St Johns Wort - headache side effects?

[splittingheadache]

I've been feeling a bit more than 'a bit down' on and off for ages; after a conversation at work and a bit of research, I started taking St Johns Wort 2 weeks ago. Last week I was ill (some sort of summer flu thing) and since about last Wed I've had a splitting headache; I'm back at work but my headache's still coming in waves - especially if I walk around (I'm mainly desk-based). I'm not usually a head-achey person but it's just occurred to me that it might be linked to the SJW?? I can't find this listed as a usual side effect - anyone know anything different??

never had anyone have headaches like this with SJW before, but what I can say is that SJW can make some people photosensitive. this is usually in the form that your skin burns quicker than normal when exposed to sun (very few people have this effect and it is only when you take high doses for long time). I have little idea then if this is linked to SJW but if you have blue, green or grey eyes, it may be possible bright lights or your computer screen are effecting you through the SJW?
what is the dose you are on? either in mg's of st johns wort or the hypericin content in mcg. if you are worried then there are a couple of other herbs I can tell you about for you to research for this

I don't think it would be a side effect of SJW (I've been on it myself for several years and have never heard of this). I presume you've checked it out against any medication you're on. I think this sounds far more likely to be a continuation of your virus. Sometimes these things have a sting in the tail and take a while to get over. Maybe you've gone back to work too soon. Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks. They're the Healthspan ones - ie 300mg Hypericum Perforatum containing 900mcg Hypericin. Interesting re computer lights, but today's my first day back and I've had the headache on and off since last Wednesday

chocoholic has a point there, did you check interactions out with any meds currently on? if not let me know what if any other meds you are on and I can check my drug/herb interactions database as a start.
were your ears affected by your flu thing by any chance?

I'm not on any other medications, other than I was taking Lemsip Direct early last week and have been having paracetomol for the headache. Ears are affected like being in an aeroplane - ie keep having to yawn to hear things properly

your headaches could be due to blocked ears causing dizzyness. the pressure of an infection or blocked ears could be causing the headaches too.
if your ears cannot perform their balancing function properly, then that results in dizzyness but constant inbalance can cause headaches as your brain struggles to find equilibrium. go to the GP to get your ears checked. there are some funny ear infections going around at the moment, best to be safe as some are quite nasty

thanks misi; I'll do that - going on for too long now!

The Mayo Clinic site says it can cause:
Agitation
Anxiety
Burning or prickling sensation
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Headache
Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
Insomnia
Irritability
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Restlessness
Stomach discomfort
Vivid dreams

It definitely caused me to have increased headaches taking 3 pills throughout the day. But it also did wonders to relieve depression. So now I take just 1 or 2 a day.

Feel the same every time I'm on SJW: first slight discomfort, after 1 week or so - distinct headache, one time I put up with it for 1 month and quit after terrible blinding headaches when I just couldn’t function anymore.
It was like that on every brand of SJW I tried, no matter of standardization - wether it was standardized for hypericin or hyperforin: Kira, Perika or others 'proven’ brands. Never exceeded recommended dose. Several times tried to exclude anything that may interfere with SJW, even coffee or tea.

I know this is an old post but came across it on a search for severe headache reactions when taking SJW. I was prescribed it and also started have extremely painful headaches. I suffer from migraines but these headaches were very different, possibly could describe them as sharp and constant rather than the aching/throbbing of a migraine. Once I made the connection to these new type of headaches and the SJW I was taking I stopped taking it and the headaches have gone. Interesting re the light sensitivity as I work at a computer under Fluro lighting and glare is something I otherwise try to avoid, finding strong sunlight hard to take. However, it's not a cause of my migraines usually. Perhaps the SJW tips people over their sensitivity level and causes a type of light overload headache? Only my migraine medication could take the pain away. Ordinary paracetamol had no effect at all.

I got some pretty horrendous headaches on SJW but it did wonders for my mood.