{"id":11418705,"date":"2026-10-20T16:16:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T13:16:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T17:51:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:51:18","slug":"st-johns-wort-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects: 8 Reactions and Who Must Avoid It"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#An_Overview_of_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\" >An Overview of St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Common_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\" >Common St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#1_Sun_sensitivity\" >1. Sun sensitivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#2_Stomach_upset\" >2. Stomach upset<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#3_Dry_mouth\" >3. Dry mouth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#4_Dizziness\" >4. Dizziness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#5_Insomnia_restlessness_and_anxiety\" >5. Insomnia, restlessness and anxiety<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#6_Headache_and_tiredness\" >6. Headache and tiredness<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Serious_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\" >Serious St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#7_Mania_in_bipolar_disorder\" >7. Mania in bipolar disorder<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#8_Drug_interaction_effects\" >8. Drug interaction effects<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Who_Must_Avoid_It\" >Who Must Avoid It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#When_to_Stop_and_Seek_Help\" >When to Stop and Seek Help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#How_to_Reduce_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\" >How to Reduce St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\" >Frequently Asked Questions About St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Does_it_cause_weight_gain\" >Does it cause weight gain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Does_it_affect_sexual_function\" >Does it affect sexual function?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Are_St_Johns_wort_side_effects_worse_with_long_use\" >Are St John&#8217;s wort side effects worse with long use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Do_St_Johns_wort_side_effects_go_away_after_stopping\" >Do St John&#8217;s wort side effects go away after stopping?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Can_I_reduce_St_Johns_wort_side_effects_by_taking_a_lower_dose\" >Can I reduce St John&#8217;s wort side effects by taking a lower dose?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Is_it_safe_for_older_adults\" >Is it safe for older adults?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-side-effects\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"top\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Overview_of_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\"><\/span>An Overview of St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>St John&#8217;s wort is generally well tolerated in short-term studies, and its reactions are usually milder than those of older antidepressants. Still, <strong>St John&#8217;s wort side effects<\/strong> do happen, and some groups of people should not take it at all. Here are 8 reactions to know and clear rules on when to stop.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\"><\/span>Common St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Sun_sensitivity\"><\/span>1. Sun sensitivity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Hypericin can make the skin and eyes more sensitive to sunlight, causing a rash or burns more easily, especially in fair-skinned people and at high doses. In Egypt&#8217;s strong sun, use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds. The Solaray and Nature&#8217;s Way labels both warn against prolonged sun or UV exposure.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Stomach_upset\"><\/span>2. Stomach upset<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Nausea, indigestion or loose stools can occur. Taking the capsules with a meal, as the Solaray label suggests, often helps.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Dry_mouth\"><\/span>3. Dry mouth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Mild dry mouth is reported. Drink water regularly through the day.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Dizziness\"><\/span>4. Dizziness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some people feel light-headed, so be careful when driving until you know how you react.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Insomnia_restlessness_and_anxiety\"><\/span>5. Insomnia, restlessness and anxiety<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The herb can be stimulating. Take the last dose in the afternoon rather than at bedtime.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Headache_and_tiredness\"><\/span>6. Headache and tiredness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These usually ease after the first weeks. If they persist, stop and ask your doctor.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Serious_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\"><\/span>Serious St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Mania_in_bipolar_disorder\"><\/span>7. Mania in bipolar disorder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In people with bipolar disorder, the herb may trigger mania or hypomania: very little sleep, racing thoughts and risky behaviour. It should not be used by anyone with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder without a psychiatrist.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Drug_interaction_effects\"><\/span>8. Drug interaction effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most dangerous problems come from interactions, such as serotonin syndrome with antidepressants or contraceptive failure. These are explained in full in <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-interactions\/\">St John&#8217;s wort interactions<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Must_Avoid_It\"><\/span>Who Must Avoid It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as safety has not been established.<\/li>\n<li>Children and teenagers.<\/li>\n<li>People with bipolar disorder or severe depression.<\/li>\n<li>Anyone on prescription medicines, especially MAO inhibitors, unless a doctor approves.<\/li>\n<li>People scheduled for surgery: stop at least two weeks beforehand, since it can interact with anaesthetic drugs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Stop_and_Seek_Help\"><\/span>When to Stop and Seek Help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A widespread rash or blistering after sun exposure.<\/li>\n<li>Agitation, fever, sweating and tremor (possible serotonin syndrome).<\/li>\n<li>Very elevated mood, no need for sleep or racing thoughts.<\/li>\n<li>Worsening low mood or any thoughts of self-harm, which need urgent medical or emergency care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Never treat depression on your own. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/depression-and-anxiety-guide\/\">depression and anxiety guide<\/a> to recognise warning signs.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Reduce_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\"><\/span>How to Reduce St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow the label dose: <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/solaray-st-johns-wort-325-mg-180-vegcaps\/\">Solaray St. John&#8217;s Wort 325 mg 180<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/solaray-st-johns-wort-325-mg-100-vegcaps\/\">Solaray 325 mg 100<\/a> are 1 capsule three times daily with a meal or water.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/natures-way-st-johns-wort-700-mg-180-capsules\/\">Nature&#8217;s Way St. John&#8217;s Wort 700 mg<\/a> is 2 capsules twice daily, used for at least two months for best results.<\/li>\n<li>Do not take more than the label says; higher doses raise sun sensitivity.<\/li>\n<li>Take doses with food and earlier in the day.<\/li>\n<li>Protect your skin from the sun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Stopping suddenly after long use can occasionally cause mild dizziness or irritability, so ask your doctor about tapering. To understand what it may and may not do, read <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/st-johns-wort-benefits\/\">St John&#8217;s wort benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_St_Johns_Wort_Side_Effects\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions About St John&#8217;s Wort Side Effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_cause_weight_gain\"><\/span>Does it cause weight gain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Weight gain is not a typical reaction, unlike some prescription antidepressants.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_affect_sexual_function\"><\/span>Does it affect sexual function?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sexual side effects seem less common than with SSRIs, but they have been reported.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_St_Johns_wort_side_effects_worse_with_long_use\"><\/span>Are St John&#8217;s wort side effects worse with long use?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Long-term safety data are limited, so regular review with your doctor is wise.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_St_Johns_wort_side_effects_go_away_after_stopping\"><\/span>Do St John&#8217;s wort side effects go away after stopping?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most mild reactions such as stomach upset, dry mouth or sun sensitivity fade within days of stopping, but the effect on other medicines can last about two weeks.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_reduce_St_Johns_wort_side_effects_by_taking_a_lower_dose\"><\/span>Can I reduce St John&#8217;s wort side effects by taking a lower dose?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, but do not adjust the dose without advice, and never use the herb to treat depression on your own.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_safe_for_older_adults\"><\/span>Is it safe for older adults?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Older adults usually take several medicines, so the interaction risk is higher. Always ask a pharmacist first.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most St John&#8217;s wort side effects are mild: sun sensitivity, stomach upset, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia and headache. The serious risks are mania in bipolar disorder and drug interactions. It is not for pregnancy, nursing, children or the weeks before surgery. If your doctor agrees, <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/solaray-st-johns-wort-325-mg-180-vegcaps\/\">Solaray 180<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/solaray-st-johns-wort-325-mg-100-vegcaps\/\">Solaray 100<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/product\/natures-way-st-johns-wort-700-mg-180-capsules\/\">Nature&#8217;s Way 700 mg<\/a> are available at No Style Like Pharmacy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555; margin-top: 18px;\">This article was reviewed by the No Style Like pharmacy content team. It is for general awareness only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.95em; color: #555;\">Stop the product and contact your doctor if you notice any unusual reaction. For more information see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/st-johns-wort\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the NCCIH St. John&#8217;s wort page<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>St John&#8217;s wort side effects: sun sensitivity, stomach upset, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia and mania risk, plus who should not take it and when to stop.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":11418703,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42204],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11418705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dietary-supplements"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11418705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11418705"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11418705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11418918,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11418705\/revisions\/11418918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11418703"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11418705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11418705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nostylelike.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11418705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}