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Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

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Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Mental health

How effective is St Johns Wort for mild depresson?

30 replies

Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 08:33

i would appreciate anyones experience of taking St Johns Wort, i think i have mild depression but i dont want to go down the antidepressant road? thanks

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cocolepew · 14/07/2010 08:37

I was taking it but TBH I didn't really notice much difference. I'm now on 20mg of Citalopram, which has made the world of difference.

I was nervous about anti-d's myself but the dr was very reasuring and I can stop with them over a few weeks (not that I want too!).

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Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 08:47

Thanks, i was not sure how much difference it would make, how have the meds helped you?

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cocolepew · 14/07/2010 08:49

They just make me feel normal. I had to take them due to anxiety caused by my DDs mental health problems. They calmed me down and I was able to see things in a more rational way. I had no side effects apart from sleepyness, so I take them at night. That wore off after a few weeks.

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susie100 · 14/07/2010 08:50

They worked for me, just be aware they interfere with the Pill!

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Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 08:53

oh blimey of course !! mind you my sex drive is just about nil at the moment, has that improved with taking St Johns Wort? sorry personal question.

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cocolepew · 14/07/2010 08:53

I think it depends on how mild your depression actually is.

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Disenchanted3 · 14/07/2010 08:59

Go to your doctor, even if its mild then it must effect you enough for you to recognise it and want to stop it.

Theres no shame in it, the GPs are really helpful and they will start you off on a loe dose. You need not tell anyone if you don't want to.

I struggled for years with bad depression because the thought of being on anti'ds mortified me.

How daft I was, I'm now on 50mg of sertraline (i suffer anxiety too) and its changed my life, it really has.

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Disenchanted3 · 14/07/2010 09:00

*low dose

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Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 09:11

i dont know either really, im seeing the Doc on friday. i feel a bit silly really. i just feel so sad all the time, i find it hard to be motivated to do anything, nothing has in particular has happened, i dont live in an abusive relationship but everyday pressures are really getting to me, i am the sole earner in our relationship and i have been for 2 years, my DH is selfemployed but contributes very little and i think that culminated with normal life stress just makes my heart sink when i wake up in the morning and this has been going on for so long perhaps i need some help, i feel the weight of the world on my shoulders IYSWIM.

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Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 09:13

thanks Disenchanted3, i am dreading seeing the doc, i just feel a bit daft im trying to be supermum, wife and trying to please everyone, meanwhile back a the ranch never pleasing myself, i just know that i will go along to the docs and not be able to put into words how i feel.

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Disenchanted3 · 14/07/2010 09:14

You do sound depressed.

You don't have to have an 'awful thing' to happen to feel it, it just creeps up on you.

I'm glad you are going to see your doctor. You will be glad you did x

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Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 09:17

i think i might write it all down before i go, i loose my train of thought really easily and then miss the point of what i am really trying to say !!

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Disenchanted3 · 14/07/2010 09:26

I do that all the time! A list is a great idea

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Tahlulla · 14/07/2010 09:40

thanks disenchanted3

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Disenchanted3 · 14/07/2010 09:51

No problem, hope you feel better soon, keep us updated x

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topsi · 14/07/2010 13:12

I take SJW and to be honest I prefere it to AD. AD are effective but allways seem to have associated side effects. Good quality SJW taken at the correct dose is just as effective as AD for mild-moderate depression.
It helps me sleep better and reduces depression and anxiety.
this is a good site
and this is a good book

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susie100 · 14/07/2010 14:51

It did not affect my sex drive at all, it remained high even with mild depression. Good luck at the docs!

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arcadia96 · 14/07/2010 19:51

Topsi, what brand of SJW do you use, if you don't mind me asking? And what dose do you take and when?

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topsi · 15/07/2010 07:42

I order Perika SJW from USA, it is the most potent formula and less expensive than buying in the UK. At the moment I am on 1200mg which I take all at once at night.
Do you take it arcadia?
Tahlulla it does sound like you may be a bit depressed and maybe SJW would be a good route for you. Go and see GP though to see what they say, goo luck for tomorrow.

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arcadia96 · 15/07/2010 09:09

Topsi I have been taking just 300mg or so an evening (when I remember) and it is a cheap brand so I think that I may change and take a bit more. i was a lot better but have had a couple of 'dips' lately. I presume you get it online then?
Do you still take tryptophan and tyrosene?
You are my 'supplement' guru!
Hope you are feeling better again.

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topsi · 15/07/2010 09:40

Hi arcadia yes I get it from here
I am still on the vitamins ans amino acids. I am thinking of seeing a nutritionist/ herbalist just to see if I am on the right things and if there is anything else I could be doing to help. It all costs alot though. I sleep better now, but am still lethargic during the day. I am never sure if it is the SJW or not enough sleep that is doing it.
The starting dose for SJW is 900mg a day which is 3 of the one a day brands. Try and take it every day or you will get ups and downs.
Did you read the book arcadia? It is very interesting, you can get the important bits online free!

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arcadia96 · 15/07/2010 09:50

Thanks Topsi. TBH I hadn't thought that missing some days may cause or contribute towards the ups and downs but I suppose that is common sense! I did look at the book and skim read some of it but don't get much chance to read - just seem to be so busy with DD (7 months) she doesn't sleep much during the day really so we just get a couple of hours after she's gone to bed in the evening to do everything!
Let us know if you do meet with someone re nutrition (I remember you posting about it a while ago). I'm managing OK at the moment but am taking Nytol every night which I know isn't good.
Sorry OP for hijacking your post! Just to contribute I have been taking SJW but low dose and saw big improvement when taken with high dose Vit Bs as well.

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Tahlulla · 16/07/2010 08:12

thanks topsi and arcadia for your , off to the docs later and i will keep you updated, i think i will discuss the SJW route, looking forward to seeing an improvement soon !!

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topsi · 16/07/2010 08:41

good luck for today

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Honeyd · 16/07/2010 13:51

I tried SJW & 5HTP but no difference im on about day 10 of AD'S and feel no different.Just more tired as messed up my sleep pattern. Am begining to think thats this is just me and nothing will make me feel worth anything iyswim.

Hope it goes well with the doc and he is sympathetic towards your feelings. It took me a long while to admit my problem. Am also having councelling started in a few weeks so will let you know if that helps (somethings got too) was offered CBT but was worried would take me out of my comfort zone xx