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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gloria on April 25, 2000, at 20:20:36
Cam, can BuSpar and St John's Wort be taken together? I am so amazed that a light weight like BuSpar is working for my anxiety. (so far) I was wondering if I can add St John's Wort for a little kick. I tried it along time ago and it seemed to give me energy. I have tried the antidepressant ordeal and they just knock me way off my game. I am kind of embarassed to even bring these two up on this board. I can hear the snickers now. But hey everyone has been really kind here and I can't thank everyone enough for their help. Gloria
Posted by Cam W. on April 25, 2000, at 21:46:43
In reply to BuSpar St John's Wort? Cam W, posted by gloria on April 25, 2000, at 20:20:36
Gloria - We seldom snicker at people on this board (except maybe for bob, kazoo, medlib and a few others - don't tell them though; it just encourages them).The question you have asked is a 'very' valid one. I don't know the answer and would hesitate to guess at it, but it is a valid question, nonetheless.
Buspar mainly acts as an agonist at serotonin-1A (5HT-1A) receptors. It also act upon other receptors in a minor way. For example, at dopamine-D2 receptors, it is a mixed agonist/antagonist. Buspar affects many dopamine mediated biochemical and behavioral systems.
St.John's Wort acts as: 1) an MAOI (no thats wrong, the MAOI activity in the original trials was artifact); 2) an SSRI (well, sort of, but not really); or 3) by a mechanism we don not fully understand, yet (yup!). Then again, we really don't understand how conventional antidepressants work.
The difference between conventional antidepressants (eg Elavil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Remeron, etc) and SJW is that the conventional ADs are single chemical compounds that we know the pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and pharmacodynamics (how they affect or are affected by other drugs).We can guess at interactions and side effects to a certain degree.
SJW is a plant and is full of chemical compounds, some active in depression and many inert (or are they). We really have not even catalogued all of the chemical compounds contained in SJW and are still not positive how many are relieving the symptoms of depression. Also, more significant drug interactions are being seen with SJW, almost on a weekly basis.
So, is SJW safe to take with Buspar - I don't know. I have know idea what the short term consequences, let alone the long term ones.
Maybe others on this board have tried this combination, but 'I would not' (then again, I am very conservative when it comes to very novel drug treatments that I don't understand).
Others may be able to give you some clearer insight into this combination. Sincerely - Cam W.
Posted by anita on April 27, 2000, at 23:29:44
In reply to BuSpar St John's Wort? Cam W, posted by gloria on April 25, 2000, at 20:20:36
Hi,
I've taken 1500mg SJW and 30mg Buspar together for two months with no problems. Unfortunately, the Buspar didn't seem to help me at all. I think it's a pretty safe combo -- my pdoc OK'd it.
anita
>
> Cam, can BuSpar and St John's Wort be taken together? I am so amazed that a light weight like BuSpar is working for my anxiety. (so far) I was wondering if I can add St John's Wort for a little kick. I tried it along time ago and it seemed to give me energy. I have tried the antidepressant ordeal and they just knock me way off my game. I am kind of embarassed to even bring these two up on this board. I can hear the snickers now. But hey everyone has been really kind here and I can't thank everyone enough for their help. Gloria
This is the end of the thread.
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