Independent medical expert answers
on psychiatry and psychology

St. John´s Wort and SSRI Medication (Fontex, Zoloft, Cipramil, Seroxat, etc.)

Written by: Gunborg Palme, certified psychologist and certified psychotherapist, teacher and tutor in psychotherapy.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 01 Jan 2009.

Abstract:

S:t John´s Wort has not been tested in the same way as SSRI medicines, but is believed to help with less severe depression.

Question:

Question: My doctor has recommended me to take Fontex against my bulimia which I have had for many years, but I want to avoid pharmaceutical drugs. I have recently heard that St. Johns Wort has the same effect as Fontex. I wonder if I could try it instead?

Answer:

Fontex and Prozac, which are similar, have documented effects against bulimia. As far as we know, there have been no scientific studies of St. John's Wort in this matter. St John's Wort is used against depression and has been shown to be harmless. It can therefore be obtained without a doctor's prescription, so it is easy to try it.

If it has no effect you can then decide whether you will follow your doctor's advice and at least find out what Fontex can do for your bulimia. It is not until you know your reaction to the drug that you will have a sound foundation for knowing if you want to continue with the drug. Perhaps you will find out that Fontex is not for you or maybe you will benefit greatly from it. You can only find out by trying the drug.

Caution: St John's Wort may reduce the effect of other drugs, including contraceptive pills. In case you use other drugs be sure to consult your physician before you start using St John's Wort. For example it has been known that women who are on the pill and St John's Wort have become pregnant.

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