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Thread: Natural Anti-Depressants

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    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
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    Default Natural Anti-Depressants

    I'm currently taking Celexa and I'd really like to start using a more natural approach to dealing with my depression. Any suggestions?







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    Veteran Member jennahoff's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    sam-e worked well for me... for a while. but my depression needs stronger meds than that,.

    give it a try tho. its not too expensive.,
    ~jenna~

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    Veteran Member circe221's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    I am interested in this as well - was just reading up on SAM-E. I am currently on Lexapro and Ativan. I would like to wean off, but am afraid of the withdrawl. I have heard that even if you taper it is hellish.
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    I take anti-depressants too but I find I am in a better spirit when I exercise and take walks. I think the natural endorphins released do a lot more for us then we realize.

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Also you shouldn't mix St. John's Wart and Kava herbs with anti-depressants.

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    Senior Member DarkMoon08's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Quote Originally Posted by greenidlady1 View Post
    Also you shouldn't mix St. John's Wart and Kava herbs with anti-depressants.
    I take St. John's Wort when things get really bad for me. But I don't take any medication for depression, and haven't for years (like 12). Also, Kava Kava is not safe for long term use.

    Talk to your doctor ( or a experienced certified herbalist)before trying any natural remedy. It's better to be safe than sorry.

    Take care of yourself ok.
    If life sucks...change it.

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    Veteran Member oulala's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Don't mix anything OTC for depression with anti-depressants but I'm sure you already know that. Unfortunately its mostly trial and error to find out what works for you and your body, people are all different. Your choices are 5-HTP, Sam-e, and St. John's wart, and mixes of stuffs. If you have problems with anxiety there's also stuff like L-theanine, GABA, etc etc. It might be a good idea to find some sort of mix with calming herbs and 5-HTP, Vitamin D, EPA, blah blah blah.

    If you want to try individual stuff first, start with 5-HTP or Sam-E. They are healthier and safer than St. John's Wart and have fewer contraindications. Also get good quality stuff, don't go shopping at the drug store.

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    Senior Member IvytheStripper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Don't know if anyone is still hanging about in this old thread but I would like to add NAC (n-acetyl-l-cystene) to the mix as well-
    a cursory google search will reveal literally ALL sorts of benefits ranging from liver detoxification to easing symptoms of bipolar disorder to helping with compulsive behaviors and drug cravings esp. cocaine- all very difficult to treat. There was a study conducted wherein patients augmented their SSRI meds with NAC or a placebo with the NAC group reporting very high levels of improvement/remission of symptoms.
    I take both 5-HTP and SAM-e in addition to my wellbutrin and recently began NAC. I've never felt better in my life and I've been prescribed a pretty comprehensive cross-section of psych meds over the past 20 years or so. I should probably talk to someone about the dosages/timing but for now I'm doing a far sight better than I was taking a fistful of conventional drugs.

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Nettles and green tea supplements!

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    Featured Member Spinnerette's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Going to echo the SAM-e suggestion. I get mine from GNC (400 mg) and stack it with a sublingual B vitamin and 3,000 mg of fish oil.

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    Senior Member robotron's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Saffron is a good antidepressant (a bit pricey but you only need a few strands) I use a tea bag (i use chamomile but a yogi stress relief or positive energy tea would be perfect), cardomom, cinnamon, HOT water, a pinch of saffron and let that steep for 10 min or so then add almond milk and raw honey. It tastes really good and I can honestly say that it helps and I've tried alot of different remedies. Make sure you drink the saffron threads too so you dont waste them

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Ginseng is a huge mood-booster for me. It sure as hell gets the job done for me most days.
    http://www.wisegeek.com/how-effectiv...depression.htm

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Therapy is the most natural, holistic approach to depression. Psychiatrists don't count!

    I hope you're doing that in addition to drugs.

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    L-tyrosine helps with PMS, depression stress and some other things i try to take everyday

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Regular exercise

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Omegas so eat plenty of healthy fish like salmon or take supplements. Also getting enough exercise and sunlight everyday.

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Quote Originally Posted by cinammonkisses View Post
    I'm currently taking Celexa and I'd really like to start using a more natural approach to dealing with my depression. Any suggestions?
    The most effective "natural" anti depressant currently known to mankind is regular exercise. There's nothing more consistent in the research that shows major improvements in depression like exercise. How much regular exercise do you get?
    A cunning linguist...

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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    BEWARE: ST. JOHN'S WART CANCELS OUT BIRTH CONTROL.

    I echo the mention of NAC n-acetyl-cysteine - it is also wonderful for trichotillomania, an OCD disorders in which one pulls out their own hair.

    Evening Primrose oil capsules helps around and during PMS/period time.

    Peppermint oil or citrusy scents are great for aromatherapy uplifting.

    Yoga has totally helped my mood. And of course, as mentioned, walking. I'm not doing it enough these days!

    After getting laid off, my health insurance went too. Every month I pay about $250 for my goddamned meds. Sad face.
    mellymay.com

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    Senior Member alvida's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Quote Originally Posted by IvytheStripper View Post
    Don't know if anyone is still hanging about in this old thread but I would like to add NAC (n-acetyl-l-cystene) to the mix as well-
    a cursory google search will reveal literally ALL sorts of benefits ranging from liver detoxification to easing symptoms of bipolar disorder to helping with compulsive behaviors and drug cravings esp. cocaine- all very difficult to treat. There was a study conducted wherein patients augmented their SSRI meds with NAC or a placebo with the NAC group reporting very high levels of improvement/remission of symptoms.
    I take both 5-HTP and SAM-e in addition to my wellbutrin and recently began NAC. I've never felt better in my life and I've been prescribed a pretty comprehensive cross-section of psych meds over the past 20 years or so. I should probably talk to someone about the dosages/timing but for now I'm doing a far sight better than I was taking a fistful of conventional drugs.

    Was lurking and saw your post,wanted to say you need to be really really careful taking wellbutrin with 5-htp..it could cause serotonin syndrome. Definitely look it up and/or ask your doctor about safe dosages.

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    God/dess Will's Avatar
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    Default Re: Natural Anti-Depressants

    Quote Originally Posted by IvytheStripper View Post
    Don't know if anyone is still hanging about in this old thread but I would like to add NAC (n-acetyl-l-cystene) to the mix as well-
    a cursory google search will reveal literally ALL sorts of benefits ranging from liver detoxification to easing symptoms of bipolar disorder to helping with compulsive behaviors and drug cravings esp. cocaine- all very difficult to treat. There was a study conducted wherein patients augmented their SSRI meds with NAC or a placebo with the NAC group reporting very high levels of improvement/remission of symptoms.
    I take both 5-HTP and SAM-e in addition to my wellbutrin and recently began NAC. I've never felt better in my life and I've been prescribed a pretty comprehensive cross-section of psych meds over the past 20 years or so. I should probably talk to someone about the dosages/timing but for now I'm doing a far sight better than I was taking a fistful of conventional drugs.
    It's potentially dangerous to take 5HTP with any SSRI meds. As far as supps/nutrients that may help with depression see Life Extension Protocol:

    http://www.lef.org/protocols/emotion...ression_01.htm
    A cunning linguist...

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