St. John's Wort

[Guest guest]

Here is what it says in the PDR for Herbal Medicines. It says

that simultaneous use of a MAO inhibitor: St. John's Wort contains

some weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) properties that may add to

the effects of other MAOI drugs therefore theoretically increasing the

risk for hypertensive crisis. The tannin content of the drug can

lead to digestive complaints, such as a feeling of fullness or constipation.

Patients with a previous history of photosensitization to various chemicals

should be cautious of direct sun exposure. "Serotonin Syndrome",

e.g., sweating, tremor, flushing, confusion and agitation may be noted

if St. John's Wort is taken concomitantly with an SSRI such as fluoxetine,

paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, or citalopram. Tannic acids

present in St. John's Wort may inhibit the absorption of iron.

From another source, it says to avoid the use of St. John's Wort while

taking these:

fluoxetine

fluvoxamine

nefazodone

paroxetine

phenelzine

sertraline

trazodone

tricyclic antidepressants

venlafaxine

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boleybrandy wrote:

Thank you for your feedback. I have an arsenol

of supplements for the

blood pressure, including Hawthorn. I guess what I was asking was

if

anyone knew enough about St. John's Wort and if it was safe to

take

if you have high blood pressure tendencies??