St. John Wort: A Case Study

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Name of Herbal Remedy: St. Johns Wort Administration and Dosage: Capsules/ tablets, teas, and liquid extracts. Administered orally. Strengths Available: 250 and 300 mg Manufacturer: It grows mainly in Europe, Asia and North America. All growing parts of the plant above the soil are used to manufacture this herbal remedy. Indications: Treat mild to moderate depression, whether triggered by a particular situation, or a life -long struggle. Also indicates, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual syndrome, and sleep disorders. Therapeutic Regimen: The average recommended dose is 300 mg. of standardized extract (0.3%hypericin) two - three times daily. Adverse Herbal Reactions: It can cause some side effects such as trouble sleeping,…show more content…
This initially results in a crude form of the herb called hypericum extract. Hypericum extract is thought to work in a similar way to antidepressant medicines, by affecting levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain (however, the exact mechanism of action is not known). Drug… Herbal Interactions: Taking St. John's wort along with alprazolam (Xanax) might decrease the effectiveness of alprazolam (Xanax). Taking St. John's wort along with aminolevulinic acid might increase the chances of sunburn, blistering or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Taking St. John's wort along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Taking St. John's wort along with meperidine (Demerol) might cause too much serotonin in the brain and serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and…show more content…
Strengths Available: The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company Indications: To treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and panic disorder Therapeutic Regimen: Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Children 8 years of age and older—At first, 10 to 20 mg once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Children younger than 8 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Adverse Drug Reactions: Inability to sit still, restlessness, skin rash, hives, or itching. Warnings: Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric

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