Stress Center Peer Support

I' curious about St. John's Wort. Does anybody take it? Does it help? Any side effects?

I've taken this in the past and it was very effective but different brands worked differently. It was trial and error finding one that worked well. It had a very calming effect on me.

Thanks Mary. I got the one at GNC. About how long until you can feel it kicking in and working. It says take one table 2 or 3 times a day. How often did you take it?

I think it was about a week or two before I started to feel the effects. I started with twice a day and then later only once at bedtime.

Yes, I took St. Johns and loved it. I took the Perika brand by Natures Way. Actually, I take it in the fall and winter and will be starting it again soon. The only side effect I've gotten is a little sun sensitivity (my eyes). I'll always use this though.

I took St.Johns Wort for a long time many years and I didnt have any issues with it....however it is important to stop taking it prior to surgery and tell your doctors you are taking it when they ask what medications you are taking. It can interferr with the anesthesia of your surgery should you have one. Now I had an ER C-section with my son when I was taking it and did not stop taking it prior....It took me a much longer time to waken from the anesthesia than normal almost 24 hours to come fully out of it. So just a precaution.

You might want to try SAMe its a great. I take that one you can take it as needed or on a daily basis and it works well for me.

Dodger

I'd like to learn more about SAMe. Can you share something about it and how long you've been taking it?

What is St Johns Wort, I see it mentioned in the posts from time to time but am naive to what it is. Is it an all natural product. I could sure use something to feel better right now but do not like meds.

Dodger brought up a good point on the StJohns Wort- You do need to stop taking it before a surgery. That was one of the first things my surgeon asked me about before my surgeries.

This may help !!

<A HREF="http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/alt/stjohn_faq.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/alt/stjohn_faq.htm</A>


What else do I need to know before I use St. John's Wort?

Avoid alcohol consumption. It has been suggested that foods or substances that contain tyramine (present in some foods s.c. as wine, yogurt, cheese, ripe bananas, yeast, meat extracts, smoked or pickled meats) should be avoided. Should not be used for children under the age of 2 years old as there is no clinical data available. Solutions of St. John's Wort may stain clothing and skin