Guest guest Posted June 6, 2002 Report Share Posted June 6, 2002 In reviewing SSRI and their efficacy in both psychological and anti- inflammatory conditions, I see mention of the herbal preparation St. 's Wort as possibly of benefit to both mild depression/anxiety/social phobia and mild inflammatory conditions. I don't see much discussion about St 's Wort in this group, and nothing at all within the past year. Why is that? (of course I'm not advocating St 's Wort or even suggesting it's safe and effective, I'm just asking) Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 7, 2002 Report Share Posted June 7, 2002 <> as with all otc non prescription medications remember they can be as hard on your liver as prescription medications so it's a good idea to monitor doses check with physicians (especially if you are taking other drugs concurrently) i've heard bad stories about people inducing liver problems from incautious use of otc herbal stuff. (incl. my brother ...) i'm under the impression that the liver cleans stuff out of the body (the kidneys, too, right?) so the more stuff you put into your blood the more work the liver has to do ... any one (doctor marjorie!) care to add or subtract from this thought? stacey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2002 Report Share Posted June 8, 2002 Thanks to everyone who replied about St. 's wort. It has documented anti-inflammatory properties, and mixed but probably valid anti-depressant features, although both sound mild. As others mentioned, photosensitivity is a theoretical concern, as are drug- drug interactions. I had not heard about increased blood flow (vasodilation) as mentioned below, but it sounds reasonable. I don't know anything much beyond that, but unlike newer US drugs (like Serzone, for example) it's been in wide use for many years in Germany, so there aren't likely to be many serious or life- threatening surprises (although arguable we don't know how it reacts within American lifestyles). Again, I'm certainly not making a recommendation, I was just curious if anyone had any feedback, one way or the other. Thanks again. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD > My pharmacist recommended I be cautious if taking St 's Wort because it increases photosensitivity and also he said it tends to increase blood flow (in reference to me noting it made my complexion noticeably red) so would not be suited with some > conditions. I suspect rosacea might just be one of those conditions he was referring to, although I wasn't diagnosed until after that time so it wasn't something I asked him. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2002 Report Share Posted June 8, 2002 Thanks to everyone who replied about St. 's wort. It has documented anti-inflammatory properties, and mixed but probably valid anti-depressant features, although both sound mild. As others mentioned, photosensitivity is a theoretical concern, as are drug- drug interactions. I had not heard about increased blood flow (vasodilation) as mentioned below, but it sounds reasonable. I don't know anything much beyond that, but unlike newer US drugs (like Serzone, for example) it's been in wide use for many years in Germany, so there aren't likely to be many serious or life- threatening surprises (although arguable we don't know how it reacts within American lifestyles). Again, I'm certainly not making a recommendation, I was just curious if anyone had any feedback, one way or the other. Thanks again. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD > My pharmacist recommended I be cautious if taking St 's Wort because it increases photosensitivity and also he said it tends to increase blood flow (in reference to me noting it made my complexion noticeably red) so would not be suited with some > conditions. I suspect rosacea might just be one of those conditions he was referring to, although I wasn't diagnosed until after that time so it wasn't something I asked him. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 8, 2002 Report Share Posted June 8, 2002 Thanks to everyone who replied about St. 's wort. It has documented anti-inflammatory properties, and mixed but probably valid anti-depressant features, although both sound mild. As others mentioned, photosensitivity is a theoretical concern, as are drug- drug interactions. I had not heard about increased blood flow (vasodilation) as mentioned below, but it sounds reasonable. I don't know anything much beyond that, but unlike newer US drugs (like Serzone, for example) it's been in wide use for many years in Germany, so there aren't likely to be many serious or life- threatening surprises (although arguable we don't know how it reacts within American lifestyles). Again, I'm certainly not making a recommendation, I was just curious if anyone had any feedback, one way or the other. Thanks again. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD > My pharmacist recommended I be cautious if taking St 's Wort because it increases photosensitivity and also he said it tends to increase blood flow (in reference to me noting it made my complexion noticeably red) so would not be suited with some > conditions. I suspect rosacea might just be one of those conditions he was referring to, although I wasn't diagnosed until after that time so it wasn't something I asked him. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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