Q. Many years ago I took St. John’s wort for mild anxiety for about six months with definite success. I don’t like to take any herb or medication longer than necessary so I slowly stopped taking it.
I was more anxious than before I started taking it. It was almost like I went into withdrawal. I tend to be an anxious person and would like to take it again. I worry that I would need to take it forever, though, or go through a downside after ceasing it.
I even gave it to my husband, telling him it was for something else. His moods and temper changed and he became a pleasant person to be around. When he stopped, his prior yelling behavior and bad moods came back.
Are there any recent studies on St. John’s wort and whether there are dangers with long-term use?
A. Evidence from controlled trials suggests that St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) can ease depression (Journal of Psychiatric Research, online Feb. 23, 2010). The main danger with St. John’s wort is its potential to interact with many drugs. You can learn about side effects and find a list of some of the medications that interact with it at www.peoplespharmacy.com in our free Guide to St. John’s wort.
It is dangerous to give anyone medicine (including herbal products) without his full understanding. Long-term use of St. John’s wort may have negative effects on the eye.
