Saint-John's wort side effect?

Question

Hi guys,

I’ve been taking Saint-John's wort for about 5 days now and I’ve getting a few sleepless nights. Is this a side effect from the herb? I’ve noticed a sedation feeling with the supplement, but I just can’t fall asleep as I use to.

Answer 1

This time, I would have to agree with OldTimeKid.  St. John's Wort does not have a side effect of sleeplessness.  The average dosage should be 300 mg. capsule, one first thing in the morning.  You can take up to 3 capsules, but no later than the last one at supper time.  If you are feeling a "sedation" effect, it probably is the relaxation the herb is causing in your body.  You must be extremely stressed/depressed.  When you go to bed at night, give yourself permission to put away all your stressors, so your mind will calm down.  You certainly can't solve anything at night, so it will have to wait until morning!

Answer 2

Not being able to sleep is not one of the side effects of taking saint john's wort .The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, confusion, tiredness and sedation.

Answer 3

Well, it shouldn't... assuming you aren't taking any prescriptions. If you are taking any prescriptions, I would check with a pharmacist to find out if the prescriptions would interact with St. John's Wort to be on the same side.

Although considering you're taking it, are you under stress or depressed? That could be contributing to it's effect. If in doubt, you could try just not taking it for a couple days and see if you can sleep regularly... it could possibly be an allergic reaction.

Answer 4

I had the same side effect from it.  I cut my doses in half though, and that seemed to do the trick.