Interaction databaseSupplement × PrescriptionReviewed May 2026

Paroxetine and St. John's Wort, contraindicated.

Dual serotonin reuptake inhibition from paroxetine and St. John's Wort creates high serotonin syndrome risk.

One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.

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At a glance

Substances
Paroxetine and St. John's Wort
Pair type
Contraindicated
Evidence (highest tier)
Strong
Source citations
1 source
Stack Score effect
−25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
Scope
Supplement × Prescription
Last verified
May 30, 2026

Contraindicated · Strong evidence

Contraindicated

What is happening. Dual serotonin reuptake inhibition from paroxetine and St. John's Wort creates high serotonin syndrome risk.

Mechanism. Both paroxetine and hyperforin inhibit SERT. Combined SERT blockade causes excessive synaptic serotonin accumulation.

Recommendation. Do NOT combine. Allow at least 2 weeks washout after stopping paroxetine before starting SJW.

Sources (1)
  1. Lantz MS et al. St. John's wort and antidepressant drug interactions. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 1999;12(1):7-10. PMID 10447148

Stack Score

How this pair moves the number.

Effect on the composite score

If both Paroxetine and St. John's Wort are in the same stack, this pair applies −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).

The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.

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