Depression and St John’s Wort: Comparison and Effects

Many people rely on anti-depressants for depression for their illness. Studies have shown that St. John’s Wort may be just as effective in treatments for depression for prescribed medications. Studies suggest that St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) may be as effective with fewer side effects. Many drugs made by pharmaceutical companies are from medicinal plants. Studies made in 1996 by the British Medical Journal are based on trials suggestive that St John’s Wort plant, a flowering plant is effective for mild to moderate depression. It is available in many different forms.

Comparing St John’s Wort medication to prescribed medication for depression like imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, desipramine, and nortriptyline has proved to be just as effective, without as many side effects. Also for Serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRI, which are in another class of drugs, but also prescribed for anxiety and depression which include: fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). St John’s Wort is similar to a SSRI and it may increase the effects of your SSRI prescribed medication, so consult with a doctor.

St John’s Worth needs more study, as there are many unanswered questions regarding the use of the plant extracts; how. It is not known if St John Wort more effective to one type of depression than another. How it also reacts and is it better than prescribed medications with fewer side effects? It would be beneficial to see more complete studies, and the outcome on St John’s Wort, and to know what the potential long term benefits would be.

In clinic trials with animals one side effect has been skin irritation, and sun exposure (photosensitivity). Some side effects reported when using high doses of St John’s Wort for anxiety and depression symptoms are stomach ache, allergies, and fatigue.

Alternative medicine treatments are in no way meant to replace prescribed medication as depression is a serious illness that can lead to fatality if not treated. You should have an herbal practioner that directs in the proper use of herbal plants and remedies for illness; just like you have a physician the helps make decisions regarding your medical care.