St John's Wort for depression ?

[Spikey88]

Has anyone tried St John's Wort & had any bad side effects?
Would you recommend it or advise to stay well away ?

[Petal~flower]

I did try St Johns Wort once Spikey. I am not sure I gave it enough time to work, so cant say I had any bad side effects.

It is recommended for mild depression, but I think mine needed more, so ended up getting something from the doctor.

This may help you

http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2002/stjohnswort/q-a nd-a.htm

[stokemaveric]

its been proven that it is pretty inneffective for severe depression spikey and it CAN effect you if you are on other medication.i wouldnt self medicate with this if you are on other tablets.id go and see a doctor so he can see how bad the depression is so he can advise you properly.hope things go well.

[snapdarlich]

It didn't do me any favours, but make sure you watch yourself in the sun. It's well known to increase sensitivity to the sun and that's what it did to me.

[BigMac]

Prescribed/sugested by my GP.
Good for mild depression - or rather, general unease/unhappiness. Takes the edge off, so you don't 'snap' at loved ones so much. Not advised for long-term use.

[DONNA1458]

just to let you know this can affect certain contriception.

[ojread2]

It can be contraindicated with other medicication so if you take anything else take care

Speak to your pharmacist and s/he will be able to advise you further

[ojread2]

This is a good link

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets/ Treatments+and+drugs/St+Johns+Wort++-+Hypericu m+perforatum.htm

[filthiestfis]

Like most herbal medicines, it really doesnt do very much. You should see your GP who will most likely prescribe you Fluoxetine.

[Hellyon]

I suffer bouts of depression, a form of SAD and I found the best thing is Rhodiola Rosea, it's not for every type of depression but I promise it is wort a try.
Remember most modern medicine derives form herbal medicines and there is a huge amount of scientific research going on in herbal medicines. The results are so effective that some herbal medicine/supplements are now more effective, safer cures than the chemical drugs previously prescribed and are increasingly being used by the medical profession e.g evening primrose oil, glucosomine, cod liver oil. I used to own a health food shop and nearly every doctor at out local practice was using one or more herbal remedies themselves!!

[Spikey88]

Many thanks for all your answers � they have been very helpful.
I suffered badly with depression some time ago after many years of bottling various things up.(I have never been the type to be able to sit down �talk about things� � I find it extremely uncomfortable)
I did go to the GP who was very good & not at all dismissive & I was on anti � depressants for a year.
I have recently been going through a pretty bad time with a breakdown of a relationship & extremely stressful time at work so I have recognised that I may be going the same way as before.
Because I know why I�m �on a downer� I thought about trying a herbal remedy to try to get back on an even keel & then address the situation rather than letting it become out of control.
Once again � thanks for all your advice
Spikey xxxxxxxxxxxxx