Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 49113

Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Consumer's Report: SAM-e, SJW, kava kava

Posted by Bill L on November 20, 2000, at 12:37:21

FYI: The most recent Consumer's Report Magazine discusses herbal remedies including these. SAM-e, St John's Wort, and kava kava got good press. Kava did as well in tests as a prescription anxiety drug (I forgot which one). They must have really been impressed with kava because they kept repeating it calling it kava kava. (you don't have to laugh)

 

online? Re: Consumer's Report: SAM-e, SJW, kava » Bill L

Posted by Maniz on November 20, 2000, at 12:58:37

In reply to Consumer's Report: SAM-e, SJW, kava kava, posted by Bill L on November 20, 2000, at 12:37:21

Hi,

Is this report online?

Thanks
> FYI: The most recent Consumer's Report Magazine discusses herbal remedies including these. SAM-e, St John's Wort, and kava kava got good press. Kava did as well in tests as a prescription anxiety drug (I forgot which one). They must have really been impressed with kava because they kept repeating it calling it kava kava. (you don't have to laugh)

 

Online, but not free

Posted by Rebecca on November 20, 2000, at 17:04:45

In reply to online? Re: Consumer's Report: SAM-e, SJW, kava » Bill L, posted by Maniz on November 20, 2000, at 12:58:37

You can get to it by going to http://www.consumerreports.org, but you have to pay $3.95 (USD) per month.

If you're in the US, your public library probably has it.

 

thanks Re: Online, but not free » Rebecca

Posted by Maniz on November 20, 2000, at 18:53:02

In reply to Online, but not free, posted by Rebecca on November 20, 2000, at 17:04:45

thanks, looks good, but I am not sure if I will subscribe.

> You can get to it by going to http://www.consumerreports.org, but you have to pay $3.95 (USD) per month.
>
> If you're in the US, your public library probably has it.

 

CR on SJW, SAM-e, Kava - Here it is

Posted by JohnB on November 24, 2000, at 3:34:19

In reply to thanks Re: Online, but not free » Rebecca, posted by Maniz on November 20, 2000, at 18:53:02

This is a transcript of the article's comments on SJW, SAM-e, and Kava.
__________________________________
St. John's Wort

Many studies have shown that St. John's wort, is effective in relieving mild-to-moderate depression. In September, the British Medical Journal published the impressive results of the largest clinical trial of the herb so far, involving 324 parients. The six-week study, from Germany, found that SJW was therapeutically equivalent to imiprimine (Tofranil), and caused fewer intolerable side effects. In theory SJW may work in multiple ways, including effects on dopamine and other brain chemicals.

In an unprecedented acceptance of an herbal remedy, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, have given members the green light to consider recommending it for short-term treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. However there's no evidence that SJW will help people with severe depression.

SJW can potentially decrease the effectiveness of a host of meds, including oral contraceptives, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure and heart disease, protease inhibitors for HIV infection, and many other prescription drugs. And it shouldn't be take with another antideppressant, since the herb can magnify the med's effects and side effects.
___________________________________
SAM-e

The latest study of SAM-e, the largest so far, bolsters the possibility tha SAM-e might work against even moderate-to-severe depression. In that study, a not-yet-published clinical trial from Italy involving 281 patients, SAM-e matched the effectiveness of the antidepressant imipramine, with fewer side effects. It can trigger mania, so people with manic-depression should avoid it. SAM-e does not appear to interact with other medications, although it theoretically may increase the effects of AD's.
___________________________________
Kava

The extract of the root of this plant, long used in traditional ceremonies by Pacific Islanders, reputedly eases anxiety, elevates mood, and relaxes muscles. Lab research suggests that kava may block a nerve stimulating chemical in the brain or boost the imact of a nerve-inhibiting chemical. Several small clinical trials have found that kava helps curb anxiety. And a six-week German study of 172 patients with anxiety disorders found kava just as effective as the prescription antianxiety dru oxazepam (Serax).

Kava can magnify the potency of other antianxiety medicines and reduce tha effectiveness of several other drugs, notably Parkinson's drugs containing levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet). Though side effects are generally mild, kava can impair coordination and blur vision in some people. So don't take it with alcohol, and use caution if you drive after taking the herb.

 

Re: CR on SJW, SAM-e, Kava - Here it is » JohnB

Posted by CarolAnn on November 25, 2000, at 11:40:53

In reply to CR on SJW, SAM-e, Kava - Here it is, posted by JohnB on November 24, 2000, at 3:34:19

JohnB, thanks so much for posting the article! Did the magazine list any particular brands of these herbs that tested best?
CarolAnn

 

Re: CR on SJW, SAM-e; Best Brands

Posted by JohnB on November 26, 2000, at 15:07:25

In reply to Re: CR on SJW, SAM-e, Kava - Here it is » JohnB, posted by CarolAnn on November 25, 2000, at 11:40:53

The report stated that generally the pills contained the amounts stated on the labels.
CR tested about a dozen brands of each herb, and cross-referenced by brand, labelled amount vs actual amount of dose, and cost per dose.

Since the actual amount of dose was not an issue (they all tested OK), the cost per dose was the determining criteria.

"Puritan's Pride" brand won top honors for SJW and SAM-e. "The Vitamin Shoppe" was tops for Kava and 2nd place for SAM-e. Also testing well; the brands GNC and Nature Made.


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