St John's Wort

I think it works of seratonin which is pretty much what some ADs do so I doubt it will make much difference. There have been a great many warnings about it so I would take advice first.

I think it more likely that the depression is causing the weight gain rather than the pills so suggest you carefully monitor your intake using something like myfitnesspal.com. I know a few people who have been very surprised at how many calories they actually consume when they thought they were eating healthily. If you compare what you eat to what others eat it is so easy to think you are not eating very much but we all metabolise at different rates and it may be that you are not as active as in the past because of the depression.

Hope you find a solution and, if you do, share it on here to help others.

I've used it for years, to treat SAD. I just use the Tesco ones, one a day, two if something knocks me sideways. It certainly works - and on me, quickly, in a couple of days I can tell the difference. It takes longer with others, a nurse friend says it can take up to two weeks.

You can tell how many must use it for the same reason - Tesco often stop stocking it during the summer.

Sorry, the weight thing - well, it keeps you moving, rather than sitting in a little cocoon and almost hibernating because you feel low and can't be bothered to do anything. I think that is what keeps your weight down.

St John's Wort can be very effective, as proven by quite a bit of medical research. But if you have a long history of depression, you really should go and take advice from your doctor or psychiatrist, really- and not take it upon you to stop medication or fuff around with new stuff without supervision. Truly.

For anyone taking St J's W- remember that it makes you much more sensitive to light, both for your eyes and skin- so extra protection and care is needed in Summer and strong sunlight.

(PS- I AM not medically qualified)

BTW have you had a test for your Thyroid- having an under-active thyroid can happen later in life and cause symptoms of depression and tiredness, and put on lots of weight? Might be worth checking this out.

My OH tried this for a while but his sensitivity to light meant he had to come off it , I really didn't think it helped , he was just as anxious and irritable . He did go back to medication , walking was what helped him most , the exercise and the fact that he got out and about in the fresh air . It doesn't matter how you eat if you don't exercise

I think the weight issue is not helped by being to tied to a desk at work, although I do try to go for a half hour walk at lunchtime. I don't think I realised at the time how fit and slim walking up and down hills with children in prams/buggies can keep you! Unfortunately there has been a bit of a meltdown recently at my surgery and getting an appointment is proving difficult. I might see if I can get a telephone consultation granjura, though I do share an office at work with three doctors who know me well and thought SJW may be of benefit. That is very interesting janerowena about Tesco only stocking during the time of year when SAD becomes an issue. My daughter suffers from that. Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

Can St.John's Wort cause problems with medication? I would like to try it as I'm having problems with depression again and don't want to go back on anti-depressants. But I take Amlodopine daily, so wouldn't want anything to react badly with that.

Your Pharmacist can advise about meds clashing

Thanks aggie.

henetha I would be very careful- I also am taking drugs, different from yours which react if taken with St. John's Wort.

I have taken St Johns Wort from time to time. The last time I bought it the Pharmacist asked me if I was taking any other medication (no) I asked why: she said that St Johns Wort knocks out all other medication. True or not?

From The Skeptic's Dictionary - Herbs:

"St. John's wort

St. John's wort was no better than a placebo skepdic.com/vitacon.html#11

Consumer Reports test St. John's wort, SAM-e (s-adenosyl-methionine), and kava pills

St. John's Wort ineffective as anti-depressant"

The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends St Johns Wort for mild to moderate depression feetlebaum. They accept that there is evidence of its effectiveness from several trials.

My nurse friend calls it 'the sunshine pill'. It's recommended for women who get low during the menopause. She says it's what they always try out first, for anxiety, and the pill it reacts against the most strongly is the contraceptive one! It can make some medicines less effective, I know, but not always. There are risks with everything, aren't there.

I used St John's Wort for ages, but then after breast cancer, was warned that it could interfere with the efficacy of Tamoxifen; I understand that the same applies to statins and other medications. So, obviously, I didn't risk it, and haven't since.

I take vitamin B6 regularly, which can have a mood lifting effect.