Question 1

Does St. John's Wort interact with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Combining St. John's Wort with MAOIs may cause serious serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis. Do not combine St. John's Wort with MAOIs. This combination can be life-threatening.

Question 2

Does St. John's Wort interact with Chemotherapy agents?

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort may reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs by affecting liver enzymes involved in their metabolism. Do not take St. John's Wort during cancer treatment without consulting your oncologist.

Question 3

Does St. John's Wort interact with Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant)?

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort reduces blood levels of cyclosporine, potentially causing transplant rejection. Do not take St. John's Wort if you are on cyclosporine or other transplant medications.

Question 4

Does St. John's Wort interact with HIV antiretroviral medications (e.g., indinavir, efavirenz)?

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort significantly reduces blood levels of many antiretroviral medications, which could lead to treatment failure and drug resistance. Do not take St. John's Wort if you are on HIV antiretroviral therapy.

Question 5

Does St. John's Wort interact with Oral contraceptives?

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. Use alternative or additional contraception when taking St. John's Wort. Consult your healthcare provider.

Question 6

Does St. John's Wort interact with Warfarin (blood thinner)?

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort significantly reduces blood levels of warfarin by inducing liver enzymes, potentially reducing its effectiveness and increasing clotting risk. Do not take St. John's Wort if you are on warfarin. Inform your healthcare provider and have your INR monitored.

Question 7

Does St. John's Wort interact with Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline?

Accepted Answer

Combining St. John's Wort with SSRIs may cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, rapid heart rate, sweating, tremor, and confusion. Do not combine St. John's Wort with SSRIs or other serotonin-affecting medications without physician guidance. This combination can be dangerous.

St. John's Wort — Evidence, Uses & Safety