Alternative therapies

"Alternative" therapies, including herbal remedies, are becoming more and more popular but there is little scientific research to document their role in the treatment of depression.

The most commonly used "alternative medicine" in this setting is St John's Wart (SJW), also called Hypericum. It is an extract of a weedy plant called Hypericum Perforatum and is sold over the counter and supplied by "alternative health practitioners" such as naturopaths. Most of the available research has been done in Europe and seems to show that when taken at sufficiently high doses, SJW is an effective form of treatment for mild and possibly moderate depression.

Although St John's Wart may have fewer side effects than some prescription antidepressants, it is important to know that it can cause serotonin syndrome and may interfere with other drugs e.g. Warfarin, oral contraceptives, anti HIV drugs and immuosuppressants. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, allergic reactions, fatigue and restlessness.

SJW should never be taken together with prescription antidepressants. We advise you always talk to you doctor before taking St John's Wart.