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In an effort to deal with a stress that comes along with a non-stable job, five teenagers (two of which are step children) and a wife who works 12-18 hours a day (not at home), I heard about St. John's Wort and decided to give it a try. I purchased two 100-tablet (250 mg. each) bottles from GNC on sale for $20. Per the recommendation on the bottle, I took 1-4 tablets a day; usually 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.
It seemed to work after about a week; I felt "calmer" when confronted with the same circumstances I would have been upset at just a couple weeks prior. Instead of getting upset, I was able to "step back" and look at the situation before reacting. I felt this stuff is GREAT!
After about 2 to 2-1/2 weeks of taking it, one night I took a regular evening dose (2 caps @ 500 mg. total) and about 30 minutes later experienced an episode of intense sensitivity to light, I mean, I was driving and experienced a "tunnel vision." I could not focus on items like a store sign; my eyes would hurt from just the traffic signals -- the colors were too bright! I also felt slightly nauseous and began to worry as this experience lasted approximately one hour. But I did not realize what caused this until a second episode occurred the next day after consuming my morning dose and my computer screen at work became hazy, the office lights became too strong, etc.
I stopped taking the St. John's Wort for a short period of time and was fine; upon taking it again (2 caps, total 500 mg.) and again experienced this feeling. I have since stopped taking it, but wish it did not affect me that way since I really believed it was starting to help.
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I think he is wrong about this. I experienced the same problem and was not taking St. John's Wort. The problem is eye spasms, which are very normal, from use of computers, stress, long hours, TV lights. I even went running to an eye specialist because I thought I was going blind. It would happen for about 1/2 to 1 hour long then just go away. The Doctor confirmed it was all of the above, plus the fact that I was getting older, age was catching up. I rest and move my eyes away from the computer a lot more and I try to relax more, exercise etc., etc., and a new pair of glasses also helped. You should go to an eye specialist every year for a really good check-up. I also know of several other people who went through this and were not using ST John's Wort at the time. I also know a lot of people who use St John's Wort and have never experienced this problem.
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I was on St. John's Wort for 6 months and never experienced tunnel
vision or sensitivity to light. What I did experience was an amazing
calm. It leveled off my life. Lows were not as low, but the bad
part was highs were not as high either. It really did flatten my
life. I really couldn't get excited about most things. But worse
than that, I lost my libido. This symptom has been confirmed by
3 other worters I know. Needless to say, I am no longer on the wort.
The positive thing is that I am back to my old self. My highs are
high and my lows are MUCH less than they used to be. I think of
St. John's Wort as a reset for your brain. I have been off of it
for 3 months now and no problems.
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I haven't taken St. John's Wart, yet, and I am not in the medical profession, but the symptoms you described sound exactly like an onset of a migraine. Nausea, tunnel vision, and trouble focusing can be symptoms of migraines, and are not always followed by a severe headache. This is from personal experience. Usually, I find that drinking water and lying down in darkness and silence helpful. I hope you are feeling better.
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I agree with the migraine responder. I have had similar symptoms and I have never taken St John's Wort. What you are experiencing sounds like an ocular migraine. Most people will tell you they are caused by stress; from my experience it is that sometimes, but mostly diet related. Mine are set off by too much sugar (one candy bar is enough for me!) or sometimes by certain types of sausage (additives??). The only way for me to get rid of them is to sleep them off. Monitor your diet and good luck!
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Although the symptoms you experienced may be from migraines or the aging process, your St. John's Wort theory may also be possible. I have seen bottles of it with warnings saying it may cause photosensitivity to light after extended use. If you found the symptoms to go away when you stopped taking it, chances are you are right.
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