St. John's Wort Drug for Depression: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

St. John's Wort

Use:

St. John's Wort is reputed to have an effect on depression, anxiety, sleep disorders.

How It Works:

St. John's Wort works like mono amine oxidase inhibitors - inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down neuro chemicals.

Side Effects:

St. John's Wort contains a pigment that can cause phototoxicity in high doses.

Cautions for People:

Drug Interactions:

Further Reading:

BMJ 1996;313:241,253

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.