How Long To Wait Before Consuming St John's Wort After Consuming Clarithromycin?

Posted on Fri, 29 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 20 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have just finished taking clarithromycin and want to start taking st johns wort- how soon can I start? I have panic disorder and anxiety so want to try that as i am not going down the antidepressant route! I took the antibiotic as i have had swimmers ear which is a nightmare and i think it may be related to panic disorder? Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
After 2 days of stopping Clarithromycin.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Clarithromycin has a short half-life. This means that it gets cleared from the system pretty fast. So, you can start St. John's wort as early as 2 days after stopping Clarithromycin.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (2 hours later)

Thanks, what is your opinion on the ear condition bringing on panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder? I am seeing a specialist for my ears next week but would like to know what you think.

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could have precipitated an anxiety attack.

Detailed Answer:
Though there is no direct connection between ear problems and anxiety / panic attacks, yet, it is common for such medical problems to precipitate of worsen anxiety. So, it is possible the your anxiety symptoms were precipitated by your recent ear problem.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar