(no subject)

[quesarah]

St. John's Wort Just as Effective as Paxil in Treating Depression.

Comments

[zazuomgwtf.livejournal.com]

The link does not seem to work.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

I edited the link, hopefully it works now. :)

[warlordkittens.livejournal.com]

yup, working.

[zazuomgwtf.livejournal.com]

Yup works! I will go read now. I did a course last semester about herbology and other forms of alternative medicine. I went in very skeptical and left quite convinced that real experts in the field can do a lot of good.

[warlordkittens.livejournal.com]

sounds great. always better to take something natural.

even if it does have a crap name. not at all as catchy as paxil or zoloft.

[wizened-cynic.livejournal.com]

Ah, but birth control pills don't work while one is taking St. John's Wort (another fascinating tidbit I learned from ER). Interesting article. Not a big fan of Paxil myself.

[king-ghidorah.livejournal.com]

Research has been promising on it for at least a decade. Known several people who have found St. John's Wort very effective, though I have read of many possible side effects, ranging from making skin more sensitive to light to reducing the effectiveness of birth control. But some physicians (like my own, actually) will recommend the stuff with effective notices-- my doc did so with the Ex at one point, and it apparently helped some.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

My GP told me that St John's Wort, while he didn't know anything about it himself (thanks doc) was often prescribed as the first line of treatment for depression in Germany.

(It's St John's Wort I'm taking.)

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

Also, chuckling at the difference between the results of the German and American studies. Hands up who wouldn't be at all surprised to find that the American studies have been part sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.

[woe2you.livejournal.com]

Wort on earth are you talking about?

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

I just get a perverse pleasure at the idea of Big Pharma being outdone by Mother Nature. Heh.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Mostly it just gives you options. All those types of drugs have different effects depending on your body; this just means there's one more thing you could try.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

I've taken it once in while, and I think it really does help. Obviously, it's like any other medication in that you'd want to really talk with your physician about side effects and interactions. But it's neat to know that it has demonstrable benefits.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

*lol* Wouldn't be surprised at all, but I think there's already a reasonable level of interest in the use of St John's Wort here in the States.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Hey, thank you folks! How's your steak?

[warlordkittens.livejournal.com]

yup. i fear i might be depressed or something; it's either that, or i'm not suited to be a teenager. either way, i'm going to get a homeopathic diagnosis.. d'you suppose that kind of stuff works?

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Or, no one is really suited to be a teenager. However, I think it doesn't hurt to talk to your doctor (or someone else you trust) about your concerns. As for homeopathy, yes I think that stuff can work. Does it always work? No, but then again western medicine doesn't always work. Keep an open mind and be aware of your body and its reaction to whatever treatments you try. You'll be okay, honey.

[warlordkittens.livejournal.com]

i'll try homeopathy first. it can't hurt, i figure. worst case it won't, and then i'll consult my doctor. i just don't want therapy at this point.

[biogeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Cool. Just realize that if there's something going on, therapy may well be the best most effective course of treatment. But it only works when you're ready to be there and put in the work.