& Marcia Purse !!!!

[Guest guest]

A right pair of DRUG pushers,

dealers and pharma whores.©2004 About, Inc.

The site should carry a public health warning

> http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_nutrition/a/0011_stjohns_p.htm

>

> St. 's Wort and BP - Unsafe

>

> From & Marcia Purse,Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.

> Herb may cause problems for bipolars

> St. 's wort has a beautiful flower. It's the brightest of

bright yellows, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the center and

bright petals around it. There are many varieties of Hypericum, but

the herbal supplement is most commonly made from the species

Hypericum perforatum, a perennial weedy type. In fact, the

government of British Columbia lists it as a noxious weed because

grazing animals who eat this plant can become hypersensitive to

sunlight. (This is also listed as a warning for humans.)

>

> Although clinical trials are ongoing for this increasingly popular

herbal supplement, it seems clear that for mild depression, St.

's wort can be an effective treatment. However, there are

factors which indicate that this herb should not be used by persons

who have bipolar disorder.

>

> Drug Interactions

>

> In February of 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration released

a Public Health Advisory warning that there was a risk of dangerous

interactions between St. 's wort and certain prescription

medications. Researchers found that use of St. 's wort

significantly reduces the effectiveness of some AIDS medications

(indinavir and other antiretroviral agents). Because of the way St.

's wort operates in the body, the FDA also warned that it may

also be unsafe to take it along with some common medications for

heart disease, transplant rejection and cancer, among others. Drugs

mentioned by name that are used in the treatment of mood disorders

were:

>

> * The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine (Tofranil),

amoxapine (Asendin), and amitriptyline (Elavil);

>

> * The anti-seizure medication carbamazepine (Tegretol), used

as a mood stabilizer; and

>

> * The cancer medication Tamoxifen, which is being studied as a

mood stabilizer.

>

> It would be safer to assume that other drugs related to these

would also be in the same category, including other tricyclics such

as protriptyline (Vivactil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) and the mood

stabilizer oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).

>

> Serotonin Syndrome

>

> Too much of the neurotransmitter serotonin can produce a

potentially dangerous condition. Camilla Cracchiolo, R.N., who is

studying St. 's wort in depth, says, " In the letters I've

personally received [regarding the herb and serotonin syndrome], the

patients all reported a gradual onset of dizziness, cognitive

difficulty, faintness when standing or walking, unsteadiness when

walking, muscle spasms and racing heart beat. " Because St. 's

wort may increase the amount of serotonin available, combining the

herb with an SSRI such as Prozac or Paxil is not recommended.

>

> A Mania Trigger

>

> It is well known that any antidepressant, when taken without a

mood stabilizer, can set off a manic or hypomanic episode. Some

people never exhibit mania at all until treated for depression with

a triggering drug. Since St. 's wort acts as an antidepressant,

researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Michigan

have issued warnings regarding SJW as a possible triggering

substance. Published case reports have documented several cases of

sudden onset of mania in bipolar patients who were using the herbal

supplement.

>

> For a number of reasons, then, the bottom line with St. 's

wort for persons with manic-depressive illness should be " Better

safe than sorry. " If you or someone you love who is bipolar insists

on using this supplement, use extreme caution, notify your physician

or psychiatrist, and be on the lookout for any complications.

>

> ©2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved. A PRIMEDIA Company.

>

>

> Jim - Norman

>

> " Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them. "

> Strauss

>

>

[Guest guest]

A right pair of DRUG pushers,

dealers and pharma whores.©2004 About, Inc.

The site should carry a public health warning

> http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_nutrition/a/0011_stjohns_p.htm

>

> St. 's Wort and BP - Unsafe

>

> From & Marcia Purse,Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.

> Herb may cause problems for bipolars

> St. 's wort has a beautiful flower. It's the brightest of

bright yellows, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the center and

bright petals around it. There are many varieties of Hypericum, but

the herbal supplement is most commonly made from the species

Hypericum perforatum, a perennial weedy type. In fact, the

government of British Columbia lists it as a noxious weed because

grazing animals who eat this plant can become hypersensitive to

sunlight. (This is also listed as a warning for humans.)

>

> Although clinical trials are ongoing for this increasingly popular

herbal supplement, it seems clear that for mild depression, St.

's wort can be an effective treatment. However, there are

factors which indicate that this herb should not be used by persons

who have bipolar disorder.

>

> Drug Interactions

>

> In February of 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration released

a Public Health Advisory warning that there was a risk of dangerous

interactions between St. 's wort and certain prescription

medications. Researchers found that use of St. 's wort

significantly reduces the effectiveness of some AIDS medications

(indinavir and other antiretroviral agents). Because of the way St.

's wort operates in the body, the FDA also warned that it may

also be unsafe to take it along with some common medications for

heart disease, transplant rejection and cancer, among others. Drugs

mentioned by name that are used in the treatment of mood disorders

were:

>

> * The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine (Tofranil),

amoxapine (Asendin), and amitriptyline (Elavil);

>

> * The anti-seizure medication carbamazepine (Tegretol), used

as a mood stabilizer; and

>

> * The cancer medication Tamoxifen, which is being studied as a

mood stabilizer.

>

> It would be safer to assume that other drugs related to these

would also be in the same category, including other tricyclics such

as protriptyline (Vivactil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) and the mood

stabilizer oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).

>

> Serotonin Syndrome

>

> Too much of the neurotransmitter serotonin can produce a

potentially dangerous condition. Camilla Cracchiolo, R.N., who is

studying St. 's wort in depth, says, " In the letters I've

personally received [regarding the herb and serotonin syndrome], the

patients all reported a gradual onset of dizziness, cognitive

difficulty, faintness when standing or walking, unsteadiness when

walking, muscle spasms and racing heart beat. " Because St. 's

wort may increase the amount of serotonin available, combining the

herb with an SSRI such as Prozac or Paxil is not recommended.

>

> A Mania Trigger

>

> It is well known that any antidepressant, when taken without a

mood stabilizer, can set off a manic or hypomanic episode. Some

people never exhibit mania at all until treated for depression with

a triggering drug. Since St. 's wort acts as an antidepressant,

researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Michigan

have issued warnings regarding SJW as a possible triggering

substance. Published case reports have documented several cases of

sudden onset of mania in bipolar patients who were using the herbal

supplement.

>

> For a number of reasons, then, the bottom line with St. 's

wort for persons with manic-depressive illness should be " Better

safe than sorry. " If you or someone you love who is bipolar insists

on using this supplement, use extreme caution, notify your physician

or psychiatrist, and be on the lookout for any complications.

>

> ©2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved. A PRIMEDIA Company.

>

>

> Jim - Norman

>

> " Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them. "

> Strauss

>

>

[Guest guest]

A right pair of DRUG pushers,

dealers and pharma whores.©2004 About, Inc.

The site should carry a public health warning

> http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_nutrition/a/0011_stjohns_p.htm

>

> St. 's Wort and BP - Unsafe

>

> From & Marcia Purse,Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.

> Herb may cause problems for bipolars

> St. 's wort has a beautiful flower. It's the brightest of

bright yellows, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the center and

bright petals around it. There are many varieties of Hypericum, but

the herbal supplement is most commonly made from the species

Hypericum perforatum, a perennial weedy type. In fact, the

government of British Columbia lists it as a noxious weed because

grazing animals who eat this plant can become hypersensitive to

sunlight. (This is also listed as a warning for humans.)

>

> Although clinical trials are ongoing for this increasingly popular

herbal supplement, it seems clear that for mild depression, St.

's wort can be an effective treatment. However, there are

factors which indicate that this herb should not be used by persons

who have bipolar disorder.

>

> Drug Interactions

>

> In February of 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration released

a Public Health Advisory warning that there was a risk of dangerous

interactions between St. 's wort and certain prescription

medications. Researchers found that use of St. 's wort

significantly reduces the effectiveness of some AIDS medications

(indinavir and other antiretroviral agents). Because of the way St.

's wort operates in the body, the FDA also warned that it may

also be unsafe to take it along with some common medications for

heart disease, transplant rejection and cancer, among others. Drugs

mentioned by name that are used in the treatment of mood disorders

were:

>

> * The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine (Tofranil),

amoxapine (Asendin), and amitriptyline (Elavil);

>

> * The anti-seizure medication carbamazepine (Tegretol), used

as a mood stabilizer; and

>

> * The cancer medication Tamoxifen, which is being studied as a

mood stabilizer.

>

> It would be safer to assume that other drugs related to these

would also be in the same category, including other tricyclics such

as protriptyline (Vivactil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) and the mood

stabilizer oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).

>

> Serotonin Syndrome

>

> Too much of the neurotransmitter serotonin can produce a

potentially dangerous condition. Camilla Cracchiolo, R.N., who is

studying St. 's wort in depth, says, " In the letters I've

personally received [regarding the herb and serotonin syndrome], the

patients all reported a gradual onset of dizziness, cognitive

difficulty, faintness when standing or walking, unsteadiness when

walking, muscle spasms and racing heart beat. " Because St. 's

wort may increase the amount of serotonin available, combining the

herb with an SSRI such as Prozac or Paxil is not recommended.

>

> A Mania Trigger

>

> It is well known that any antidepressant, when taken without a

mood stabilizer, can set off a manic or hypomanic episode. Some

people never exhibit mania at all until treated for depression with

a triggering drug. Since St. 's wort acts as an antidepressant,

researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Michigan

have issued warnings regarding SJW as a possible triggering

substance. Published case reports have documented several cases of

sudden onset of mania in bipolar patients who were using the herbal

supplement.

>

> For a number of reasons, then, the bottom line with St. 's

wort for persons with manic-depressive illness should be " Better

safe than sorry. " If you or someone you love who is bipolar insists

on using this supplement, use extreme caution, notify your physician

or psychiatrist, and be on the lookout for any complications.

>

> ©2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved. A PRIMEDIA Company.

>

>

> Jim - Norman

>

> " Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them. "

> Strauss

>

>

[Guest guest]

A right pair of DRUG pushers,

dealers and pharma whores.©2004 About, Inc.

The site should carry a public health warning

> http://bipolar.about.com/cs/menu_nutrition/a/0011_stjohns_p.htm

>

> St. 's Wort and BP - Unsafe

>

> From & Marcia Purse,Your Guide to Bipolar Disorder.

> Herb may cause problems for bipolars

> St. 's wort has a beautiful flower. It's the brightest of

bright yellows, with a tuft of yellow stamens in the center and

bright petals around it. There are many varieties of Hypericum, but

the herbal supplement is most commonly made from the species

Hypericum perforatum, a perennial weedy type. In fact, the

government of British Columbia lists it as a noxious weed because

grazing animals who eat this plant can become hypersensitive to

sunlight. (This is also listed as a warning for humans.)

>

> Although clinical trials are ongoing for this increasingly popular

herbal supplement, it seems clear that for mild depression, St.

's wort can be an effective treatment. However, there are

factors which indicate that this herb should not be used by persons

who have bipolar disorder.

>

> Drug Interactions

>

> In February of 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration released

a Public Health Advisory warning that there was a risk of dangerous

interactions between St. 's wort and certain prescription

medications. Researchers found that use of St. 's wort

significantly reduces the effectiveness of some AIDS medications

(indinavir and other antiretroviral agents). Because of the way St.

's wort operates in the body, the FDA also warned that it may

also be unsafe to take it along with some common medications for

heart disease, transplant rejection and cancer, among others. Drugs

mentioned by name that are used in the treatment of mood disorders

were:

>

> * The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine (Tofranil),

amoxapine (Asendin), and amitriptyline (Elavil);

>

> * The anti-seizure medication carbamazepine (Tegretol), used

as a mood stabilizer; and

>

> * The cancer medication Tamoxifen, which is being studied as a

mood stabilizer.

>

> It would be safer to assume that other drugs related to these

would also be in the same category, including other tricyclics such

as protriptyline (Vivactil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) and the mood

stabilizer oxcarbazepine (Trileptal).

>

> Serotonin Syndrome

>

> Too much of the neurotransmitter serotonin can produce a

potentially dangerous condition. Camilla Cracchiolo, R.N., who is

studying St. 's wort in depth, says, " In the letters I've

personally received [regarding the herb and serotonin syndrome], the

patients all reported a gradual onset of dizziness, cognitive

difficulty, faintness when standing or walking, unsteadiness when

walking, muscle spasms and racing heart beat. " Because St. 's

wort may increase the amount of serotonin available, combining the

herb with an SSRI such as Prozac or Paxil is not recommended.

>

> A Mania Trigger

>

> It is well known that any antidepressant, when taken without a

mood stabilizer, can set off a manic or hypomanic episode. Some

people never exhibit mania at all until treated for depression with

a triggering drug. Since St. 's wort acts as an antidepressant,

researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Michigan

have issued warnings regarding SJW as a possible triggering

substance. Published case reports have documented several cases of

sudden onset of mania in bipolar patients who were using the herbal

supplement.

>

> For a number of reasons, then, the bottom line with St. 's

wort for persons with manic-depressive illness should be " Better

safe than sorry. " If you or someone you love who is bipolar insists

on using this supplement, use extreme caution, notify your physician

or psychiatrist, and be on the lookout for any complications.

>

> ©2004 About, Inc. All rights reserved. A PRIMEDIA Company.

>

>

> Jim - Norman

>

> " Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them. "

> Strauss

>

>