemical in question has not been evaluated by the FDA (yet). ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/6 "2000-07-01T23:13:29Z")
Here’s what I know from reading up and talking to my doc: SJW has effects on all three neurotransmitters through to be involved with depression: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. However, it’s affects, even on high dosages, are not as efficacious as the prescription class SSRIs like Prozac and Effexor. Side effects are much more limited and the worst of it seems to be occasional sensitivity to the sun, so wear your sunscreen. There are lots of anecdotal reports that it helps stabalize your mood even if you aren’t clinically depressed. The one big no-no I’ve heard about recently is that you absolutely should not mix SJW and SSRI. It makes the side effects of the SSRIs much, much worse. This did happen to me personally when I was on Prozac for a bout of clinical depression and also took SJW on my own. Six hours of non-stop, jaw clenching nausea is not fun. Minimum dosage is 900 mg per day, so get used to big pills. You really need to get the .03% hypericin SJW that’s made using _alcohol extraction_. That’s the method used in the research studies that proved SJW’s effectiveness. A good online source for info on SJW is [http://hypericum.com/toc.htm](http://hypericum.com/toc.htm) - Peter McWilliams’ book on the subject. Also, you can order SJW from a company of his. The links are available in the book. As always, check with your doctor before taking any medications, and be very, very careful. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/7 "2000-07-01T23:45:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > Many claim it works. It is the drug of choice for treating depression in some other countries, however the chemical in question has not been evaluated by the FDA (yet). > \*\* It’s an herb. It won’t be evaluated in any way, shape or form. Unless, of course the gov’t gets their way and decides to regulate herbs. Phouka, did oyu know Peter McWilliams died 2 weeks ago? -Sam ---
**Author:** ![Silo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@Silo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silo)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/8 "2000-07-01T23:52:27Z")
And herbs don’t have chemicals in them? ---
**Author:** ![Road\_Rash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a8b319/32.png) [@Road\_Rash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Road_Rash)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2000, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/9 "2000-07-01T23:52:48Z")
When I went through my tough times, I asked my doctor about it. He said that St. John’s wort is for rich folk who get scratches on their Mercedes, then recommended Prozac. The stuff you buy at the health food store is largely unregulated. Certainly not to the level that even over-the-counter medication is regulated. The dosage can vary largely from pill to pill. If you already take anti-depressents, don’t take St. Johns Wort. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/10 "2000-07-02T00:10:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > And herbs don’t have chemicals in them? > \*\* Silo darling, did I say that? I don’t think so. I believe I was giving you factual information about what the FDA DOES. the do NOT evaluate or regulate herbs. It is out of their jurisdiction. Only drugs with **chemicals** in them(I.E., all of them), get evaluated. Herbs are a ‘hands off’ subject with the FDA. -Sam ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@Silver\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Fire)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/11 "2000-07-02T00:19:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > My mom suggests it to patients who don’t wish to be doped up on Prozac for depression. > \*\* I don’t know about anyone else but I personally like being ‘doped up’ on Prozac. 😉 Actually, Prozac doesn’t do anything for me in terms of getting high like, say, muscle relaxers. (Soma/Carisorprodal-sp?) I may have to try this St. John’s Wort though. I’ve heard really good things about it. ---
**Author:** ![Silo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@Silo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silo)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/12 "2000-07-02T00:25:51Z")
> [@](#): > > Only drugs with chemicals in them(I.E., all of them), get evaluated. Drugs **are** chemicals. Herbs may be hands off (FDA wise) but the chemicals within them aren’t. I know a few drugs have come from herbs but their names are evading me at this moment. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/13 "2000-07-02T01:10:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > Only drugs with chemicals in them(I.E., all of them), get evaluated. > > Drugs **are** chemicals. Herbs may be hands off (FDA wise) but the chemicals within them aren’t. I know a few drugs have come from herbs but their names are evading me at this moment. > \*\* Ok Silo, The day that St. John’s Wort leaves the herb world and joins the ‘drug’ world, the FDA will regulate it, verify the companies’ statements to the use of the drug, and study the active chemical. Until then, the FDA will retain it’s hands off policy. And as far as drugs that come from herbs, there are MANY of them. Valium is from Valerian Root, Marinol from Cannabis Etc. And I believe I **did** say that drugs are chemicals. Read the post next time. Just in case that’s not possible, I’ll quote it again below. > [@](#): > > Only drugs with chemicals in them(I.E., all of them) I’ll also say that I think your responses to my comments have turned into a deliberate hijack. If you wish to continue this firther, take it to chat, or to the pit. Either way, don’t use the OP’s question in MPSIMS as a forum to take your frustration out on me. -Sam ---
**Author:** ![dragonlady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@dragonlady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragonlady)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/14 "2000-07-02T02:47:03Z")
I’ve used it, feel free to email me. If you decide to start, do it slowly. Don’t take the recommeded dose from the first day. Let me just say “squirts”. Start with one or two a day and add another one every other day, or when the symptoms stop. Should take about 2 weeks to get to full dose and a couple more weeks to get the full effect. Will only work well if you aren’t seriously depressed. I feel the need to state clearly: If you are suicidal, or even close, GO DIRECTLY TO A DOCTOR. Saint Johns will NOT help you enough, fast enough. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Silo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@Silo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silo)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/15 "2000-07-02T02:55:59Z")
Sorry about the hijack guys, but don’t blame it all on me GaWd. You are a participant, and thus have hijacked far more threads than I. I rarely hijack. But lets (us) quit the bickering and stop here ok. I realize you have some grudge against me so take it to the pit if you feel the need to vent it. ---
**Author:** ![Falcon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/49beb7/32.png) [@Falcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Falcon)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/16 "2000-07-02T03:30:08Z")
Another factoid: Do NOT just stop taking SJW and start up taking another anti-depressant. SJW is a MAO inhibitor type of anti-depressant, and can have really bad side effects if you don’t follow the interaction guidelines EXACTLY. And Silver Fire? I’m with you…I _like_ being doped up on Paxil/Prozac! ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/17 "2000-07-02T04:46:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > Phouka, did oyu know Peter McWilliams died 2 weeks ago? > > -Sam > \*\* No, I didn’t. I went and searched the Los Angeles Daily News and found [this column](http://www.dailynews.com/archives/oped/vew02.asp) on the subject. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in the Pit. Falcon, SJW is _not_ an MAO inhibitor. It’s an SSRI. However, the precautions still hold. Don’t go cold turkey. Discuss what you’re taking with your doctor. ---
**Author:** ![elelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@elelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elelle)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/18 "2000-07-02T04:57:07Z")
I’ve used St. John’s Wort to good effect, much better than Paxil. It was under a physician’s guidance, although I had supplied the physician with the research data. St. John’s Wort, since it does work well, is currently the most accepted (financially) researched phytochemical in the US. It is the driving force in hammering out what needs to be done in ensuring quality herbs to the public. There are many studies in progress now, and this research is the bellweather of how phytochemical study/approval will be conducted in the US. Many studies have been done, particularly in Germany, and the information is available to physicians via the Commission E Monographs on Herbal Medicine, and in a truncated version through the Physician’s Desk Reference on Herbal Medicine. Please request that your physician refer to these sources. If they don’t have it, they ought to. You have stated that you’ve done your research, but, with neurochemical imbalances, it really is best to have the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. Another warning on St. John’s Wort is that it may interact with foods containing tyramine. As to reputable manufacterers, e-mail me. There are some good ones, who are working with the FDA to get standards up to something we can all benefit from. ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/19 "2000-07-02T05:24:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*\* > > Phouka, did oyu know Peter McWilliams died 2 weeks ago? > > > > -Sam > > \*\* > > No, I didn’t. I went and searched the Los Angeles Daily News and found [this column](http://www.dailynews.com/archives/oped/vew02.asp) on the subject. > > If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in the Pit. > > Falcon, SJW is _not_ an MAO inhibitor. It’s an SSRI. However, the precautions still hold. Don’t go cold turkey. Discuss what you’re taking with your doctor. > \*\* Sorry for you to have to find out this way Phouka ☹ -Sam ---
**Author:** ![chique](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@chique](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chique)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2000, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295/20 "2000-07-02T06:38:50Z")
Thanks for the advice, but I’m not even close to being suicidal 🙂 The 2-yr-old divorce is still kicking me in the ass, is all, and as you can see from my spectacularly high post count I’m not very talkitive, so I don’t want to go that route yet. Will try this for a while, then perhaps move on to a professional if need be. Thanks much for the info, all… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-johns-wort/24295.md?page=2)