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Concerns About Side Effects from St. John's Wort
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Mental & Emotional Health
Question #24883
90 days ago
197

Concerns About Side Effects from St. John's Wort - #24883

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

Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
90 days ago
5

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
90 days ago

I stopped him, and I did the right thing ?

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
89 days ago
5

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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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
88 days ago
5

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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