It is often mistakenly assumed that because a product is herbal, natural or organic then it is automatically safe. On the contrary, herbal medication and natural preparations can have just as many side effects and interactions as prescription drugs.
Use of St John’s Wort
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It is an unlicensed medication in the United Kingdom. St John’s wort is not available on prescription, although it is widely available from many pharmacies and health-food stores.
Little meaningful research has been carried out into the use of St John’s wort in the treatment of depression. This, coupled with the lack of regulation in the use of this preparation, is a cause for concern for many medical professionals.
St John’s Wort and Other Medication
St John’s wort must not be used in conjunction with other antidepressants. Further, if severe depression has been diagnosed, there is little evidence that St John’s wort will be an effective treatment for this and so will be unlikely to provide any relief from symptoms.
This herb is known to cause the body to metabolise other medications more quickly than usual, decreasing their effectiveness. For women who are prescribed the oral contraceptive pill, this could result in unplanned pregnancies. For anyone taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin, the consequences could be life threatening.
It is recommended that anyone taking medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, for any condition, consults either their doctor or pharmacist before taking St John’s wort. Potential interactions with other medication range from asthma medications, migraine treatments to heart medication.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of depression should consult a medical professional before self-medicating, whether through the use of herbal preparations or otherwise. Most doctors are willing to discuss alternative ways of treating mild to moderate forms of depression, without reverting to the use of antidepressants in the first instance. Severe forms of depression should always be dealt with by a doctor, who may recommend a combination of treatments in order to overcome the illness.
It is vital to discuss any potential treatment for depression with a medical professional, including exercise and talking therapies, in order to ascertain what benefits you could hope to obtain from them and any risks associated. A general practitioner or other doctor would be better placed to assess the potential risks and benefits of St John’s wort as compared with those of other antidepressants.
Exercising a little caution in the beginning can prevent serious problems further down the line.
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