Who should avoid St Johns wort?

Who Should Avoid St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort, a popular herbal supplement derived from the plant *Hypericum perforatum*, is often used to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression. However, despite its benefits, certain individuals should exercise caution or completely avoid its use due to potential health risks and interactions with medications.
1. Individuals on Prescription Medications
One of the primary concerns with St. John’s Wort is its ability to interact with a wide range of prescription medications. This herb can significantly reduce the effectiveness of drugs, particularly those metabolized by the liver. For instance, it can interfere with anticoagulants like warfarin, leading to an increased risk of clotting or bleeding complications. Additionally, it may diminish the efficacy of antiretroviral medications used in HIV treatment, as well as other critical medications such as certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and medications for epilepsy.
2. Patients Undergoing Surgery
Those scheduled for surgery should avoid St. John’s Wort for at least five days prior to their procedure. The herb can affect anesthesia and may lead to complications during surgery. Its interaction with anesthetic agents can pose significant risks, making it crucial for patients to disclose their use of this supplement to their healthcare providers.
3. Individuals with Organ Transplants
Patients who have received organ transplants are advised to steer clear of St. John’s Wort. The herb can interfere with immunosuppressive medications that are essential for preventing organ rejection. This interaction can jeopardize the success of the transplant and the patient’s overall health.
4. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
While research on the effects of St. John’s Wort during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, it is generally recommended that pregnant and nursing women avoid this supplement. The potential risks to the developing fetus or nursing infant are not well understood, and caution is warranted.
5. People with Severe Depression
St. John’s Wort is primarily effective for mild to moderate depression but is not recommended for individuals suffering from severe depression or major depressive disorders. Those with severe symptoms should seek professional medical treatment rather than relying on herbal supplements, which may not provide adequate relief.
6. Individuals with Photosensitivity
St. John’s Wort can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn or skin rashes in some individuals. Those with a history of photosensitivity or skin conditions exacerbated by sunlight should be cautious when considering this supplement.
In conclusion, while St. John’s Wort may offer benefits for some, it is essential for certain groups to avoid its use due to potential health risks and interactions. Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement is crucial, especially for those on medication or with underlying health conditions.

Can St. John’s Wort make anxiety worse?

John’s wort is generally considered safe. However, it may cause: Agitation and anxiety. Dizziness.

What is the strongest natural anti-anxiety?

Is there an effective herbal treatment for anxiety?

• Kava. Some people use kava as a short-term treatment for anxiety.
• Passion flower. A few small clinical trials have suggested that passion flower might help with anxiety.
• Valerian.
• Chamomile.
• Lavender.
• Lemon balm.

What is the safest natural antidepressant?

Here are some common examples:

• St. John’s wort.
• SAMe. This dietary supplement is a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts and some other foods.
• Saffron.
• 5-HTP.
• DHEA.

What foods should you avoid when taking St. John’s Wort?

Notes for Professionals: Since some compounds in St. John’s wort may potentially inhibit MAO, the ingestion of tyramine-containing foods, like aged or smoked meats, yeast, cheeses, pickled herring, should be minimized when using St. John’s wort.

Who Cannot take St John’s wort?

For people with major depression, there’s some concern that taking St. John’s wort may increase the risk for mania. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John’s wort.

Can I eat bananas with atorvastatin?

ACE inhibitors cause the body to retain excess potassium that your kidneys would normally flush out. As a result, eating bananas or other potassium-rich foods while taking an ACE inhibitor can cause your body to have too much potassium. This can result in serious heart complications.

Why should a patient not take St. John’s Wort?

St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially when taken in large doses. Other side effects can include insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.

Who cannot take St. John’s Wort?

For people with major depression, there’s some concern that taking St. John’s wort may increase the risk for mania. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John’s wort.

Does St. John’s Wort affect the heart?

Conclusions. Multiple doses of St John’s wort extract do not affect heart rate variability nor cognitive function. Chronic administration of amitriptyline causes a decrement of HRV and subjective sedation but it does not impair cognitive performance.

What medication cannot be taken with St. John’s Wort?

Medicines which may interact with St John’s wort in this way include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine), other antidepressants affecting serotonin levels (e.g. nefazodone), and some migraine treatments (e.g. sumatriptan, naratriptan).