Before starting …
I myself suffer from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but I am not medically trained! I am simply passing on things that I have read and learned that may interest you. I am not a ‘health expert’, so if you find something in this article that you find interesting, do some research and contact your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any advice in this article.
Depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders can be symptoms of MS / chronic fatigue syndrome. While some ME / CFS patients may never experience depression and anxiety as symptoms of their ME / CFS, others sadly can.
For example, according to Dr. Shepherd in his book ‘Living With ME’, true clinical depression likely affects 25% to 33% of ME / CFS patients at some point.
Many ME / CFS patients are prescribed antidepressants to help them sleep and relieve their fatigue (even if they are not depressed). But while prescription antidepressants do help ** some ** ME / CFS patients, others find they experience negative side effects.
St. John’s wort (also known as Hypericum perforatum) is an interesting natural alternative to prescription antidepressants.
Many doctors seem to say it has far fewer side effects, but it apparently works just as effectively as common SSRI antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil / Seroxat, and Zoloft. In fact, according to Dr. Charles Shepherd in his book ‘Living With ME’ (mentioned above), St. John’s wort appears to have a lower incidence of side effects (around 20%), much lower than that seen with medications. conventional antidepressants (about 20%). 60%).
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For more information on the ‘dark side’ of SSRI antidepressants, visit:
http://www.sleepydust.net/DEPRESSION-MEDICINE.html
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With a 2,400-year history of safe and effective use, the use of St. John’s wort has recently increased dramatically, especially in Britain. And in Germany, St. John’s wort is apparently used a lot to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, all of which, as mentioned above, can be symptoms of ME / CFS.
St. John’s wort has antiviral and antidepressant properties and Europeans have used it for centuries as a remedy for:
– to sleep
– depression
– anxiety
– Premenstrual syndrome
– menstrual cramps
– menopausal stress
– irritability
– neuralgia
– tension
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To find out how St. John’s wort works, visit:
http://www.sleepydust.net/SAINT-JOHNS-WORT.html
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That said, one of the most common side effects of St. John’s wort is fatigue, which is obviously relevant when you are suffering from ME / CFS. So if you try St. John’s wort, keep an eye on your energy levels. If they drop even more, it may be a sign to reconsider whether you should take it or not.
Additionally, St. John’s wort ** has been found to interfere with some prescription medications. Studies published in the Lancet and the British Medical Journal have shown that St. John’s wort accelerates the breakdown of drugs in the body, leading to lower levels of the drugs in the blood. So if you are taking other medications or supplements of any kind, that is another factor that you and your doctor should consider before taking St. John’s wort.
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There are other side effects and dangers of St. John’s wort. You can learn more about some of these on this page:
http://www.sleepydust.net/ST-JOHNS-WORT-SIDE-EFFECT.html
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As with taking any new substance for the first time, the best thing to do is approach St. John’s wort with caution.
In essence, you should ** not ** take St. John’s wort until you have verified with your doctor that it is safe to do so. Often times, it is also recommended to start slowly with a low dose.
Although sometimes you get noticeable results, sometimes St. John’s wort does nothing. It really depends on the individual. But research suggests that you need to take St. John’s wort for several weeks for it to work.
Bottom line?
Always, ALWAYS check with your doctor before taking St. John’s wort. And if you decide to take it, keep an eye on your energy levels. If your fatigue is noticeably worse, then be aware that St. John’s wort might be causing it.
And if you decide to try St. John’s wort, remember that research shows that you need to take St. John’s wort for a few weeks for it to start working.
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Copyright, Claire Williams, 2003-2005. All rights reserved.
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