St Johns Wort and light therapy (9 May 02) 8messages

St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Rosie on 2001-12-19 16:39:25


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I am considering buying lightbox for s.a.d. I am taking St John's Wort at the moment for depression and I'm worried because it's supposed to make you sensitive to light and I've read reports of light therapy causing eye soreness.

Does anyone know if it's safe to use both at the same time?

Thanks.


Clare

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Clare on 2001-12-20 08:32:59


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HI Rosie,

In the last few days i've read up loads on SAD, and yes SJW does affect your sesitivity to light, so using a light box and SJW is not recomended. I am no expert at all, it's just what i'v read.

There is lots of infomation about it on this site , and www.sada.org .

Iv just ordered a light box, so will let you know how it goes.

Hope this helps,
Merry Christmas!
Clare



Karl

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Karl on 2002-01-03 17:31:51


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Hi,

I'm repeating myself here, but I use the light box and St Johns. One thing that I would say, is that I do not stare into the light box directly. I use it next to my PC so when I look at my screen it is about 30 degrees to my left. The screen looks washed out for a while but I get used to it.

Another thing I do, only in recent years, as I have only recenty been able to afford it, I go somewhere hot and sunny in late February. I also try to take a long weekend in mid October. I ususally go Youth Hosteling, as its cheap :-)

That way I get a break Oct, Christmas and Feb. It really helps me to look forward to the breaks. And I don't normally feel I need a holiday in the summer because my SAD goes away.

Something I would recommend, I stop taking St Johns before going somewhere sunny, otherwise I burn easily.

Hope that helps, and take care of yourself.

Cheers,

Karl



Rose

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Rose on 2002-01-04 05:36:52


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Hi Karl

Thanks for your reply and advice.

The SAD Association doesen't say whether it's ok or not to use a St John's Wort with a light box because there's not enough conclusive evidence that it's safe. I've read that a combination of light therapy and st john's work may cause cataracts and long-term sensitivity to light.

How long have you been using the two together?

I agree with the idea of taking a holiday in during February.

I have also tried 5-HTP and wouldn't recommend it. I suffered bad side effects ie anxiety, insomnia and nausea but I know some people have reported great success with it especially for sleep problems.

Best wishes.

Rosie



Karl

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Karl on 2002-01-05 08:43:50


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Hi,

I have used St Johns over the last 2 winters now. So no idea about the long term. I do find it helps so much I don't need as much light therapy as I used to. So I'm not so worried due to relatively low lightbox usage.

Before I used St Johns I had to use the light box twice a day. In the morning for about 30-45mins to 1hr and in the evening, say around 6 o'clock for about 30 to 45 mins. All depended on how I was feeling.

Cheers,

Karl



Cathy MacKinlay

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Cathy MacKinlay on 2002-01-25 09:08:59


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Just in case its relevent to anyone, SJW interfers with the contraceptive pill!


Sharon

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Sharon on 2002-03-23 05:30:48


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HI Rosie,

I've been taking SJW while using a lightbox this winter & have found it very helpful. Dec-Feb I was using the box 1hr at either end of the day. Now I'm down to 45 min mornings and 30min afternoons if it's been very overcast. My psychiatrist had been reading abt SJW, light therapy & cataracts so I had an eyetest this Feb - nothing. So she's stopped worrying - for this year.
Maybe I'll have one every year , just in case there is a link, cos I kindalike being able to see.

Just to add that I've had various antidepressants at times over the past 15 yr and that SJW & light, this winter, seems to 'deliver the goods' without the headfull of cottonwool etc that go with the 'conventional' drugs.

Hope the spring brings relief for you. Sharon

PS Karl's idea abt holidays sounds great. We managed a break in Feb (Half Term) which really helped. Just have to persuade my husband's firm to reschedule work panics to fit in now!!!


Katy

Topic: Re: St Johns Wort and light therapy

posted by Katy on 2002-05-09 01:36:21


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A true photosensitive reaction as a side effect of SJW is actually quite rare. One thing I thought of is that SJW might even improve the effect of the lightbox by making you more sensitive to the effects of light, but thats just an idea.

I have used both over a couple of winters with no ill effects, but I find SJW is not always strong enough for me.