Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself. I don't know if she thinks they're a good idea during recovery, though. Never give your child St. John's wort without medical supervision. It's a myth that "depressed people" lack SAM-e or any variety of serotonin. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Im doing somewhat better than I was when this started but Im not doing great. (--> may need to be reminded of this. Even if I found that I only needed one of the supplements to prevent depression, I wonder if it would still interfere with recovery. St Johns Wort, Valerian And Other Natural Remedies: Can Herbs Treat Anxiety Disorders In Children? The use of St. John's wort with Zoloft could potentially lead to a rare, but serious reaction known as serotonin syndrome. I was thinking of starting out by alternating the 400 mg and 200 mg pills for a week, then trying 200 mg every day for a couple weeks, then every other day for awhile, then stopping completely. The plant gets its name because it is often in full bloom around June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist. St. John's wort has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating somatization disorder (physical illness or symptoms without a known I also had the vague sense that the medication was somehow preventing me from being fully human, in the truest sense if the word; it was as if it placed an invisible wall between me and others, as well as between me and my true self. I still knew nothing about SSRI withdrawal and assumed that, aside from the brain zaps, this was the natural state of my brain, which had returned in the absence of the sertraline. People with withdrawal symptoms also need to understand how to withdraw their antidepressant medication gradually and what effects this may have. One 2017 study suggested that regular weekly physical activity could help prevent depression. Making own liquid. Clorazepate June 2019 20-15-10mg for 3 weeks then sparsely until 2022, 2 times per month max and very low dose (5mg), Clorazepate Jan2022 10mg 5 days 2,5mg 2 days then off, Venlafaxine June 2019 75mg ADR, 17,5mg, titrated to 37,5mg. Thanks so much! There are many safe alternatives to SSRI's. I also had been taking sertraline at that point for 21 years and really wanted to be rid of it once and for all. I'm feeling itchy and I have fibromyalgia, Crohns and am being tested for lupus. 2000;355:576-577. Natural Sleep Aid That Fights Depression: St. Johns Wort, St John's Wort: Natural But Not Without Side Effects. Meinke MC, Schanzer S, Haag SF. St. John's wort also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. More specifically, it is thought that St. John's wort can increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. But it interacts with a number of medications, so it should be taken only under the guidance of a health care provider. An individual interested in acupuncture as part of their depression treatment should search for an experienced and qualified practitioner. 1 The most commonly experienced in those taking Zoloft include: Decreased appetite Diarrhea Fatigue Feeling emotionally numb Increased sweating Indigestion Insomnia Nausea I decided to stop the SJW and stick with the 5-htp, plus 400 mg/day of SAM-e. My abdominal pain and nausea got worse with the 5-htp, butI was able to sleep better at nightand my mood was at least stable. Oct 2011 CTed 15oz vodka a night, to only drinking 2 beers most nights, totally sober Feb 2013. You Some have suggested that the herb acts similar to an SSRI, increasing the availability of the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Arch Intern Med. Issue 4, 2000. Risk of Drug Interactions with St John's Wort and Indinavir and Other Drugs. Individuals can use talking therapies alongside medication or as an alternative. Some studies have demonstrated a link between mental health and gut health, with nutritious diets boosting energy levels and reducing depression symptoms. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010. Having said that, I agree that during antidepressant withdrawal, these supplements probably get in the way of the brain returning to normal, and I definitely want to stop taking them. A person with depression may consider acupuncture to help with their symptoms. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. I felt in my situation, Ive suffered so much in the 18 mo post baby, I need help that is managed by a professional not just my own self medication with herbs. Soon after, stopped SJW and started 400 mg SAM-e/day. Public Health Advisory. DO NOT stop taking St. John's wort all at once because that may cause unpleasant side effects. I just wanted to give an update re the SAM-e situation. - Baylissa, Yes, there is a thread on St. John's wort,http://survivingantidepressants.org/topic/652-st-johns-wort-hypericum-perforatum/, "St. John's Wort is a noradrenergic, which is why it causes "mania" -- like SNRIs. Because St. John's wort is broken down by certain liver enzymes, it may interact with other drugs that are broken down by the same enzymes. BMC Med. The growing knowledge of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L) drug interactions and their clinical significance. Zoloft is an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication in the pharmaceutical class SSRI. St. John's wort is available in time-release capsules. Interestingly, on Kelly Brogan's website, she says she uses St. John's Wort, as well as 5-htp and tryptophan, when patients are tapering. Do SSRI Antidepressants Increase Suicide Risk In Children With Depression And Anxiety? Antidepressant withdrawal may have associations with antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Once the panic and depersonalization subsided, I was left feeling extremely depressed again. St. John's wort may lower levels of the medication and make it less effective. Br J Derm. Vivid dreams. It does not make recommendations regarding changing to or from moclobemide. Fitoterapia. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. hyperarousal, including irritability, aggression, sensory disturbances, including sensations similar to tingling, an electric shock, or burning. 2013;36:65-72. Transplantation. DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions.This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Antidepressants can help manage the symptoms of depression, but they can be difficult to stop. So, I got back on the SJW and SAM-e a few days ago and I feel all right again (when I say 'all right' I mean I still don't feel quite like myself and I'm still experiencing a variety of symptoms, but at least I'm not severely depressed at the moment). I started by splitting a 50mg into 4 (with confirmation from psychiatrist) adding a 1/4 after each week to eventually get to 50mg. It is FREE! JAMA. Comp Psych. Duloxetine 2016/17 - 30/60mg/30mg, c/t, light WD. Does that sound like a good way to do it? People who are reducing their medication should also consult their healthcare provider if they experience unusual symptoms. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies have shown that St. Johns wort can cause dangerous interactions with other medications and lead to life threatening circumstances in rare cases. This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. In most cases, it would be considered more important to continue on your Zoloft to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information onNCCIHand complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. A 2020 study linked a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables with better mental health compared to a diet high in refined carbohydrates and fats. Copyright is held by the authors of posts on this site. Psychiatr Clin North Am. Curr Ther Res. ! If you are currently on a prescription medication and it's working well for you, why would you switch? My hope is that one day I won't need any of those supplements but it seems as though, at the moment, I can't really function without them. Gratitude and blessings, Bundles St. John's wort is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers that have oval, elongated petals. Avoid sunlamps, tanning booths, and tanning beds. I've been a 'lurker' since about February. Yoga (gentle to medium); walks; daily breath practice; nutrition, fruits/veg; nature; water;EastEnders (lol); practicing self-compassion, self-care; boundaries; connection; allowing feelings; t r u s t ing that I, too, will heal. I only recommend therapeutic grade known pure essential oils from young living. Many dietary supplements havent been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children. It may take 3 to 6 weeks to feel any effects from St. John's wort. Taking St. John's wort with these medications tends to increase side effects, and could lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Is St. John's Wort ok to take for boosting your mood? Sign up for a new account in our community. Current dose 47 mg. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. For more information, see the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Web page about St. Johns wort. For people with major depression, there's some concern that taking St. John's wort may increase the risk for mania. Both the flowers and leaves are used as medicine. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Complementary and alternative medicine usage for behavioral health indications. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a history of use as a medicine dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various nervous disorders. In vivo photoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of hyperforin is associated with high antioxidant activity in vitro and ex vivo. I am about to go through the same process but wanted to share what i've learned and my experiences in case anyone reads this string later on (as I am reading it a year later and getting ideas). Talk to your doctor first about going off of them. St. John's wort can lower levels of this medication in the blood. Side effects from St. John's wort are generally mild and include stomach upset, hives or other skin rashes, fatigue, restlessness, headache, dry mouth, and feelings of dizziness or mental confusion. Naturalrezults WebI stopped Zoloft last august after almost a year and and an half on it. NCCIH and NIMH funded this 2012 analysis of data collected in 2002. What's important now is for you to stabilize. WebObjective: To compare the change in severity of depressive symptoms and occurrence of side effects in primary care patients treated with St John's wort (SJW) and sertraline. Symptoms of depression vary but can include. I currently take 150 mg of Zoloft daily before bed for anxiety. 2000;89:2123-2129. Review. The combined use of St. John's wort and Zoloft is generally not recommended, but if they are used together, it should only be done under close supervision from your doctor. This article explores what natural remedies can help with symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, how a person can use them, and the outlook for people attempting to discontinue antidepressant medications. A review of herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders. It'll be longer before you're on something new, but St. John's Wort puts you at higher risk for serotonin syndrone (can be fatal, I think) even within 5 days of tapering off (although if you're at a third of a really low dose I wouldn't be as concerned). Biffignandi PM, Bilia AR. Any information about alternative/homeopathic/herbal remedies used successfully during the withdrawal process would be very helpful! Maybe you're experiencing one of the many side-effects from a prescription medication, or maybe you just don't like the whole pharmaceutical conspiracy, so to speak. Philadelphia, Penn:Hanley & Belfus, Inc. 2002:315-321. Also, St. Johns wort is a stimulant and may worsen feelings of anxiety in some people. Most studies show that St. John's wort may help treat mild-to-moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other prescription antidepressants. Email: nimhinfo@nih.gov (link sends email). It is possible to support antidepressant withdrawal with complementary therapies. Generally, people with withdrawal syndrome do poorly with anything that is stimulating. Guest Both of them tend to reach tolerance very quickly in a manner of a few months, but still require a long slow taper to get off of. WebToday I took zoloft for the first time (50mg). How long does it take for Saint John's Worts to start working? Most studies on St. John's wort have been conducted in adults. We know a fair amount about the short-term effects of St. Johns wort on depression but less about its long-term effects. It's scary at first to open up the capsules, but they are easy to put back together, and I do it over a pill box so if i spill too much I can pour back. It was back to constant brain fog, depression, anhedonia, dramatic mood swings, lost sense of self, etc. Thank you for the information. Sarino LV, Dang KH, Dianat N, et al. For many SSRIs this is 1-2 weeks, but for some (such as Prozac) it can be a full month, or more. Thank you for the links. Ive never taken psych meds and am more of a natural medicine person. Natural Antidepressants: Can St. Johns Wort Really Treat Your Depression? St. John's wort contains several chemicals, including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids. I am supposed to up my dose to 5 mg x2 a day tomorrow. Starting on 50mg scared me. Kobak KA, Taylor LV, Bystritsky A, et al. So I decided to lower my dose and see what would happen. Therefore, under the advice of a doctor, a person should reduce or taper their medication gradually. I was considering taking St John's Wort and Safran. I would have had no way of knowing that SAM-e had to be tapered like an SSRI, so THANK YOU, brassmonkey, for the information! sertraline oral and st. john's wort oral both increase affecting serotonin levels in the blood. Seeking help for depression can be the first step to recovery. Last medically reviewed on November 5, 2021. I have the Zoloft now. Depression In Young People: How To Recognize The Signs, And What You Can Do About It, Coming Off Trazodone (And SSRI Therapy) Safely. Stevinson C, Ernst E. A pilot study of Hypericum perforatum for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Depression medicine - is this the best cure for depression? I stopped the 5-htp and some other supplements immediately, thinking that one of them had triggered the episode. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Topical application of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L) and of its metabolite hyperforin inhibits the allostimulatory capacity of epidermal cells. Have taken St. Johns wort in the past for depression and anxiety which works well but thinking prescription might be better. Question Have taken St. Johns wort in the past for depression and anxiety which works well but thinking prescription might be I went down to 75 mg a little over two years ago, in early 2016, when I was 40. I am going the opposite direction, so I dont have advice. A person considering taking St. Johns wort in place of antidepressants should always speak with a doctor first. However, I also do not want to risk the withdrawal of missing a third dose of Zoloft in a row. I just don't know how to taper SAM-e when the pills only come in 400 mg and 200 mg and can't be cut. I hesitated to post my story because it felt too long and convoluted, but I feel I could really use some advice (and maybe it's not so convoluted), so here it is. This article discusses Paxil withdrawal symptoms, how long they last, which treatments are available, and when to seek medical help. While the associated symptoms may resolve themselves and are not life threatening, complementary therapies may help ease them. I (foolishly) abruptly stopped both and became severely depressed again. A community for people taking Zoloft (sertraline) to discuss questions, concerns, and success stories. I also use a progessence plus serum that brings up my progesterone levels and is the feel good hormone in women. Stephen Hawking. Final Dose 0.016mg. However, speak with a medical professional before reducing or stopping any medication. Should I just try taking 200 mg and see what happens? Could pregnant women take St Johns Wort insted of prescription pills? Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. 2022: Holding on Zoloft for now. Schrader E. Equivalence of St John's wort extract (Ze 117) and fluoxetine: a randomized, controlled study in mild-moderate depression. Here are a few notes to consider: Don't take more than one anti-depressant at the same time. Lancet. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). 2011;12(6):570-577. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. BMJ. Thanks for the help! "St. John's Wort is a noradrenergic, which is why it causes "mania" -- like SNRIs. However, it's use isn't recommended for those taking many conventional prescription medications due to the high number of drug interactions associated with St. John's wort. When experiencing withdrawal symptoms or antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, increasing physical exercise or changing the diet to include more fresh food may help ease symptoms by making a person feel reinvigorated and less lethargic. However, one study (more than 100 children under age 12) indicated that St. John's wort may be a safe and effective way of treating mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression in children. Your health care provider can adviseyou. It is contraindicated to take SJW when on an SSRI like zoloft. I was just about to take it when I remembered that I had started a new herbal supplement today. Syst Rev. WebI was taking 150mg Zoloft (generic sertraline actually). Warshowsky A. 2007;14(3 Pt 1):541-549. Please add this information to SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). Kasper S, Anghelescu IG, Szegedi A, Dienel A, Kieser M. Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Return to the main herbal interaction checker page. The best-studied active components are hypericin and pseudohypericin, found in both the leaves and flowers. WebIt may take 3 to 6 weeks to feel any effects from St. John's wort. Keep going, dudes! 2007;48:289-294. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Is it Ok to mix St Johns Wort and prozac for anxiety? In addition to its effects of serotonin, it also appears to affect other neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. However, consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program. Morelli V, Zoorob RJ. Request permission for repost or publication. I read this in a post somewhere else many months ago when I was trying to get off Effexor (or any extended release capsules) - basically, I had tapered to the lowest dose but couldn't get off of it without extremely terrible withdrawal (I didn't realize at the time because my doctor said the new medications acted on the same receptions so it should transfer fine). finally called a nurses hotline because i was in bed, vomiting, could barely see, "shock" sensations (I got it really bad), and she was like, "TAKE A PILL NOW" (literally). This is not medical advice. Hubner W-D, Kirste T. Experience with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in children under 12 years with symptoms of depression and psychovegetative disturbances. 2000;355:576-577. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The taper has been going OK - Im in the middle of a bad wave right now but I generally havent noticed any major dip in mood with each reduction of the SAM-e. I would like to stop the SAM-e altogether. Scientists are studying St. John's wort's essential oils and flavonoids. More Alternatives For OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), What You Should Know About Antidepressants If You Have An Eating Disorder. Is St. Johns Wort An Effective Antidepressant. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not take St. John's wort. Always see a doctor if your depression is making it hard for you to function (See "Precautions" section). over a year ago, Guest128 Talk therapies can help a person identify the thoughts, emotions, and behavior associated with depression and change them. 2000;41(2 Suppl 1):133-137. It has been more than five years now and I feel far from normal. Children who are being treated with St. John's wort should be carefully monitored for side effects, such as allergic reactions or upset stomach. DO NOT take St. John's wort if you have bipolar disorder. There have been many reports of cyclosporin blood levels dropping in those with a heart or kidney transplant, even leading to rejection of the transplanted organ. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. In a 26-week clinical trial with 124 participants, St. Johns wort, a standard antidepressant (sertraline, an SSRI), and a placebo were similarly effective in treating major depression of moderate severity. DO NOT use herbs to treat severe depression -- where you have trouble functioning day to day, or have thoughts of harming yourself or others. St. John's wort should not be used to treat severe depression. Some medical guidelines,such as those from theAmerican College of Physicians, consider St. John's wort as an option or alternative to conventional antidepressants for the treatment of mild depression for certain individuals. Safety of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) [letter]. It opened my eyes to the fact that everything I had been experiencing was part of a protracted withdrawal from the sertraline and not my 'true, depressed brain' reemerging after the sertraline was taken away. I took Lexapro for 7 days and had been off it for 6 days due to some bad side effects. WebSt John's wort is known to interact with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in the same way as serotonergic drugs such as tramadol and citalopram, by further increasing the serotonin level in the brain 2. Scientists thought that hypericin was responsible, but now they believe that other chemicals in St. John's wort may help. Americans Take Antidepressants Without Diagnosis of The Conditions These Drugs Typically Treat. He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours! yeah, covid can complicate things, i know. If it won't happen I think that I am ready to try reducing a bit, as keeping the dose stable made me feel worse in the long run. 2007;30:51-68. Chopped or powdered forms of the dried herb are also available. Hi, Ali. A person wishing to withdraw from taking antidepressants should speak with a healthcare professional before stopping these medications. Learn more about holiday depression. Is there scientific evidence that St. John's Wort treats depression? 20 years on Paxil starting at 20mg and working up to 40mg. Are there any interactions between taking Ginkgo and St John's Wort together? over a year ago. JAMA. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system, Paxil withdrawal: Symptoms timeline, and how to cope, What to know about Prozac withdrawal symptoms, What to know about getting help for depression, reducing a persons reliance on medication, the circumstances surrounding the initial depression have improved, insomnia, which may include nightmares or dreams. Individuals should also keep their doctor or mental health professional informed about their choices. Current dose 0.000mg 04-15-2017, "It's also important not to become angry, no matter how difficult life is, because you can loose all hope if you can't laugh at yourself and at life in general." Soon after starting the Zoloft, the psychiatrist increased my dose to 200 mg. My depression was lifted and I felt like a new person. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. SHould Saint John's Wort be taken with prescription drugs for depression? Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. Alternative Medical Systems (TCM, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy). Breidenbach T, Hoffmann MW, Becker T, Schlitt H, Klempnauer J. In addition, St. John's wort doesn't seem to cause loss of sex drive, one of the most common side effects of antidepressants. This medication makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Scientists believe it is native to Europe, parts of Asia and Africa, and the western United States. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider. I've had people email me to say that they've taken a reduced dosage of both at the same time, but I can't recommend that. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed. I tried 5-htp, which helped with mood and insomnia (I also tried some other amino acids which had strange effects on me). J Am Pharm Assoc. Dry herb (in capsules or tablets). I sort of tapered off the SJW. I am not a doctor or a nurse but have a lifetime of knowledge in using alternatives. 5-10% plus holds. Finniss DG, Kaptchuk TJ, Miller F, et al. WebAnyone switch to Zoloft after taking St. Johns wort? 2008;121:207-211. Sarris J. St. John's wort for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. 2000;71:538-542. I guess I'm wondering if anyone knows anyone who recovered from SSRI withdrawal while taking St. John's Wort or SAM-e or another supplement that helps increase serotonin levels in the brain? The concomitant use of St Johns wort and SSRIs is not recommended and is included as an interaction in SSRI data sheets 2. She told me to lower my dose to 25 mg, start the SJW and see how I felt after a month. A suitable diet may include the Mediterranean diet. Psychiatr Clin North Am. Uterine fibroids (Leiomyomata). Then, I began to feel 'off' again - depersonalization with a lost sense of self - and I started to worry that taking the SJW and SAM-e might be interfering with my brain's ability to heal properly. Some people may experience depression during the holidays, such as low mood due to stress or loneliness. Please feel free to reach out to him directly if you have any inquiries or want to connect! 3rd ed. Many other studies have compared St. John's wort to Prozac, Celexa, paroxetine (Paxil), and Zoloft, and found that the herb works as well as the drugs. These symptoms may include: Treatment for antidepressant withdrawal will vary according to the individual. How do you use the frankincense oil for best results, need a feel good, motivating something, please!! I will check them out. 2006;4:14. You should probably consult your doctor (you know, the one that precribed your Prozac/Paxil/Zoloft/Serzone to you). 2007;73:1358-1364. Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time, Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun, Feeling irritable easily frustrated or restless, Having problems with sleep and feeling tired, Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite, Experiencing pain that doesnt improve with treatment, Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Phytother Res. Kobak KA, Taylor LV, Warner G, Futterer R. St. John's wort versus placebo in social phobia: results from a placebo-controlled pilot study. Did you experience and side effects from starting Zoloft? Sarrell EM, Mandelberg A, Cohen HA. Had no real symptoms doing this. 2021: Began conservative, proper, CNS-respecting taper of Zoloft, led by the only expert on me -- me. "Therapeutic grade" means nothing. The last few days I have noticed chest pains but they keep getting worse. Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. If you have withdrawal anxiety or insomnia, it may make those symptoms worse.". Common Side Effects From Zoloft As with all medications, Zoloft may cause certain unwanted side effects. Rotblatt M, Ziment I. Evidence-Based Herbal Medicine. For tapering tips, see SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) - Symptoms and self-care Also, with Google, search "site:survivingantidepressants.org SAM-e" and you'll see our discussions about SAM-e. FYI New Jersey members, please check in here. Yes, you are definitely in withdrawal from stopping Zoloft in August 2017. ), "You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story." Volz HP, Laux P. Potential treatment for subthreshold and mild depression: a comparison of St. John's wort extracts and fluoxetine. 2000;142:979-984. I am interested in hearing about any experiences switching from an SSRI such as Lexapro or Prozac to a natural remedy such as St John's Wort. 2012;81:346-350. 2001;286:208-216. Give Caraci F, Crupi R, Drago F, Spina E. Metabolic drug interactions between antidepressants and anticancer drugs: focus on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and hypericum extract. To provide resources that help answer health questions, MedlinePlus (a service of the National Library of Medicine) brings together authoritative information from the National Institutes of Health as well as other Government agencies and health-relatedorganizations.