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Concerns About Side Effects from St. John's Wort
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Mental & Emotional Health
Question #24883
137 days ago
289

Concerns About Side Effects from St. John's Wort

Naffre

Hello, As someone who is very anxious and stressed, and prone to occasional irritability, my doctor recommended St. John's wort. I've been taking it for two weeks, not very regularly, about once every two or three days, rarely even on a regular schedule. Since then, I've noticed strong side effects such as extreme mood swings, sudden loss of motivation and interest, fatigue and weakness, anxiety, sadness, and general malaise. Can you tell me if you think this is the cause? Is it dangerous? Should I stop taking it? Thank you for your answers. How severe are the side effects you are experiencing?:

How long have you been experiencing these side effects?:

- Less than 1 week

Have you noticed any specific triggers for these side effects?:

- Stressful situations

Have you experienced similar symptoms before taking St. John's wort?:

- Yes, occasionally
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Doctors' responses

Hello

Yes — St. John’s wort can cause mood changes, especially if taken irregularly.

It affects brain chemicals (like serotonin), and inconsistent dosing can sometimes lead to:

Mood swings Increased anxiety Fatigue Irritability Low motivation

Since your symptoms worsened after starting it, it could be the cause.

It is usually not dangerous, but if symptoms feel intense or worsening, you should stop taking it and inform your doctor.

Also, St. John’s wort interacts with many medicines, so medical supervision is important.

If you develop severe agitation, confusion, or very low mood, seek medical help promptly.

I trust this helps Thank you Take care

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Naffre Tony
Client
137 days ago

I stopped him, and I did the right thing ?

Hello dear See anxiety issues and mood swings are typically associated with the st john wort Theses medication act on brain and there fore cause these type of symptoms Please donot worry. For improvement follow below precautions Do meditation Do exercise Avoid overthinking Take balanced diet Avoid junk food In case of modification in medication consult with concerned physician only Regards

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It does sound like your symptoms might be connected to St. John’s wort, especially given the timing. St. John’s wort has potential side effects, which can include mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and general malaise, based on how it interacts with brain chemistry by affecting neurotransmitter levels. However, such severe symptoms aren’t commonly reported, which makes it important to consider other factors that could be contributing, such as any underlying conditions, other medications, or lifestyle factors. The irregularity in taking the supplement could be causing fluctuating concentrations in your system, possibly leading to inconsistent effects and increased side effects.

It’s generally advisable not to take herbal supplements irregularly without a consistent plan, primarily because supplements like St. John’s wort need some time and steady intake to reach effective levels, and inconsistent use could lead to uneven blood levels. Apart from this, St. John’s wort can interact with a variety of medications, including antidepressants, leading to increased side effects or diminished effectiveness of those medications. It’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before continuing or stopping its use. Abrupt cessation could potentially exacerbate symptoms for some people. If you’re experiencing what feels like severe or unmanaged side effects, it’s advisable to seek medical guidance promptly to consider alternative treatments or adjustments to your regimen. It’s important to address any acute changes to ensure that your health is not at risk and to explore safer options for managing anxiety and stress in a way that aligns with your overall health profile and circumstances.

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Your recent mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, and low motivation are likely side effects of St. John’s Wort. This herb can affect brain chemicals like an antidepressant and may worsen mood, especially when taken irregularly. It is not dangerous, but it may not be suitable for you. You can stop taking it, and symptoms should improve within days to weeks. If problems continue, consult your doctor for safer alternatives in person.

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