Does anyone have any experience taking St John's Wort? Been prescribed it by my orthopaedist to help me get over a back problem whilst being under a lot of pressure at work at the minute. Bit wary about taking it as I've read there can be side effects like anxiety, sensitivity to sunlight etc. Would be interested to hear what other people's experiences of it have been?
This not personal experience which I know some folks prefer, but answering medication questions just like these is what I do for a living.
Any antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication has a chance at initially causing some anxiety some more so than others. It is a side effect that resolves for most people and one not everyone experiences. It can make you more sensitive to the sun and burn easier, but proper use of sunscreen will help avoid issues.
All medications even herbals have some side effects. For St Johns Wort, they are not dangerous side effects and many lessen and resolve within a few weeks. They also will stop if you stop taking it. If you are concerned talk to your doctor about how to safely stop it so you have a plan if you don't like how it makes you feel.
SJW can be quite effective although it takes some time to feel the benefits and unfortunately the only way to know is to try. But take comfort knowing you can always stop the medication and the side effects will go away and have no long lasting effects.
SJW does have a lot of interactions with other medications so if you take any others make sure your pharmacist double checks.