Alternative medications

"Alternative" therapies, including herbal remedies, are becoming more and more popular but there is little scientific research to document their role in the treatment of depression.

St John's Wort
The most commonly used "alternative medicine" in this setting is St John's Wort , also called Hypericum. It is an extract of a weedy plant called Hypericum Perforatum and is sold over the counter and supplied by "alternative health practitioners" such as naturopaths. St John's Wort is not native to Australia but has been introduced to parts of the country.
 
Most of the available research has been done in Europe and seems to show that when taken at sufficiently high doses, St John's Wort is an effective form of treatment for mild and possibly moderate depression.
 
Although St John's Wort may have fewer side effects than some prescription antidepressants, it is important to know that it can cause serotonin syndrome and may interfere with other drugs eg Warfarin, oral contraceptives, anti HIV drugs and immuosuppressants. The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, allergic reactions, fatigue and restlessness.  

St John's Wort should never be taken together with prescription antidepressants. We advise you always talk to you doctor before taking an "alternative medicine".