Can I take St John's wort and Vitamin C together?

Varför detta händer

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are processed by the body through different pathways. Vitamin C is water-soluble and does not interfere with the liver enzymes (specifically the CYP450 system) that St John's Wort is known to affect. Furthermore, they do not have overlapping effects on the body's systems that would cause a conflict.

You can continue to take both supplements as directed. However, always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all supplements you are taking, as St John's Wort interacts with many prescription medicines, such as the contraceptive pill, blood thinners, and antidepressants.

Depression and Mental Health

Like other antidepressants, St John's wort may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, particularly when first starting treatment. Seek immediate medical help if your mood worsens.

Drug Interactions

St John's wort significantly reduces the effectiveness of many essential medicines, including the contraceptive pill, blood thinners (warfarin), epilepsy medications, and organ transplant drugs. Do not start it without a pharmacist checking your current medications.

Serotonin Syndrome

Taking St John's wort with other antidepressants or triptans (for migraine) can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition involving high fever, agitation, and muscle rigidity.

Photosensitivity

St John's wort can make your skin significantly more sensitive to sunlight, leading to severe sunburn or skin reactions even with limited exposure.

Njursten (renala kalkyler)

Höga doser av vitamin C kan öka mängden oxalat i din urin, vilket avsevärt ökar risken för att utveckla njursten, särskilt om du har haft dem tidigare.

G6PD-brist

Mycket höga doser av vitamin C kan orsaka oxidativ stress och leda till nedbrytning av röda blodkroppar (hemolys) hos individer med G6PD-brist.

Alkohol

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking St John's wort. Combining the two can increase drowsiness and dizziness, and may worsen the side effects of the herbal remedy.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

St John's wort can sometimes increase sensitivity to caffeine, leading to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, or a racing heart. Monitor your intake if you feel jittery.

Foods high in Tyramine (e.g., aged cheeses, cured meats, soy sauce, marmite, overripe fruit)

While less common than with older prescription antidepressants, St John's wort can potentially interact with tyramine-rich foods, leading to a sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). You should consume these foods in moderation.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.