ST JOHN'S WORT
St. John's Wort ('hypericum perforatum') is a commonly grown herb,
growing wild in many countries and producing small yellow flowers.
It seems to have been named after John the Baptist; it is most abundant
around the time of his birthday on the 24th June. Traditionally gathered
at his feast, some believed that if placed under their pillow on
St John's Eve, they would be blessed and evil spirits would
be chased away. 'Wort' is the old English name for 'plant'
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
St. John's Wort has been used since the first century for conditions
such as depression, mania, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia as well
as for inflammation and wound healing. The ancient Greeks used it
as a 'nerve tonic'
- In Germany it has been licensed for use in depression, anxiety and sleep disorders since 1984. There it is widely prescribed for mild to moderate depression
- In the United States it is sold as a nutritional supplement and recommended for depression, anxiety, insomnia and inflammation
- In the United Kingdom it is available in health shops and recommended
for depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as for menopausal symptoms
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This is unclear. It contains at least 10 different chemicals. Many
are active and affect the body in some way. To produce its antidepressant
effect, it seems to affect the levels of brain chemicals especially
those called serotonin and noradrenaline. It is recommended to take
St John's Wort for 10-14 days to have an effect, and to take it for
a month before experiencing the full benefit. After about six weeks
it may be possible to reduce the dose gradually without a decline
in mood, returning to the full dose if symptoms worsen. Alternatively
you may prefer to stop after eight weeks, resuming treatment if your
symptoms return
IS IT BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL ANTIDEPRESSANTS?
Research has shown that many people have found it useful for symptoms
of mild to moderate depression. But the quality of the research may
not be good. More research is needed to decide whether it is more
effective than traditional antidepressants. It is not as effective
as antidepressants in severe depression. Not enough research has
been done on its long-term use
SIDE EFFECTS
About 1 in 4 people may experience mild to moderate side effects which
disappear when St John's Wort is stopped. The following side effects
have been reported:
- Stomach upsets and dry mouth
- Allergic reaction
- Tiredness, dizziness and confusion
- Irritability and restlessness
- Redness of skin after short exposure to the sun
If you are concerned about side effects consult your local pharmacist
WHEN NOT TO TAKE ST JOHN'S WORT
St John's Wort should not be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding,
and it should not be given to babies or children
INTERACTIONS
St John's Wort interacts with other medication causing the level of
the other medication to increase or decrease within the body. This
may reduce the effectiveness of the medication or may produce serious
side effects. The use of St John's Wort should be avoided if you
are taking any of the following:
- Antidepressants
- Oral Contraceptive Pill
- Medication for epilepsy and migraines
- Warfarin, digoxin, theophyline and cyclosporin
If you are taking St John's Wort along with other medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss whether you should stop St John's Wort. If you have to stop it, you may have to reduce it gradually
IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT TAKING ST JOHN'S WORT
- If you are taking other medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before starting St John's Wort
- Do not start St John's Wort whilst on a standard antidepressant. Consult your doctor
- If you think you are depressed, consult your doctor before starting
St John's Wort since it is important to make the right diagnosis,
rule out any other illness and ensure you get the most appropriate
treatment
HELP AND SUPPORT
- St Johns Wort (Hypericum) Information Centre 01280 709877, PO Box 5810, Brackley, NN13 7ZD
- NHS Direct - 0845 46 47 (24 hours). Free information service on all aspects of health problems, NHS services and other local services www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Self help books:
- Managing Anxiety & Depression, Mental health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk
- Overcoming Depression: a five areas approach, Christopher J Williams,
(Hodder Arnold H & S)
- Mind over Mood: Cognitive Treatment Therapy Manual for Clients, Christine Padesky & Dennis, Greenberger (Guildford Press)
Source text: Leeds Mental Health Trust and Leeds Primary
Care Trusts
Image source: Shooting Star Native Seeds
The original version of this leaflet was written by Ardsley Community
Mental Health Team, East Ardsley Health Centre, Wakefield WF3 2DN
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
