st john's wort side effects? - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

ratboy83 · 09-14-2005, 08:35 AM

are there any common side effects of this herb that people have experienced?

alex.

rheanna · 09-14-2005, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratboy83

are there any common side effects of this herb that people have experienced?

alex.

alex,

1) some people have an exaggerated "sunburn" effect from the sun or tanning booths. I would avoid working on my tan or staying for long periods outdoors.

2) There is evidence that st. John's wort affects prescription medicines -- sometimes it enhances them so that you wind up getting more than your intended dosage, and sometimes it blocks the medicine, so that you're getting less than your doctor intended. There are lists on the internet that tell you which drugs could be affected. If you are taking ANY drugs, make sure your doctor knows that you are also taking st. john's wort.

--Rheanna

DaVinci · 09-15-2005, 05:30 AM

"The most common St. John's wort side effect is insomnia, which is likely to be worse on higher doses. Headaches and irritability or anxiety have also been reported. Sensitivity to light is another St. John's wort side effect."

Took it once, but made my heart race and couldn't sleep all night. I haven't heard about it making medicines more potent, however I wouldn't doubt it.
On the other hand, I have heard that grapefruit juice makes medicines in particular antibiotics stronger....usually drink lots of grapefruit juice when I have a virus....cause doc always gives me the weak stuff(amoxicillin).