St. John's Wort: Benefits, Risks, and Drug Interactions

St. John's Wort is effective for depression but has significant drug interaction risks and adverse effects.

### The Power and Pitfalls of St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort, named after St. John, is a proven dietary supplement known for treating **depression, PMS, and OCD** by inhibiting the uptake of key neurotransmitters. Its active ingredient, **hypericin**, is responsible for its effectiveness, similar to **SSRIs and SNRIs**. However, St. John's Wort is notorious for causing **numerous drug interactions**, potentially affecting the efficacy of various medications.

### The Impact of St. John's Wort
St. John's wort can interact with drugs like Tramadol, **increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome and bleeding** when combined with anticoagulant and anti-platelet medications. The supplement is associated with various drug interactions, making it **important to consider for patients**. Additionally, St. John's wort can cause photosensitivity, leading to **sunburn and freckling**.

### The Uncertainty of Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements, like St. John's Wort, have both **positive and negative effects**, but large clinical trials are lacking, leading to **uncertainty about their true impact**. St. John's Wort is one of the **most popular supplements**, yet its effects are **not fully understood**. The episode encourages listeners to **stay informed** and offers ways to **connect with the host for more information**.

### Fast Facts Pharmacology Edition
The episode is sponsored by Elevate Oral Care, known for their **innovative oral care products**. They offer **silver diamine fluoride** and **sodium fluoride varnish** for prevention-focused care. Viewers are invited to **learn more and schedule a free CE staff meeting** through their website.

### Understanding St. John's Wort: Benefits and Risks in Pharmacology
* 🎙 ️ Welcome back to Fast Facts: Pharmacology Edition, hosted by **Tom Viola**, a certified pharmacist and dental educator, who promises an **engaging pharmacology learning experience**.
* 🌼 This episode focuses on St. John's Wort, the final supplement in the series, which has been proven effective for conditions like **depression, PMS, and OCD** due to its active ingredient, **hypericin**, which inhibits the uptake of neurotransmitters such as **serotonin and dopamine**.
* ⚠ However, St. John's Wort is notorious for causing numerous drug interactions, particularly with medications for **HIV and dental pain medications like Tramadol**, increasing the risk of **serotonin syndrome**.
* 💉 It can also interact with anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs, raising **concerns about bleeding risks** when combined with these medications.
* ☀ Additionally, St. John's Wort can cause adverse effects such as **photosensitivity**, leading to **increased sunburn risk**, and xerostomia, along with potential issues like **teeth clenching and grinding**.
* 🔍 The lack of large clinical trials on dietary supplements means there are **many unknowns about St. John's Wort**, despite its popularity among users.
* 📅 As this episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to **stay informed about both the benefits and drawbacks** of St. John's Wort and to follow Tom Viola for **more insights on pharmacology**.

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Fast Facts: Pharmacology Episode 80 "Supplements 8 St. John's-Wort"

Fast Facts: Pharmacology Episode 80 "Supplements 8 St. John's-Wort"