St. John's Wort Side Effects

Applies to st. john's wort: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, St. John's wort is thought to be likely safe when taken by an adult for up to 12 weeks, or by a child age 6-17 for up to 8 weeks. St. John's wort may be unsafe when taken in large doses.

Stop using St. John's wort and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• severe skin rash or irritation;

• severe sunburn (redness, burning, blistering) after being outdoors; or

• (if you are also taking an antidepressant or narcotic pain medicine) -- agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Common side effects may include:

• sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;

• feeling anxious, irritable, or restless;

• dry mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea;

• skin rash, tingly feeling;

• headache, dizziness; or

• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Does St. John's Wort interact with any drugs?

Further information

St. john's wort side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer