St. John’s Wort is a supplement made from the yellow flowers and leaves of the shrub Hypericum perforatum. This herbal supplement is widely used to relieve symptoms from depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, menopause, and more. It’s important to understand that herbal supplements, like St. John’s Wort, are not regulated and may be harmful despite being made from natural ingredients. Always let your health care provider and pharmacist know all herbal supplements and vitamins you are taking so they can check for drug interactions.
Safe Use
Talk to your health care provider before you start taking St. John’s Wort or other supplements, especially if you take other medicines. Read the label before taking the supplement to learn the correct dosage and how often to take it. Always follow the directions on the label or from your health care provider. Do not take more than directed.
Drug Interactions
St. John’s Wort can interact with many medicines and can cause unwanted effects. St. John’s Wort can speed up drug metabolism which reduces the effectiveness of some medicines. Types of medicines that are known to interact with St. John’s Wort are:
- Antidepressants, specifically the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Forfivo)
- Barbiturates
- Birth control medicines
- Blood thinners
- Certain chemotherapy medicines
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- HIV medicines
- Certain immunosuppressants
- Narcotics
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Certain statins
Never combine St. John’s Wort with other antidepressants due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, a very serious condition caused a build up of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate important functions in your nervous system.
Side Effects
When taking St. John’s wort, you may experience the following side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight resulting in rashes or sunburn
Talk to your health care provider before you start taking St. John’s Wort or other supplements, especially if you take other medicines. The Maryland Poison Center is available 24/7 if you have taken too much St. John’s Wort or are experiencing any side effects from taking it.
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