Are there any risks to taking St. Johns wort for depression?
Yes, there are risks in taking St. John’s wort for depression. Many so-called “natural” substances can have harmful effects–especially if they are taken in too large a quantity or if they interact with something else the person is taking. Research from the NIH has shown that St. Johns wort interacts with some drugs–including certain drugs used to control HIV infection (such as indinavir). Other research shows that St. Johns wort can interact with anticancer, or chemotherapeutic, drugs (such as irinotecan). The herb may also interact with drugs that help prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs (such as cyclosporine). Using St. Johns wort limits these drugs effectiveness. Also, St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe and, in some cases, may be associated with suicide. Consult a health care practitioner if you or someone you care about may be experiencing depression. People can experience side effe
