Hypericum in Germany

[MSc44]

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as per the NIH website:

Today in Germany, Hypericum is used in the treatment of depression more than any other antidepressant


how is that?
Whats the deal with that?
is it really that great of a Tx

 

[Anasazi23]

Hypericum has been shown in multiple trials, and in a large meta-analysis to be not inferior to some other SSRI's (direct comparisons vs. paroxetine and sertraline) and is about as effective vs. low-dose MAOIs. As we know, MAOIs and hypericum are not to be co-administered.

Some of these major randomized, double-blind, studies have come from Germany. Therefore, one could assert that the push for the use of hypericum in Germany isn't surprising.

I think it hasn't gained as widespread acceptance in the U.S. secondary to it's non-FDA approval for clinical depression, and multiple drug-drug interactions. Short-term studies have showed good tolerability, but of course, much larger, longer term studies should be carried out before it is deemed safe or acceptable.

 

[Milo]

My limited and anecdotal experience with St. John's Wort (n=2) have not impressed me with it's efficacy. However, both of these patient's presented to me because the herb was not working, which biases my limited data that much more. 😉