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GENERIC NAME: ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: St John's wort has been used for depression. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose for this herbal product. About three weeks of regular use may be needed before beneficial effects are seen. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: Unlikely but report to your doctor promptly: increased sun sensitivity. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, "coffee ground" vomit, easy bruising/bleeding. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Since this product may cause sun sensitivity ("sunburn") reactions, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you are affected. Limit sun exposure at least until you know how this product affects your skin. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. St John's wort is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this product. It is not known if St John's wort passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Depressive disorders have been with mankind since the beginning of recorded history. In the Bible, King David, as well as Job, suffered from this affliction. Hippocrates referred to depression as melancholia, which literally means black bile. Black bile, along with blood, phlegm, and yellow bile were the four humors (fluids) that described the basic medical physiology theory of that time. Depression, also referred to as clinical depression, has been portrayed in literature and the arts for hundreds of years, but what do we mean today when we refer to a depressive disorder? In the 19th century, depression was seen as an inherited weakness of temperament. In the first half of the 20th century, Freud linked the development of depression to guilt and conflict. John Cheever, the author and a modern sufferer of depressive disorder, wrote of conflict and experiences with his parents as influencing his development of depression.

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