St. John's Wort + Anxiety - Anxiety Message Board

Ashez2184 · 11-19-2007, 06:17 PM

I have never been diagnosed with Panic Disorder, but I'm 99% sure I have it. I have very sever sporadic panic attacks and my mom suggested I take st. johns wart to see if it relieved any of the anxiety before seeing a doctor for "hardcore meds". Well yesterday I took the 2 pill dosage and within about 40mins to an hour I was in a full blown panic attack. It was definatley one of the more severe ones i've had and I wasn't sure if it was the st johns that caused it. So my question is has anyone had any negative side effects from st johns wart or has it worsened anyones depression/anxiety. I also want to add I'm not on any other medications and the st johns wart almost made me feel suicidal to a point. By that I mean that I use to cut myself and I hadn't done it in a very long time and after I took those pills I had a very overwhelming urge to cut my wrists. So please, if anyone has any info on negative side effects I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Ash.

j2006 · 11-19-2007, 06:22 PM

I got really sick from St. John's Wart.

Make sure you are taking vitamins and trying some deep breathing excersices or Yoga.

Magnesium is a good one for people with anxiety to take.

I am sure that if you lok thru this message board you will find many suggestions for relieving anxiety.

Mine is really bad.... I am on medication

jamie1985 · 11-20-2007, 05:18 PM

I am not sure what country you are from, but Americans always think meds are the solution to everything. Personally, I don't think meds are a solution, just a veil to hide pain and suffering.

Your brain is clearly trying to tell you that it is unhappy with something you have done or something that has been done to you in the past.

I had some very, very minor success with St. John's Wort, but I only truly began to deal with my panic attacks, anxiety and depression through cognitive therapy. I still get anxious but I have the skills to deal with it. I feel that if the doctor had recommended meds from the start, I would never have been able to get to the root of my problems.

Take care, everything will be OK.

oldrocker · 11-23-2007, 06:57 AM

St. John's wort has never worked for me at all. I went through years of hell trying every homeopathic remedy and therapy just to keep from taking prescription drugs. I thought prescription drugs were a cop out and that I could get around with out them. After loosing my business and nearly loosing my family I let a medical professional talk me into trying pharmaceuticals. Now a year later I am back to owning my old business and my family life is getting back on track nicely. Do what works for you. Don't let anyone try and tell you that therapy is the only way, or that drugs are the cure, find what works for you. And don't let any one tell you you are weak if you take prescription drugs as a solution. Everyone's situation is different even if there are similarities. Tom

xMzS13x · 11-23-2007, 02:18 PM

Ive heard mixed things about St, johns wort, I recommend self-help books and breathing or yoga and counseling. If that doesnt help, dont doubt the meds. they do help you cope while you deal with your problems. I am currently on my first med which is Paxil and it is helping alot. 1 week ago I was anxious and nervous. i started paxil tuesday and now i feel much calmer.. just hang in there and find what works for you.