Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

Original poster

Any advice on taking st johns wort?.....

8 replies

pepperpots · 27/01/2006 15:40

i have just bought some as i suffer from pnd a little (okay a lot ) and wanted to try this b4 i go down the ad route, and would apprecaite anybodys input whether they have had a good or bad experience.
i have to go offline but will check messages later and thanks to anyone that posts

OP posts:

winnie · 27/01/2006 15:43

you have to be very careful if you are taking certain other medications.

After many, many years of taking things like valium & diazipan (sp?) my Dad weaned himself off these things and was happy and stable on St Johns wort.

expatinscotland · 27/01/2006 15:45

Yeah, it'll make the Pill not work anymore, so watch out!

St. John's can take longer than ADs to work. And it's best for light to moderate depression. If you've got a LOT of PND, and honey this is my second trip down that road so I know how it is, you need to see a doctor. It's possible to receive counselling before going on ADs for it.

kalex · 27/01/2006 15:45

came of my ad's in december, and I now take - St Johns Wort. Evening Oil of Primrose and Cod Liver Oil. I also got myself a light box, and (touch wood) am feeling great.

They will take a couple of weeks to kick in, but if you don't feel better in a month, GET TO THE DOCTORS.

Original poster

pepperpots · 27/01/2006 15:48

Am still here for a few mins so just wanted to say thanks for quick response this may sound silly but does counselling really work? even if i knew what was wrong what good would it to by talking to someone about it? (btw thats not meant to sound nasty) i would love to be able to feel 'normal' again and live life instead of dragging on day by day. And i would much prefer to do this without taking anything i don't need to. So i would agree to counselling if it really worked.

OP posts:

kalex · 27/01/2006 15:51

I did more work at counselling in between sessions that at them, they 9if they are good) make you tackle the reasons you do things, react to things etc. I didn't think it would be any good, but I feel a lot better for going, HTH

expatinscotland · 27/01/2006 15:53

Counselling helped me find mechanisms for coping, particularly b/c my PND is marked w/anxiety and panic attacks, followed by suicidal ideas - well, the first time I had a lot of suicidal tendancies, this time I've 'only' had the anxiety and panic attacks and insomnia.

Also gave me perspective on how PND will pass and only be a small part of my life.

We have a local charity here for PND sufferers and it's great to go have a coffee w/other ladies, chat and know your child is being looked after by ladies who are made for babies!

But believe me, not treating PND appropriately is such a sad thing, b/c it robs you of enjoying motherhood as much as you can.

kalex · 27/01/2006 15:53

and you end up working things out for yourself, rather than them telling you. it's like doing some introspective thinking, with alot of nudges in the right direcction

mummytosteven · 27/01/2006 17:52

if you are on any other medication at all, check with GP/Pharmacist if they will interact - in particular SJW can make hormonal contraception less effective. I agree with expat - if you are at the point of self-medication IMHO things are bad enough that you should really speak to your GP. My worst experience of ADs is with SJW - after a few days on it I developed an embarassing tic of having to stroke my chin!

Flip