TIME (7/2, Abrams) reports that according to a study published online June 23 in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, St. John’s wort, often used as an “alternative medicine for depression,” appears to react “dangerously with many common medicines.” After examining data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, researchers “found that 28 percent of patients who said they were taking St. John’s wort were also taking drugs that have potentially dangerous interactions with the supplement.”
St. John’s wort can react dangerously with benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, chemotherapy treatments for cancer, digoxin, oral contraceptives, statin medications, and immunosuppressants.
Related Links:
— “Natural Depression Supplements’ Dangerous Drug Interactions,” Abby Abrams, Time, July 1, 2014.