| |  | | Alcoholism, Depression and Anxiety
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Kathy
Posted on: October 9, 1998
My husband is taking Lamisil (for foot fungus) also called terbinafine HCl. Would there be any drug interactions this with St. John’s Wort? Besides the St. Johns Wort I have him taking Ginseng. Is this good to help with anxiety and depression? He is also an alcoholic, now giving up alcohol. Will these herbs help to relieve the anxiety and depression from drying out? Also how much should he take? He’s been taking 1000 mg a day or more depending on how lousy he feels.
There is no known reason for negative effects in combining the anti-fungal drug with St. John’s Wort. Although the anti-depressive effects of St. John’s Wort can take up to months, a two week trial, noting the effects, should give you information on how your husband is coping. Since there are many different St. John’s Wort preparations, you would be best to discuss dosages with a knowledgeable health food store employee. To achieve a lasting effect, herbs should be taken regularly two or three times a day.
Ginseng boosts energy, but there must be some reserved energy to boost. It should not be used if your husband is exhausted. More useful in this case are Oats, Valerian and Skullcap. Oats, taken as a juice (available at health food stores) is helpful in both alcohol withdrawal and depression, as it nourishes the nerves. Valerian and Skullcap will assist the Oats in calming anxiety and lifting depression.
| | |
|
