St. John's Wort Overdose: An Overview
St. John's wort (
Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal supplement often used for the treatment of
depression, although it is sometimes used for a variety of other conditions as well. The effects of a St. John's wort overdose will vary, depending on several factors, such as the amount that was taken and whether it was taken with other substances.
If you happen to overdose on St. John's wort, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of a St. John's Wort Overdose
Even though St. John's wort is a natural substance, it is possible to take too much. A St. John's wort overdose could result in any of the usual
St. John's wort side effects, although perhaps more severely. An overdose might also cause serotonin syndrome, a problem that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Confusion
- Seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations)
- A fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Feeling faint
- Fever
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Difficulty walking
- Diarrhea.
In one reported case, an overdose of St. John's wort caused
seizures.
Treatment for a St. John's Wort Overdose
It is not known how best to treat a St.
John's wort overdose. If the overdose was recent, your healthcare provider may administer certain medicines to induce vomiting or place a tube into the stomach to "pump the stomach." Treatment, if necessary, likely will also involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose.
It is important that you seek prompt medical attention if you believe you may have overdosed on St. John's wort.
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