Can You Take Lexapro With St. John's Wort?

The herb St. John's Wort (Hypericom perforatum) has long been touted as a natural cure for depression. It is even prescribed for people diagnosed with depression in Germany. However, this herb should never be taken along with any type of antidepressant, including Lexapro or Cipralex (the brand names for escitalproam) because the herb can nullify the medication. Lexapro is also prescribed for anxiety and off-label for premature ejaculation, mood disorders, autism and migraines.

Diagnosis

• St. John's Wort is thought to only help in some mild to moderate types of depression. In order to know what type of depression you have, you must get a diagnosis. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, recreational drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal preparations. This is to be sure that any newly prescribed medication will not react badly with your current medications. With a diagnosis, you can then choose to take either a prescription medication such as Lexapro or St. John's Wort, but not both.

Side Effects

• Any herb, just like any medication, can have side effects. According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, one of the side effects of St.John's Wort is that it slows down the body's absorption of certain medications such as birth control pills, blood thinners, heart medications, anti-rejection drugs for patients who have received an organ transplant, HIV drugs and antidepressants

Risks

• St. John's Wort dosage begins at 900 mg per day. According to the Australian Perscriber, only 20 percent of patients taking St. John's Wort suffer any side effects. These include sensitivity to sunlight, anxiety, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and sexual dysfunction. If you begin to experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.