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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Vincent on December 4, 2001, at 18:11:41
I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
Where is the truth?
Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
Thanks to everybody for sharing.
Posted by mist on December 4, 2001, at 19:06:55
In reply to But SJW works or not?, posted by Vincent on December 4, 2001, at 18:11:41
Vincent,
SJW worked for me, in a mild way. It kept me from wanting to die all the time (that thought no longer kept coming into my mind as it had for years) and sometimes I actually felt good when I was on it--a general, pleasurable sense of well- being would come over me for no (external) reason. SJW also lifted the low-grade background anxiety (a diffuse fear of life and what it might bring)I experienced along with the depression.
However, I was afraid of the potential sun-sensitivity side effect (because I've had UV-related problems) and anyway it pooped out after over a year or so (or at least its effectiveness diminished).
I guess the upshot for me is that while SJW definitely had an anti-depressant effect, for my particular symptoms I would like to find something that will help more with motivation and focused thinking and action.
Good luck to you whatever treatment you decide to try. -mist
> I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
> I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
> Where is the truth?
> Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
> Thanks to everybody for sharing.
Posted by Bill L on December 6, 2001, at 10:31:39
In reply to But SJW works or not?, posted by Vincent on December 4, 2001, at 18:11:41
SJW does in fact work very well to alleviate depression. But it's not as powerfull as a prescription antidepressant. So if one has mild depression, it may help. But it's not for major depression. The usual dosage is about 900 mg per day taken in 3 doses (300 mg 3x per day).
The study that you are referring to was garbage. It was an 8 week study. Since SJW takes longer than 8 weeks to fully kick in, an 8 week study does not measure it's effectiveness. Studies lasting 8 weeks are sufficient for many drugs, but not for SJW. The study was sponsored by doctors. The doctors knew that SJW takes more than 8 weeks to work but it's to their financial advantage to promote prescription drugs instead of over the counter drugs. It's a shame that we can't even trust doctors. They sometimes care about money more than about patients.
I have major depression. I tried SJW a few years a go. I definiety had relief but it took a few months to get the full effects of SJW. The relief was not enough for my degree of depression. I now take Celexa which gives me more relief from depression and much more relief from anxiety than SJW did.
> I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
> I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
> Where is the truth?
> Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
> Thanks to everybody for sharing.
Posted by IsoM on December 6, 2001, at 12:45:18
In reply to But SJW works or not?, posted by Vincent on December 4, 2001, at 18:11:41
Like other posts have mentioned, St. John's wort is a MILD AD. I tried it for 5 months after I'd slowly weaned myself off Paxil & knew I still needed something. I did it in summer when I normally feel best anyway. I gave it a good try at the highest recommended dose. It's possible that it worked a little - I really can't tell. If it did it wasn't noticable for me. I ended up going back on a very reduced dose of Paxil & adding Celexa.
Besides here in BC Canada where I live, psychotropic drugs are paid for by the government if you're not rich & St. John's wort isn't.
> I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
> I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
> Where is the truth?
> Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
> Thanks to everybody for sharing.
Posted by JohnX2 on December 6, 2001, at 22:34:28
In reply to But SJW works or not?, posted by Vincent on December 4, 2001, at 18:11:41
It worked as well or better than any
prescription anti-depressant for me + no
side effects. But the recommended dose of 900 mg/day (using
a reputable brand like Kira), is too low
for major depression. I tried it twice and
got a nice response at 1800 mg/day. This stronger
dose is generally known to be the case for major
depression. I suspect the
study to undermine SJW which I believe was
using 900 mg/day was misleading.-john
> I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
> I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
> Where is the truth?
> Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
> Thanks to everybody for sharing.
Posted by petey on December 7, 2001, at 4:11:38
In reply to Re: But SJW works or not? » Vincent, posted by JohnX2 on December 6, 2001, at 22:34:28
>
>
> It worked as well or better than any
> prescription anti-depressant for me + no
> side effects. But the recommended dose of 900 mg/day (using
> a reputable brand like Kira), is too low
> for major depression. I tried it twice and
> got a nice response at 1800 mg/day. This stronger
> dose is generally known to be the case for major
> depression. I suspect the
> study to undermine SJW which I believe was
> using 900 mg/day was misleading.
>
> -john
>
> > I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
> > I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
> > Where is the truth?
> > Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
> > Thanks to everybody for sharing.John,
If SJW worked so good for you, why did you stop taking it? I am really interested because i'm thinking of giving it a shot. Did you have to tirate the dose up or can you just start taking the full dose right away?I haven't had much luck with standard anti-depressants, but I feel I need SOMETHING! Did it help you sleep better? I am only getting about 4 hrs. of sleep per night and it's really starting to take it's toll. Any input would be appreciated! Take care and God bless,
Petey
Posted by JohnX2 on December 7, 2001, at 21:33:36
In reply to Re: But SJW works or not?, posted by petey on December 7, 2001, at 4:11:38
Hi Petey,I tried SJW twice, and got a nice solid response
both times. But I needed 1800 mg. This was
a "majic" number. The 1st time I took 1800 mg
and got a response in 2 weeks. It made me feel
absolutely wonderful. Body less achy, less
restlessness, more motivated, glad to be alive.
It had no impact on my sleep. After 3 days I
developed symptoms that are particular to me that
may have been precursors markers that I am bipolar
and would not do too well only taking an AD.
I started to get severe tension headaches and
bruxism (jaw tension/griding), plus I went emptionally
numb. But it was a fun 3 days. Another plus
was that it had an anti-anxiety effect similar
to klonopin.The 2nd try, I thought that maybe I should go
slower with lower dose. But after 6 weeks without
a response I was upto 1800 mg/day and then got
the same response as the 1st try, and the
same problems.After many other med failures on stand alone
ADs (SJW being the most friendly on side effects),
I was rediagnosed as being bipolar. So I have
been stumbling on combinations of mood stabilizers
to see if I can lock onto the wonderful state.I don't see any harm in giving SJW a try.
Try the 900 mg dose for 3 weeks (buy the KIRA
brand). If you don't feel better you can go
upto 1800 mg. The side effects are very benign
compared to most ADs. I don't think anyone would
disagree with this.Good luck,
John
> >
> >
> > It worked as well or better than any
> > prescription anti-depressant for me + no
> > side effects. But the recommended dose of 900 mg/day (using
> > a reputable brand like Kira), is too low
> > for major depression. I tried it twice and
> > got a nice response at 1800 mg/day. This stronger
> > dose is generally known to be the case for major
> > depression. I suspect the
> > study to undermine SJW which I believe was
> > using 900 mg/day was misleading.
> >
> > -john
> >
> > > I've red that SJW (Hypericum) was recently tested in double blind and it seems to not work at all!
> > > I've also red lot of tests over SJW terapy with excellent results, quite like classic AD.
> > > Where is the truth?
> > > Any experience about good effects on terapy with SJW?
> > > Thanks to everybody for sharing.
>
>
>
> John,
> If SJW worked so good for you, why did you stop taking it? I am really interested because i'm thinking of giving it a shot. Did you have to tirate the dose up or can you just start taking the full dose right away?I haven't had much luck with standard anti-depressants, but I feel I need SOMETHING! Did it help you sleep better? I am only getting about 4 hrs. of sleep per night and it's really starting to take it's toll. Any input would be appreciated! Take care and God bless,
> Petey
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