A middle aged man came into your community pharmacy and asked for a bottle of herbal remedy St. John’s Wort capsules. He told you that it was recommended by his friend as he was feeling a little bit depressed recently.

a) What are the most common symptoms of sub-threshold or mild depression? (3 marks)

b) How will you advise this gentleman regarding the use of St. John’s Wort and self-management of sub-threshold depression? (5 marks)

c) A month later, the gentleman presented the following prescription to you:

• Sertraline tablet 50 mg daily for three weeks 

How will you counsel him on the medication?

(7 marks)