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St. John's wort (St. John's wort). St. John's wort, antidepressant drugs: instructions for use and reviews

St. John's wort is widely used in alternative medicine. Thanks to special properties This plant's St. John's wort helps with depression very effectively. This antidepressant natural origin can easily replace synthetic drugs similar action. Low price and the possibility of purchasing this product without a prescription only increases its popularity.

The plant has complex composition, thanks to which it helps against many diseases. Scientists believe that the antidepressant effect is provided by hypericin, a red anthracene pigment. This substance improves the condition of the central and vegetative nervous system and has a moderate sedative effect.

The exact mechanism of action of hypericin has not yet been identified. But there is a theory that this substance accelerates the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine. At the same time, it is quite enough to stimulate the process therapeutic doses hypericin and only a slight presence of this element in the blood.

St. John's wort also acts as an antidepressant thanks to other chemicals, reducing the amount of proteins and preventing the reabsorption of serotonin nerve cells. Increased presence of this hormone Have a good mood helps to get out of depression. The following components have this effect:

  • essential oils;
  • tannins;
  • organic acids;
  • saponins.

Don't discount the placebo effect that drugs are often based on. traditional medicine.

Rules of use

This plant is used to improve mood in small doses for more than 4 thousand years. Before using St. John's wort, like any other folk remedy, it is best to consult a doctor about the method of use. This is especially true for people with chronic diseases and AIDS, as well as patients who take other medications.

Despite the safety of St. John's wort for the body, you need to take medicines from it in limited quantities. An exact dosage that is both effective and safe for all patients has not yet been identified. But through experience, doctors came to the optimal amount in most cases. plant extract- 300 mg 3 times a day. About 0.3% of this number is due to hypericin, which is the main active ingredient.

This plant tones the body, so consuming it in the evening can cause insomnia. In this regard, the use of St. John's wort for depression should occur in the first half of the day.

Most experts agree that St. John's wort should not be used for severe infections. But for mild depressive conditions, this plant brings excellent results.

Contraindications and side effects

Despite all positive features St. John's wort, not everyone can take medicine from this herb. This remedy is contraindicated in the following cases:

  • at simultaneous administration with antidepressants and other medications like Warfarin;
  • if there is a need for a long course of treatment, prolonged use of the plant can cause intoxication of the body;
  • during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Despite the contraindications, St. John's wort is often used during childbirth to reduce pain from contractions.

According to research, side effects from taking this herb are observed in 2.43% of cases. Some people may experience nausea, upset stomach, weakness and fatigue, or an allergic reaction. In addition, the skin becomes more sensitive after taking this product, so blue-eyed people with fair skin you need to use sunscreen.

Compared with synthetic drugs similar action, this one has a minimum number of contraindications and side effects.

Effective recipes

This plant is used mainly in the form of teas, decoctions and tinctures.

For cooking yourself simple remedy you need to take 2 tsp. dry mixture of this herb and pour 200 ml of boiling water. You need to drink 2 times a day immediately after brewing. It is recommended to do this in the morning and evening, but if you have problems sleeping, evening use can be transferred to lunch. The antidepressant will begin to act in 3-4 weeks, which is not always acceptable.

To prepare an infusion of St. John's wort for depression, take 10 g of the dried plant and pour 250 ml of boiling water over it. The product is infused for 30 minutes and consumed 6 times a day, 1 tbsp. l. after eating.

A recipe with vodka will help improve your mood. You should take 0.5 liters of this drink and pour this amount into 15 g of dry St. John's wort. You need to infuse the mixture for 2 weeks in a place protected from the sun. After this period, the tincture should be filtered and taken 3 times a day, 30 drops, with water.

From 2 tbsp. l. Dried herbs and 300 ml of water can be used to prepare a decoction. To do this you need:

  1. Fill the grass with water.
  2. Heat in a water bath.
  3. Boil for 25 minutes.
  4. Add boiling water to bring the amount of water to the original amount.

This remedy should be drunk 3 times a day, 1/3 cup after meals.

Pharmaceutical preparations with St. John's wort

In pharmacies you can find powder prepared from this plant. This tool helps with sleep disorders that often accompany depression.

Consuming 2-4 g of this powder per day will eliminate insomnia.

The following medicines are made based on St. John's wort:

  • Hypericin;
  • Deprim;
  • Gelarium;
  • Negrustin.

These drugs combine safety and effectiveness. They have a minimum amount side effects, therefore they are sometimes used against depression in pregnant women, elderly people and patients with weak immune system. Such medications do not have a sedative effect, so they can be taken before driving a car or doing dangerous work.

Often in clearings in the forest, along roads and in meadows you can find grass with bright yellow five-petaled flowers and a bittersweet aroma. This plant is St. John's wort. It grows throughout the entire territory of our vast country, perhaps not in the far north.

Since ancient times, this medicinal plant has been used in folk medicine in the form medicinal decoctions, lotions and ointments. Our distant ancestors knew how St. John's wort was beneficial for men and women and often used it, and to this day St. John's wort can be found in almost all formulations of medicinal herbs.

St. John's wort has many beneficial properties and acts as:

  • tonic;
  • antiviral agent;
  • anti-inflammatory agent;
  • regenerating agent;
  • astringent;
  • natural antidepressant.

It is especially important for the stronger sex to know how St. John's wort is useful, because it natural remedy has the ability to increase potency! St. John's wort is a natural biologically active aphrodisiac. It is not for nothing that since ancient times, a strong decoction of St. John's wort was taken by men who wanted to arrange an unforgettable experience for themselves and their beloved. sleepless night. If you also want to try this ancient recipe, which enhances both desires and possibilities, then you should not get carried away with it too often; once or twice a month is quite enough, according to sexopathologists. Otherwise, things could get much worse.

St. John's wort is also useful for women at any age. For very young girls who have just started their first menstrual cycle, it will help level it out faster, regulate the duration and at the same time contribute to a less painful course.

St. John's wort decoctions are also indicated for severe PMS. By taking them, you can reduce irritability, fatigue, improve your mood and overall well-being.

During menopause, St. John's wort may be beneficial female body, soothing and stabilizing disrupted hormonal levels.

The use of St. John's wort is contraindicated only during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since when it enters the body of a nursing mother, it imparts a bitter taste breast milk, and the baby may refuse to breastfeed.

Well, now we know how St. John's wort is useful for men and women in various life situations. Now let's look at the main list of diseases for which St. John's wort is most useful. And how exactly it will be useful in each specific case.

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1. Obstetric and gynecological diseases:

  • Mastitis - oil applications with St. John's wort extract on the mammary glands.
  • Cracked nipples - lotions with a decoction.
  • Leucorrhoea - douching with a decoction twice a day helps a lot.
  • Due to the good bactericidal properties of St. John's wort, tampons with a strong decoction will help with thrush.
  • Normalization of well-being during menopause.
  • Effective in the treatment of premenstrual tension syndrome.

2. Androgenic diseases:

  • Thanks to its pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, it perfectly fights inflammation of the prostate gland.
  • With infrequent use, once or twice a month, due to its stimulating effect, it increases potency.

3. Neurological diseases- due to the antidepressant and sedative properties of hyperforin, it helps very well with:

  • Sleep disorders.
  • Syndrome chronic fatigue.
  • Persistent headaches.
  • Depression and depressive states.
  • Neuralgia.
  • Emotional instability.
  • Restless states.

4. Urological diseases - St. John's wort is known for its diuretic properties and helps cope with:

  • Cystitis.
  • Urolithiasis.

5. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:

  • For constipation, it acts as a mild laxative, improving intestinal motility.
  • An astringent used for diarrhea.
  • Thanks to tannins and resins, it will help with colitis and gastritis.

6. Surgical and dermatological diseases- acts as local anesthetic And antibacterial drug for external use, has a drying and good regenerating effect:

  • Fresh and infected wounds.
  • Ulcers, including trophic ones.
  • 2nd and 3rd degree burns.
  • Inflammatory and purulent processes skin - pyodermatitis.
  • Inflammation subcutaneous tissue- boils, abscesses, carbuncles.

7. Otolaryngological diseases- due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and essential oils, treats:

  • Acute rhinitis.
  • Pharyngitis.
  • Purulent sinusitis, pansinusitis and sinusitis.
  • Acute, purulent and chronic otitis.
  • Tonsillitis.
  • Dry cough.

8. Dental diseases - tannins and antibacterial effect, as well as vitamins A and C help in the treatment of:

  • Ulcerative stomatitis.
  • Gingivitis.
  • To strengthen gums during periodontitis and periodontal disease.
  • Helps get rid of unpleasant odor from mouth.

The main list of drugs based on St. John's wort, their analogues and cost

Negrustin. Latin name- Negrustin. The active ingredient is St. John's wort herb dry extract.

Available in the form of capsules and solution.

You can buy it at the pharmacy in the form of capsules (in quantities of 30 pieces) for 180-240 rubles. 50 ml of Negrustin tincture will cost you the same price.

Deprim , Gelarium Hypericum, Deprim Forte, Herbion Hypericum, Neuroplant, Doppelhertz Nervotonic, Novoimanin, Life 600, St. John's wort extract, Life 900, Turinervin, Hypericin, St. John's wort dry extract.

Gelarium Hypericum. Latin name - Helarium Hypericum. The main component is St. John's wort extract. On average in Russia it costs from 140 to 250 rubles per package of thirty tablets.

The main analogues are: Deprim , Cipralex, Fluoxetine, Rexetine.

Deprim. Latin name - Deprim. Active ingredient: St. John's wort herb (Hyperici herba). Available in tablet form. For a package of thirty pieces you will have to pay 200 - 250 rubles.

The main analogues are: Gelarium Hypericum, Hyperflav, Deprivit, Alventa, Neuroplant, Velaxin, Prefaxin, Venlaxor, Venlift, Mirtel.

A bunch of positive feedback about preparations based on St. John's wort has been written by those who by example convinced of medical quality this herbal antidepressant.

It is important to know

Convenience is noted when using St. John's wort in tablets to get rid of depression and nervous disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, active assistance in healing wounds and improving skin condition.

High pharmacological effect when taking medications based on St. John's wort, it has been confirmed by numerous medical studies.

Reviews about the antidepressant effect of St. John's wort note that it is still better to consult a doctor so that he can prescribe a treatment system and describe the entire mechanism of taking medications.

When planning to test the effectiveness of drugs based on St. John's wort, you should not forget to read the instructions, where Special attention you need to pay attention to side effects and contraindications.

Preparations based on St. John's wort should not be taken:

  • if you are allergic to St. John's wort;
  • when taking hormone-containing drugs;
  • during pregnancy;
  • at long stay in the sun;
  • children under twelve years of age inside;
  • when using antibiotics, antidepressants (if taken, serotonin syndrome may develop) and antiepileptic drugs;
  • with increased photosensitivity.

When breastfeeding, preparations based on St. John's wort can only be used externally.

St. John's wort is a medicine plant origin. I'll look at its instructions for use.

What is the composition and release form of the drug “St. John’s wort” in tablets?

The drug St. John's wort is produced by the pharmaceutical industry in tablets, the active compound is dry extract of St. John's wort in an amount of 200 mg. Among the auxiliary components one can note: lactose, magnesium stearate, in addition, corn starch.

Tablets with St. John's wort are flat, round, their edges are beveled, the color varies from gray to brown, dark inclusions are allowed, the medicine has specific smell. Both sides are engraved with “NP” against a wood background.

Tablets based on St. John's wort are in packaging; they should be stored in a dry place where the temperature does not rise above 25 degrees. The expiration date can be found on the box with herbal remedy, sales do not exceed three years from the date of release of the drug.

What is the effect of St. John's wort in tablets?

St. John's wort has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant effects. Has a beneficial effect on the activity of the nervous system. The drug eliminates tension, as well as a feeling of fear, as well as apathy and depression.

Thanks to the use of St. John's wort tablets, the patient's process of falling asleep is normalized, in addition, it increases physical activity, and also normalizes mental condition.

What are the indications for use of the drug "St. John's wort" in tablets?

The drug is effective for psychovegetative disorders, when a person has apathy and low mood;
In the presence of a neurotic state.

In addition, the drug is effective for depressive conditions, which are usually accompanied by anxiety, including those associated with sudden changes in weather conditions, as well as climacteric syndrome.

What are the contraindications for use of the drug “St. John’s wort” in tablets?

I will list the conditions in which the herbal remedy is contraindicated for use:

During pregnancy;
In case of hypersensitivity to the drug;
Do not use the drug for severe endogenous depression;
In the presence of photodermatitis;
During lactation.

Do not use herbal products before the age of twelve.

What is the use and dosage of St. John's wort in tablets?

St. John's wort tablets are taken orally in quantities of one or two pieces up to three times a day. The course of treatment takes at least three weeks, after a preliminary meeting with a specialist. Without consulting a doctor, therapy should not exceed three months.

The herbal remedy should not be taken simultaneously with MAO inhibitors; an interval of at least two weeks should be maintained. In addition, St. John's wort is not prescribed together with cyclosporine and indinavir, as well as with medications that contain ethinyl estradiol or desogestrel.

In addition, tablets should not be taken with alcoholic drinks. St. John's wort reduces the concentration and therapeutic effect of reserpine, warfarin, digoxin, as well as theophylline and oral contraceptives. Strengthens side effects antidepressants, triptan derivatives, as well as fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline and fluvoxamine.

The drug St. John's wort enhances the photosensitizing effect of other drugs: tetracyclines, sulfonamides, piroxicam, thiazide diuretics, as well as quinolones. Prolongs sleep caused by taking medications from the group of narcotic analgesics.

What are the side effects of St. John's wort tablets?

St. John's wort tablets can cause the following side effects: bloating and some pain, nausea is added, dry mouth is characteristic, anorexia occurs, in addition, the evacuation function is impaired, which is expressed loose stools or constipation.

In addition to the listed side effects, there may be an addition iron deficiency anemia, characteristic development allergic reactions in the form of redness and itching skin, appears small rash, and photosensitivity also develops, especially in HIV-infected patients.

Only in some cases did a feeling of fatigue appear, headache In addition, mild anxiety was noted. If the symptoms listed above are severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor in a timely manner and consult with him about further treatment.

Overdose from the drug "St. John's wort" in tablets

There are currently no cases of overdose of St. John's wort tablets.

special instructions

There is no negative data on the effect of the herbal preparation on the performance of activities that require the speed of psychomotor reactions from the patient, however, while taking St. John's wort tablets, driving a vehicle is not recommended.

It is worth noting that during therapy with this herbal remedy, the patient should avoid long stay in the sun.

What are the analogues of the medicine “St. John’s wort” in tablets?

There are the following medicines that can be classified as analogues, I will list them for informational purposes: Deprim forte, Gelarium Hypericum, Life 900, in addition, Doppelhertz Nervotonic, Novoimanin, Negrustin, Deprim, St. John's wort extract, Herbion Hypericum, and Life 600 .

Conclusion

We reviewed the drug "St. John's wort" in tablets, instructions for use, application, its indications, its contraindications, action, side effects, analogs, composition, dosage. It is necessary to use the medicine after a doctor’s prescription, use at your own discretion herbal preparation Not recommended.

Traditional medicines differ high efficiency and minor side effects compared to traditional medicines, especially if we're talking about about herbal infusions. Leader among medicinal plants is St. John's wort, the beneficial properties of which are still being discovered by scientists all over the world.

St. John's wort as an antidepressant

An infusion of dried flowers of St. John's wort or common St. John's wort treats many diseases:

  • hearts;
  • liver;
  • stomach;
  • female genital organs.

Recent Research useful properties This plant has shown a good therapeutic effect in the treatment of depression, chronic fatigue and neurological disorders. Such wide range useful action Connected with unique composition dried flowers:

  • flavonoids;
  • tocopherols (antioxidants);
  • tannins;
  • vitamins (provitamin A, a nicotinic acid, rutin, vitamin C).

Among the main active ingredients are azulene, quercetin, vitamin complex, tocopherols and flavonoids. Thanks to this composition, the natural antidepressant St. John's wort received wide use in medicine, at least folk remedy the herb St. John's wort has been used for centuries. A powerful effect on the nervous system is provided complex action substances that, alone or in other combinations, do not provide such therapeutic benefit:

  • azulene is a popular pigment and antioxidant in cosmetology due to its anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties;
  • quercetin is a flavonoid that is able to penetrate the endings of nerve fibers, affects the regulation of receptors, reducing the release of adrenaline, which causes a calming and analgesic effect;
  • rutin is a vitamin that has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, strengthening them;
  • nicotinic acid – necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and heart;
  • hypericin is a red pigment found in flowers medicinal plant, has an anti-stress psychotropic effect on the body.

St. John's wort for depression

Alcohol, oil, and water tinctures of St. John's wort were used many centuries ago to treat nervous disorders, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Now on the shelves of pharmacies you can find many medicines based on a medicinal plant in the form of tablets, injections, drops, powders and tea mixtures. Increasing the number of tablets based on this medicinal plant not by chance. Interest in herbal medicines in the field of psychotherapy has increased due to:

Popular names of medications that use St. John's wort for depression as the main component:

  • Gelarium Hypericum;
  • Doppelhertz Nervotonic;
  • Neuroplant;
  • Negrustin;
  • Deprim Forte.

All of the listed drugs, except Doppelhertz Nervotonic, are tablets containing a dry extract. Most of the active ingredients of the extract are water-soluble, so alcohol and oil tinctures are considered more effective. Tablets containing concentrated dry extract medicinal herb, are assigned to initial stages depression.

How to take St. John's wort for depression in its natural form

Medicine for depression and insomnia can be prepared at home using the following recipes:

  1. Tea for insomnia. Mix valerian herb with St. John's wort flowers and peppermint in a ratio of 1:1:1 (5 g each), pour 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes. Take before bed for two weeks.
  2. Decoction. Mix chamomile and St. John's wort flowers in a 1:1 ratio, add 500 ml of water, cook over low heat, and after boiling, simmer for another 10 minutes. The decoction is taken 50 ml half an hour before meals for no more than 1 week.
  3. Oil tincture. 10 g of St. John's wort flowers are poured into 100 ml of olive oil and infused in a dark, cool place for 40 days. Received oil extract Take 1 teaspoon orally before meals for two weeks.
  4. Oil-alcohol tincture. Fresh herb or St. John's wort flowers (500 g) are poured into 0.5 liters of white wine and 1 liter of oil (almond, olive), leave for 3 days, then evaporate the mixture for steam bath. The resulting oil is infused for several weeks, filtered and taken 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach for a month.

All drugs used in neurology and psychiatry are here.

You can ask a question or leave a review about the medicine (please, do not forget to indicate the name of the drug in the text of the message) here.

Preparations containing extract of St. John's wort (Hyperici herba, ATC code N07XX):

Gelarium Hypericum - instructions for use

Compound

1 tablet contains: dry extract of St. John's wort herb 285 mg, which corresponds to the content of the sum of hypericins in terms of hypericin 900 µg.

pharmachologic effect

Herbal medicine. It has an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect (relieves anxiety, tension, improves mood).

Indications for use of the drug GELARIUM® HYPERICUM

Dosage regimen

Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day.

The course of treatment is at least 4 weeks. The patient should be informed that if symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, consultation with a physician is necessary.

The pills should be taken with food, without chewing, with water.

Side effect

Dermatological reactions: photosensitivity (especially in people with fair skin).

Other: rarely - allergic skin reactions, dyspepsia, fatigue, anxiety.

Contraindications to the use of the drug GELARIUM® HYPERICUM

  • simultaneous treatment with cyclosporine, indinavir and other protease inhibitors in HIV-positive patients;
  • childhood up to 12 years;
  • established skin photosensitivity to ultraviolet radiation;

Use of the drug GELARIUM® HYPERICUM during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Gelarium® Hypericum should not be prescribed during pregnancy and lactation ( breastfeeding) due to the lack of sufficient experience in using the drug during these periods.

Use in children

Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

special instructions

You should not take the drug simultaneously with antidepressants - MAO inhibitors. The interval between taking these medications should be at least 14 days.

When prescribing the drug to patients with diabetes mellitus It should be taken into account that 1 single dose of the drug contains less than 0.03 XE.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery

The drug does not affect the ability to drive a car or operate machines.

Overdose

Cases acute poisoning the drug is still unknown. In case of significant overdose, patients should avoid sun exposure and UV exposure for 1-2 weeks.

Drug interactions

With the simultaneous use of Gelarium Hypericum with anticoagulants such as coumarin (phenprocoumon, warfarin), cyclosporine, theophylline, indinavir, digoxin, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, methadone, verapamil, their effectiveness may decrease.

With the simultaneous use of Gelarium Hypericum with nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, their effect may be enhanced.

When Gelarium Hypericum is used simultaneously with oral hormonal contraceptives, their effect may be weakened.

The drug enhances the photosensitizing effect of tetracyclines, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretics, quinolones, piroxicam.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies

Storage conditions and periods

The drug should be stored in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Shelf life - 3 years.

Deprim and Deprim Forte - instructions for use

Compound

Deprim: 1 tablet contains dry standardized extract St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) 60 mg, incl. hypericin (general) 300 mcg.

Deprim Forte: 1 capsule contains dry standardized extract of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) 425 mg, incl. hypericin (generic) 1 mg.

Clinical and pharmacological group

Herbal medicine with antidepressant activity.

pharmachologic effect

Sedative herbal medicine. Basic active substances St. John's wort - hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin and flavonoids - improve functional state central and autonomic nervous system.

Deprim® improves mood, normalizes sleep, increases mental and physical activity.

Indications for use of the drug DEPRIM®

  • decreased mood;
  • depressive states of mild to moderate severity, accompanied by anxiety (including those associated with menopausal syndrome);
  • increased sensitivity to weather changes.

Dosage regimen

Adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day or 1 capsule 1 time a day (regularly at the same time); if necessary, the dose can be increased to 2 capsules per day (in 2 divided doses). Children aged 6 to 12 years - under medical supervision, 1-2 tablets per day, morning and afternoon.

The optimal effect is achieved by taking the drug regularly for several weeks. Therapeutic effect The drug Deprim® appears later after the start of treatment.

If you miss one dose, the drug should be taken as soon as possible. If it is time for your next dose, do not take an additional dose to make up for the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the drug at the same time.

The drug should be taken orally with water.

Side effect

From the outside digestive system: nausea, vomiting, constipation.

From the side of the central nervous system: feeling of fatigue, anxiety.

Allergic reactions: hyperemia of the skin, itching.

Dermatological reactions: in persons with hypersensitivity To sunlight simultaneous use of the drug and sunbathing can cause burns (photosensitization).

Contraindications to the use of DEPRIM®

  • severe depression;
  • children under 6 years of age (for film-coated tablets);
  • children under 12 years of age (for capsules);
  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Use of DEPRIM® during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Despite the lack of data on harmful effects drug, taking Deprim during pregnancy and lactation is possible only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus or child.

Use in children

Contraindication: children under 6 years of age (for film-coated tablets); children under 12 years of age (for capsules). Children aged 6 to 12 years - under medical supervision, 1-2 tablets in the morning and afternoon.

special instructions

The patient should be warned that if there is no therapeutic effect within 4-6 weeks after the start of treatment, you should stop taking Deprim and consult your doctor.

Patients taking the drug should avoid exposure to the sun and UV radiation (including solariums).

Patients taking Deprim® should avoid drinking alcohol.

Overdose

Symptoms: increased described side effects, general weakness, lethargy, drowsiness.

Treatment: drug withdrawal, activated carbon.

No acute poisoning with St. John's wort has been observed in humans.

Drug interactions

Deprim® activates microsomal oxidation (cytochrome P450), so the drug should be prescribed with caution when taken simultaneously anticonvulsants, antidepressants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressans, MAO inhibitors, anti-migraine drugs (triptans), oral hormonal contraceptives, cardiac glycosides (including digoxin), theophylline, cyclosporine, indinavir, reserpine.

With simultaneous use, Deprim® may enhance the effect of drugs for general anesthesia and opioid analgesics.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies

The drug is approved for use as a means of OTC.

Storage conditions and periods

The drug should be stored out of the reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Shelf life - 3 years.

St. John's wort for depression

Traditional medicine is highly effective and has few side effects compared to traditional medicines, especially when it comes to herbal infusions. The leader among medicinal plants is St. John's wort, the beneficial properties of which are still being discovered by scientists all over the world.

St. John's wort as an antidepressant

An infusion of dried flowers of St. John's wort or common St. John's wort treats many diseases:

  • hearts;
  • liver;
  • stomach;
  • female genital organs.

Recent studies on the beneficial properties of this plant have shown good therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression, chronic fatigue and neurological disorders. Such a wide range of beneficial effects is associated with the unique composition of dried flowers:

  • flavonoids;
  • tocopherols (antioxidants);
  • tannins;
  • vitamins (provitamin A, nicotinic acid, rutin, vitamin C).

Among the main active ingredients are azulene, quercetin, a vitamin complex, tocopherols and flavonoids. Thanks to this composition, the natural antidepressant St. John's wort has become widespread in medicine, although St. John's wort has been used as a folk remedy for centuries. A powerful effect on the nervous system is provided by the complex action of substances that, individually or in another combination, do not provide such therapeutic benefits:

  • azulene is a popular pigment and antioxidant in cosmetology due to its anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties;
  • quercetin is a flavonoid that is able to penetrate the endings of nerve fibers, affects the regulation of receptors, reducing the release of adrenaline, which causes a calming and analgesic effect;
  • rutin is a vitamin that has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, strengthening them;
  • nicotinic acid – necessary for the functioning of the nervous system and heart;
  • hypericin is a red pigment that is found in the flowers of a medicinal plant and has an anti-stress psychotropic effect on the body.

St. John's wort for depression

Alcohol, oil, and water tinctures of St. John's wort were used many centuries ago to treat nervous disorders, insomnia, anxiety and depression. Now on the shelves of pharmacies you can find many medicines based on medicinal plants in the form of tablets, injections, drops, powders and tea mixtures. The increase in the number of tablets based on this medicinal plant is not accidental. Interest in herbal medicines in the field of psychotherapy has increased due to:

  • an increase in the number of depressive conditions among the population;
  • high therapeutic effect due to the use of drugs based on this plant;
  • low price for herbal antidepressants;
  • low percentage of side effects compared to synthetic drugs.

Popular names of medications that use St. John's wort for depression as the main component:

All of the listed drugs, except Doppelhertz Nervotonic, are tablets containing a dry extract. Most of the active ingredients of the extract are water-soluble, so alcohol and oil tinctures are considered more effective. Tablets containing a concentrated dry extract of medicinal herbs are prescribed in the initial stages of depression.

How to take St. John's wort for depression in its natural form

Medicine for depression and insomnia can be prepared at home using the following recipes:

  1. Tea for insomnia. Mix valerian herb with St. John's wort flowers and peppermint in a ratio of 1:1:1 (5 g each), pour 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes. Take before bed for two weeks.
  2. Decoction. Mix chamomile and St. John's wort flowers in a 1:1 ratio, add 500 ml of water, cook over low heat, and after boiling, simmer for another 10 minutes. The decoction is taken 50 ml half an hour before meals for no more than 1 week.
  3. Oil tincture. 10 g of St. John's wort flowers are poured into 100 ml of olive oil and infused in a dark, cool place for 40 days. The resulting oil extract is taken orally, 1 teaspoon before meals for two weeks.
  4. Oil-alcohol tincture. Fresh herb or St. John's wort flowers (500 g) are poured into 0.5 liters of white wine and 1 liter of oil (almond, olive), leave for 3 days, then evaporate the mixture in a steam bath. The resulting oil is infused for several weeks, filtered and taken 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach for a month.

Contraindications

However, when using St. John's wort for depression, you need to take into account the presence of side effects. A decoction of this herb should be used with care by men, because... active ingredients, accumulating in the body for a long time, can affect potency. You cannot use the decoction during pregnancy. You should also avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, since hypericin in medicinal flowers, combined with exposure to UV rays, can cause skin pigmentation and provoke cataracts.