St. Johns Wort & PE?

[mattc]

I'm beginning to think I am battling depression. I know there are many respected members on here that don't like natural supplements and I do have an appointment to see the doctor but I thought I'd poll all of you. For a while now I've been battling premature ejaculation. I have read in a few different places that depression can be a cause (this isn't why I think I'm depressed, it's just one more symptom). Has anyone else had PE caused by depression and if so did St Johns wort help?

Has anyone taken St Johns wort in general? The main point I got in reading previous posts is don't mix it with other drugs and don't exceed the recommended dose. I'm not taking anything right now so the interaction isn't that much of a concern for me but other side effects are. Also, I am having trouble sleeping and have been reading up on valerian root. Does anyone have any experience with valerian?

[Brandye]

I guess you have read some of my rants on self-medication with herbal remedies. St John's Wort is actually a good drug and is widely used by homeopathic and naturopathic physicians - in appropriate situations. It has the same effects as many prescription anti-depressants and is distributed by prescription only in some European countries.

Before setting out on your own, please start by looking up the side-effects and interactions on a responsible pharmacy or medical site. It also interacts with some foods. I have never read of premature ejaculation as a documented side effect but, as found with other psychotropic drugs, erectile dysfunction does occur.

Do not take Valerian Root and St John's Wort together. Whilst St Johns has been widely tested, with mixed results, by the medical community, the combination has not been tested. Because they have certain effects in common the mixture could be additive or, even, multiplicative. That is, quite simply, the combination could be much more powerful than you want. Each of them have some effect on naturally occurring enzymes and amino acids in the body. Valerian Root, at full dose, should not be stopped cold turkey. It needs to be tapered off. Please consult someone knowledgeable to help you with your issues.

[mattc]

This is why I come here! I have read your other posts and I'm not taking anything other than a multivitamin so interaction with prescriptions isn't a concern but good to know about Valerian and St Johns Wort. I'm actually wondering if it might help cure the PE. I don't expect it to work like the prescription antidepressants but if the PE is being caused (at least partially) by the depression I'm hoping it might help.

[Brandye]

Please talk with someone qualified to advise you. You may be swapping PE for ED.

The only "advisors" for herbal medicine who have ever posted here are amateurs. We have no naturopathic or homeopatic physicians or, even, professional herbalists. We allopathic physicians are not trained and I am not competent with herbal medicines. We do recommend a few for specific conditions but are not experienced with them for treatment of depression or other serious conditions.

A sex information Board is a hell of a place to come for herbal advice.

[maupassant]

Originally Posted by Brandye

Please talk with someone qualified to advise you. You may be swapping PE for ED.

The only "advisors" for herbal medicine who have ever posted here are amateurs. We have no naturopathic or homeopatic physicians or, even, professional herbalists. We allopathic physicians are not trained and I am not competent with herbal medicines. We do recommend a few for specific conditions but are not experienced with them for treatment of depression or other serious conditions.

A sex information Board is a hell of a place to come for herbal advice.

Well, again all good stuff. I think there is a bit of confusion in your mind over depression, PE and maybe ED. You are quite right that some of these herbals are no-go areas. Warfarin users have the front of their book stamped clearly 'DO NOT TAKE ST JOHN'S WORT'.

As Brandye suggests, maybe there are better sites than this for advice, but I hope you solve your problem whatever!