Posted by Shawn. T. on June 24, 2004, at 18:54:50
In reply to st. john's wort + SSRI, posted by linkadge on June 23, 2004, at 11:49:08
Combining St. John's wort with SSRI's has been said to cause a "mild" serotonin syndrome (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11772128 ). Considering that fact and the fact that you're thinking about taking low doses of each, I don't see why any serious problems should be expected. St. John's wort has only very weak MAO inhibitory properties (see http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10761821&dopt=Abstract and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12775192&dopt=Abstract ). Its influence on serotonin levels probably involves an indirect effect on the serotonin transporter rather than MAO inhibition. As a result, the danger of combining a low dose of St. John's wort with a low dose of an SSRI isn't nearly as great as the danger of combining a strong MAO inhibitor with an SSRI. There is still some risk involved, so use your own best judgment and exercise caution.
poster:Shawn. T.
thread:359421
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040621/msgs/359949.html