The target dosage in most of the antidepressant studies of mild to moderate depression has been 900 mg per day. Some people who are sensitive to the drug may be able to get by on 600 mg per day, and some people may need up to -- but not more than -- 1800 mg per day. For this reason, it is important to start off in small amounts and build up to the final dose over a period of about a week. For example, on days one and two, take only one 300 mg tablet, then on days three and four, take 600 mg, then on day five and beyond take 900 mg. If you are sensitive to side effects, you may need to go slower.
One of the best books I've found on the subject is called St. John's Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good and can be purchased at Amazon. You can read my book report here.
Because herbal supplements are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration under a different set of guidelines than over the counter drugs and prescription drugs, it is important to check the label to insure the amount of active ingredient is proper for it to be effective. Check the label. For St. John's Wort, the supplement must have a minimum level of 3% (0.03) hyperforin to be effective.
My personal brand preference is Perika St. John's Wort by Nature's Way, as I could not find the Kiva brand which is widely used in Germany. Interestingly enough, Perika is also made in Germany and is marketed in Europe under the brand name Neuroplant VO. And, Perika St. John's Wort was tested in a German clinical trial and found to be more effective than Paxil with less side effects. Perika St. John's Wort can be found in many drug stores and on the internet.
Kiva is another brand which is recommended in many references on depression, but I have not been able to find it.
Like many other antidepressants, it takes several weeks of taking St. John's Wort to produce any effects; doctors usually say it'll take around 4 weeks. From personal experience, I can say it took me about 5 weeks before I felt results. I took the recommended doseage of 900 mg for 4 weeks, and then when I didn't feel a change, I upped the dose to 1200 mg (4 - 300 mg tablets) a day: two tablets in the morning, one at lunch and one at dinner.
After week 5, I felt a marked difference. I can't really even describe the difference other than I felt good. It wasn't like suddenly, I was happy all the time, but my body felt good, and things didn't bring me down. More than anything, I wanted to do more things: I felt an urge to do things instead of sitting around the house. My productivity improved tremendously.
I do highly recommend St. John's Wort if, in fact, you have been diagnosed as depressed. Be aware, however, that depression is sometimes a side effect of another ailment, such as low thyroid functioning, so it is important to talk to a doctor or therapist before you self treat.
NOTE: I am not a doctor. You should always seek the care of a doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you are taking other medications. This is information I have found from several sources, both online and from books and is the information I used to treat my own depression. Use at your own risk.
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