I've been taking 2 capsules (overall 520 mg) of St. Jonh's Wort for 5 days. Each capsule contains 0.7 mg of hypiricin and hyperforin not over 4.9 mg. How long does it take to work?
How long does St. John's Wort take to work?
Question posted by Anonymous on 25 Feb 2017
Last updated on 29 February 2024 by happy-cat
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Answers
Everyone is different. Some people it works within a few days, others a few weeks (roughly three to six weeks), and for others it doesn't work no matter the dose.
If your dose isn't working after three to six weeks you can increase it to 900 mg. For depression, 900 mg is the standard dose--300 mg taken three times a day with or without food. Some people find it works better with food, others do not. After about six weeks of usage there is no/little effect on the 900 mg dose, you can raise it to 1200 mg, 300 mg taken four times a day with or without food. Then give it about another three to six weeks to work.
Remember, more is not always better. Stay on the dose that works best for you.
Compared to prescription antidepressants, St. John's Wort side effects are rare on the standard dose of approximately 900 to 1200 mg (effecting about 3% of those who take it). Withdrawal symptoms can occur if a person suddenly stops taking the herb after being on it for a few weeks or months.
St, John's Wort is not recommended for people with Bipolar disorder as it can aggravate mania and negatively interact with prescription drugs.
St. John's Wort should not be taken with prescription antidepressants, anxiety drugs, some other types of drugs, and some herbs and natural remedies--as there can be harmful interactions. To be safe, it is best to consult a licensed health care professional before use. That includes your family and/or naturopathic physician.
Hope my answer helps.
It needs to build up in your blood. So it might take a few weeks. If it's been a month and nothing's happening talk to your doctor. For now just give it some time.
My doctor doesn't know I'm taking it and I doubt she'd happy to know I'm taking it: doctors usually think herbal remedies are ineffective. Do you know if it can be taken with L-tryptophan?
I've been talking SJW since the 21st of February, although I forgot to take it a couple of times. I saw no improvement. Actually, this week I've had strong suicidal thoughts (I think I have pmdd too) and cut myself
I've been talking SJW since the 21st of February, although I forgot to take it a couple of times. I saw no improvement. Actually, this week I've had strong suicidal thoughts (I think I have pmdd too) and cut myself
Related topics
Further information
- St. John's Wort uses and safety info
- St. John's Wort prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of St. John's Wort (detailed)
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