Dosage Guidelines
In studies of social anxiety disorder, the typical dosage ranges from 600 to 1800 milligrams of St. John’s Wort daily. However, because ingredients can vary, doses may also vary. Before taking St. John’s Wort, you should read the product label and discuss the dose with a qualified healthcare provider.
Medication Interactions
St. John’s Wort interferes with the way the body processes or breaks down many medications, herbs, and supplements. It may speed up or slow down this process causing increased or decreased effects, adverse reactions, or increased side effects. The medications that may potentially interact with St. John’s Wort include, but are not limited to the following:
Birth control pills Cancer drugs, such as Irinotecan Cyclosporine (used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs) Digoxin (strengthens heart muscle contractions) HIV drugs, such as Indinavir Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Tricyclic antidepressants Warfarin and related anticoagulants
In general, check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional and/or pharmacist about possible interactions.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of St. John’s Wort are sensitivity to sunlight, restlessness or anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue/sedation, headache, sexual dysfunction, and skin reactions. Generally, only a small percentage of people will experience side effects and the side effects tend to be less than those associated with standard antidepressant medication. Speak with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any side effects.
Risks and Effectiveness
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of herbs and supplements. Although there are known medication interactions for St. John’s Wort, most herbs, and supplements are not thoroughly tested. There is also no guarantee regarding the ingredients or safety of the product. Current research suggests that St. John’s Wort is useful in treating mild to moderate depression. However, the usefulness of St. John’s Wort as a primary treatment for anxiety has not been established. A 2005 study on the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort in treating social anxiety disorder (SAD) found that patients who took the medicine didn’t improve any more than patients who took a placebo.
Uses for Social Anxiety Disorder
Given that no research evidence exists to support the use of St. John’s Wort in treating SAD, its usefulness for this purpose is questionable. However, if you suffer from depression in addition to social anxiety disorder, you may experience some benefit. As a bottom line, if you have been diagnosed with SAD, be sure to consult with your healthcare professional about effective primary treatment methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Other Supplements for SAD
Chamomile Kava Kava Passion Flower Rhodiola Rosea Valerian Root Winter Cherry
