How much st john's wort should i take for depression
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Optimal Dosage of St. John's Wort for Depression
Introduction to St. John's Wort and Depression
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbal remedy widely recognized for its antidepressant properties. It has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including depression. Recent clinical studies have provided insights into the optimal dosages for treating different severities of depression.
Recommended Dosage for Mild to Moderate Depression
500 mg Daily for Long-Term Use
A study involving 440 out-patients with mild to moderate depression treated with 500 mg of St. John's Wort extract (Ze 117) daily for up to one year showed significant improvements in depression scores. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores decreased from 20.58 at baseline to 11.18 at week 52, indicating a steady improvement.
600 mg to 1200 mg Daily for Short-Term Use
Another study compared the efficacy of 600 mg/day and 1200 mg/day doses of St. John's Wort extract (WS® 5570) over six weeks. Both dosages were found to be significantly more effective than placebo, with the 1200 mg/day dose showing a higher number of patients achieving remission. This suggests that a higher dose may be more beneficial for short-term treatment.
600 mg to 1200 mg Daily in a Large-Scale Study
A large-scale study involving 2,166 patients with mild to moderate depression found that both 600 mg and 1200 mg daily doses of St. John's Wort extract (WS 5572) were effective. The majority of patients showed significant improvement in symptoms, with a very low incidence of adverse effects.
Recommended Dosage for Severe Depression
900 mg to 1800 mg Daily
For severe depression, higher doses of St. John's Wort have been studied. One trial compared 900 mg/day of St. John's Wort extract (WS 5570) to 20 mg/day of paroxetine, a conventional antidepressant. The study found that St. John's Wort was at least as effective as paroxetine and better tolerated. In cases of non-response, the dose was increased to 1800 mg/day, which also showed efficacy.
1800 mg Daily Compared to Imipramine
Another study compared 1800 mg/day of St. John's Wort extract (LI 160) to 150 mg/day of imipramine in patients with severe depression. Both treatments were effective, but St. John's Wort had a better safety profile.
Dosage for Children and Adolescents
150 mg to 900 mg Daily
In a study involving youths aged 6 to 16 with major depressive disorder, an initial dose of 150 mg three times daily (450 mg/day) was used. If there was no response after four weeks, the dose was increased to 300 mg three times daily (900 mg/day). The treatment was well-tolerated and effective in the majority of participants.
Conclusion
The optimal dosage of St. John's Wort for treating depression varies based on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate depression, doses ranging from 500 mg to 1200 mg daily are effective and well-tolerated. For severe depression, higher doses of 900 mg to 1800 mg daily may be required. In children and adolescents, starting with lower doses and adjusting based on response is recommended. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
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