Amitriptyline Hypericum

Pharmaceutical Comparison. At least 8 studies to date have examined the effectiveness of hypericum compared to the pharmaceutical antidepressants imipramine, amitriptyline, and maprotiline. Preliminary results indicate that hypericum is equivalent to standard antidepressants in effectiveness (Linde et al. 1996 Vorbach 1997). Similar to the pharmaceutical antidepressants, there is a 10-14 day lag for therapeutic effects of hypericum (Harrer et al. 1994). Indeed, the differences seen between hypericum and placebo groups becomes apparent between 2 and 4 weeks (Sommer and Harrer 1994). Hypericum has been reported to have a more favorable side-effect profile than several pharmaceutical antidepressants as well (Vorbach et al. 1994 Harrer et al. 1994). In double-blind studies, subjects have reported fewer and less-severe side effects. Although these initial results are promising, Linde and colleagues (1996) have concluded that the present evidence is inadequate to establish... 

OFFICIAL NAMES Amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), bupropion (Wellbutrin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), fluoxetine (Prozac), imipramine (Norfranil, Tofranil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), maprotiline (Ludiomil), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), phenelzine (Nardil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), thioridazine (Mellaril), tranylcypromine (Parnate), trazodone (Desyrel), trimipramine (Sur-montil), venlafaxine (Effexor) the herb St. John s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is sold over-the-counter without prescription STREET NAMES Happy pills... 

Stormer E, Bauer S, Scholler G, Langheinrich M, Roots I. Decreased plasma levels of amitriptyline and its metabolites on comedication with an extract from St. John s wort (Hypericum perforatum). J Clin... 

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