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St. John’s Wort

Helps enhance mood.


	Benefits Named for St. John the Baptist of Jerusalem St. John's Wort comes from a plant sometimes known as Klamath weed St. John's Wort may help enhance mood			Precautions Discontinue use in the event of a rash. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a health professional before taking this product. Limit the exposure to the sun as St. John's Wort may cause increased photosensitivity in fair skinned individuals. There is a possibility St. John's Wort may interfere with some prescription drugs. Consult with your physician or pharmacist as needed. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Drug Nutrient Interactions

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be taken to avoid depletions when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement provides additional therapeutic benefit's when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Arthritis Medications

St. John's wort may induce cytochrome P450 2C9 which may increase the clearance of a number of NSAIDs and the COX-2 inhibitor, Celebrex, possibly compromising the therapeutic benefit of these drugs.

Drugs for Weight Loss

St John’s wort taken in combination with other psychotropic drugs, including psychostimulant appetite suppressants, may cause unpredictable effects or increased side effects. Caution patients of potential for additive side effects if using with appetite-suppressing drugs. Also, St John's wort may have effects on serotonin metabolism; in this case it is prudent to consult your MD before taking SJW along with prescriptions known to affect serotonin levels such as sibutramine.

Oral Hypoglycemics (Antidiabetic Drugs)

St. John's wort induces cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) which can increase the clearance of certain antidiabetic drugs and thus possibly decrease the therapeutic benefit of those drugs. Monitor blood glucose levels closely and adjust dosing for or discontinue St. John's wort if necessary.

Antibiotics

Hypericin and other constituents of St John's wort have been reported to cause photosensitivity, an effect that may be additive with other photosensitizing drugs including fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides or tetracyclines.

Antidepressants

St John’s wort in combination with other drugs that increase CNS serotonin levels (SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, venlafaxine, MAO inhibitors) can increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome. Caution patients about the increased potential for serotonergic side effects if taking this supplement with antidepressant medications.

Anxiolytics (antianxiety drugs, sedative-hypnotics)

St. John's wort induces both intestinal and liver metabolism (cytochrome P450 CYP3A4, CYP1A2, and potentially CYP2C9) as well as other intestinal transporter systems that can increase the clearance of a number of benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam), zolpidem and zaleplon. Use with caution.

Antihypertensive Drugs (Calcium Channel Blockers)

St. John's wort induces cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) and increase the clearance of a number of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) potentially resulting in decreased drug efficacy. Monitor for changes in therapeutic efficacy of CCBs and adjust doses as necessary or avoid use of St John’s wort with this class of drugs.

Narcotic Analgesics

St. John's wort induces both intestinal and liver metabolism (cytochrome P450 CYP3A) which can increase the clearance of a number of opioids and thus possibly decrease the effectiveness of these drugs.

Oral Contraceptives

Due to the potential increase in cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism when using St John’s wort, it is possible that the effectiveness of oral contraceptives may be compromised. Women taking St. John's wort and oral contraceptives concurrently should use an additional or alternative form of birth control.

Antipsychotics

St John’s wort in combination with other psychotropic drugs, including antipsychotics, may lead to unpredictable effects and may induce some of the CYP450 enzymes which may increase clearance of some antipsychotics. St. John's wort is known to cause photosensitivity therefore using it with other photosensitizing drugs such as phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of photosensitivity.Use with extreme caution or avoid in patients taking antipsychotics.

Nutrition and Health State

There may be interactions between certain vitamins, minerals, supplements, or herbs with prescription medications used for this health state. View the drug interaction section for more information.

Depression ( or Mood disorder)

Oral Contraception

Due to the potential increase in cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism when using St John’s wort, it is possible that the effectiveness of oral contraceptives may be compromised.

The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.