Seeking Alternative to Prescription Anti-Depressants

Not that this will happen to you, but I am also not new to the depression and meds thing, but after not being able to stay on 1 because of side effects, I chose to stay off of meds. I tryed soooo many. I finally went to counseling and it was GREAT! It didn't last very long though. My couselor agreed to the non meds at first and then 1 yr into it went ahead and said to go to my dr and get an RX. Found the 1 that works GREAT!

I tried SAM-e and it did nothing for me. I've dealt with depression all my life. I finally had to break down and ask my doctor for something. He prescribed me Lexapro. This drug is amazing. Before I got on it, I had no motivation to do anything. I felt "old". Just overall didn't feel well at all. Some days it took everything I had to just make it through the day. I have been on the Lexapro for a week and I am already a different person. I haven't felt this good in 10 years. I have more energy and more motivation. And more patience with my toddlers. I have been on several antidepressants over the years and never have I experienced one like this. I almost feel guilty for feeling this good.

Hi M., I work with a great Nutritional Supplements Company that have helped many with depression and other issues as well as preventation of health isses. I had suffered with migraine headache for 20 years and have been enjoying pain free life for the last ten years. I have other friends who were able to get off their depression meds with their Doctor advise after being on the Supplements. I will be happy to share more details and connect you with others who had great resaults as well.

Best Wishes.

A.

M.,
Yes, I've heard SAM-e and acupuncture are good alternative treatments. I myself took Omega-3 fish oil with my postpartum and it seemed to help.

"Emerging research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of depression." Read more about the studies here:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC533861/

I also read a bunch of self-help books and really watched my internal dialogue. A really good book that helps with that (which I believe available at the library) is "Learned Optimism - How to Change Your Mind and Your Life" by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman

Best wishes to you!

M.,

I've had several patients in your shoes that have bounced back beautifully with natural supplements. But, just taking something off the shelf rarely helps because it's not specific enough to find out what the real problem is. I do a very comprehensive 24 saliva collection test that is very sensitive to a hormone/adrenal issue that may be your issue. It's very easy and very detailed. From the results, I'll interpret the best supplement route for you with whole food supplements. These supplements will not interfere with any other medications you are on because they are food. I do prescribe one herbal remedy, but will consult with you on the meds your currently on (if any)and see if there would be any contraindication. If this is something that you would like to consider, let me know. I'm in Plano, but if you need someone closer to you, I may possibly be able to find someone more convenient to you. God Bless.

Hi there. I had the same problem and was depressed to the point I needed anti-depressants. Took Lexapro and that helped enormously. Went cold turkey and about a year later the same thing happened. I started taking b-12 dots and let me tell you, I have energy and I feel good every day. Good Luck to you and have FAITH!!!

My advice is to make sure it is depression. I went to Dr. Chalmers for a different issue but as he was testing me he said I was "Hormonally a wreck" and started on some natural supplements that have been WONDERFUL to give me my life back. I thought I had developed anxiety (same continuum as depression) but he said I was not anxious or depressed....just a wreck hormonally. I am forever grateful for someone helping me. No insurance covers this but I feel it has been more than worth it, considering I would be paying for a Rx and it basically not hitting the core of the issue. Due to being only 31 most doctors don't take me seriously when I told them I was 'off'. It could no be hormones since I was so young, but it most definitely is. The results speak for themselves.

http://chalmerswellness.com

M.,
Have not tried Sam-e, but have heard good things about it. Also St.John's Wart, is supposed to help as well.

I have dealt with depression since a teenager, never really enough or even realized until the last few years.

Recognizing when it is starting is key, I believe. When I sense it setting in, I become very proactive- turn on more lights (this helps), even go outside in the sunshine for a few minutes every day, taking walks (exercise is a great way to get the good chemicals in your body active), perhaps a calming tea like chamomille will help, talk to a good friend, volunteer at a local hospital - to just get out and do something, plant some flowers or journal, listen to upbeat music... having someone pray for you and realizing depression is not from God.

Hope this helps some. And that you find a great way to stay on top... you are doing great!!!

I was researching on progesterone and found this to be most interesting - most women who began to use transdermal progesterone discovered two benefits that seemed unrelated to the progesterone at first: they slept better,and no longer needed anti-depressants.

Your body is amazing. You are amazing. You are right to check out natural methods. I have an easy check list from a doctor whose practice regularly prescribes progesterone cream more than birth control or anti-depressants. It may be able to tell you if you could see a benefit from progesterone or other hormone combinations BEFORE you spend money at accupuncture, chiropractics or naturopaths.

contact me for more info, and see my responses to other posts.
blessings, and you are not alone in this,
L.

M., I know this is hard, be proud that you are aware enough to know something else needs to happen.
I am working with a counselor after using prescriptions in the past. Plus make sure that from a nutrition standard you are getting enough b vitamins and omega 3.

I didn't have a depression issue per say, but I started taking Trim Blast (new name: DuVita) three months ago. It is all-natural and has a wealth of benefits. One of the effects is a happier, more energized me. If you would like more information, email me at ____@____.com.

Sublingual B-12 & a "Jigglin' George" (they have their own website: jigglinggeorge.com)

It could be that your system is out of balance. I've had one of these for 5 years now and have seen it cure/reverse everything from asthma to fibromyalgia, allergies, MS, depression, infertility, osteosporosis, chemical imbalances, etc.etc.etc.!

Good luck!

Hello M.,

I know how depression goes too well. Both personally and professionally. I haven't ever taken SAMe, but have heard good things about that or 5Htp. What I have found most effective for my own depression was either getting a form of color therapy called Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT). Which I liked so much I got trained in. Or acupuncture and oriental medicine. I have found fabulous when the practitioner is gifted in this. Lucky for me I found someone that is extremely gifted. Her website is www.balancepoint-healingarts.com. S. Hammet is gifted when it comes to this. I can not praise her more. Plus she knows all about the herbs and supplements to that are effective for each of her clients.

Wish you well on your journey and your challenge with depression.

warmest regards,

S.

Hi M.,
I can help you with natural supplements and refer you to a naturopath who can work with you over the phone. Contact me for more info if you are interested.
Victoria

Hi M.,
I can help you with natural supplements and refer you to a naturopath who can work with you over the phone. Contact me for more info if you are interested.
Victoria

M.,
Have you ever heard of Sotto Pelle hormone therapy?
It's worth looking into. I had extremely low energy, along with other symtpoms. Everytime I went to a doctor, I heard the same thing "are you depressed?" Answer is no, there is something wrong. Did some research on the Sotto Pelle therapy, had it done and am feeling wonderful! This is natural hormone replacement, bioidentical, just like our bodies produce. My testosterone was almost non-existent. The doctor said "no wonder you are tired". I truly don't know if this may be your challenge, but it is so worth a try.
The doctor that I saw is Dr. Gary Donovitz. ###-###-####. I understand there is also a doctor in Richardson who specializes in this treatment. best wishes to you.

If you have been diagnosed with depression by a doctor, shouldn't you consult with he/she before you go off or on any medications, natural or otherwise? I have tried SAM-e and it made me have such bad stomach pains, I had to stop taking it.

Hi M.
Sorry to hear about your battle. I was in a "funk" too about 6 months ago and didn't want to go back on Strattera. I decided to get on a workout kick instead. I reactivated my club membership, got on a schedule, started working with a dietician and have really felt the benefits! I didn't need to lose that much weight, but I really needed a self esteem boost!! Now I'm on a team up there that is competing (and winning) a bike contest and I don't have any of that lingering sadness.

Also, kind of a given, but I also stopped drinking any alcohol (even just a glass of wine). I've noticed that I don't have that low feeling anymore with that gone...

Best of luck!
C.

I went off of ALL my prescription meds and switched to natural supplements. I went to a Naturopath, or holistic dr. They will help you find the right supplements. I went on a liquid Serotonin that goes under the tongue, and many other supplements. Good Luck!

Michelle,
What a big step that you are looking to improve your depression tendencies! I recommend that you see a neuropath who can take a look at your body as a whole. She would let you know what areas you would need to see a doctor for further medical testing. I think in the end it would save you money b/c she looks at your whole body while each doctor/specialist looks at only certain issues. I highly recommend a neuropath who is also a nutritionist--she comes to Dallas every 3 months or so, and she can work with you over the phone too.
I can also point you in the direction of some natural supplements to look at. You would try them in different combinations until you found what works for you. Message me if you'd like the details. God Bless.

Maybe do some investigating into acupuncture. I have a friend for whom it did wonders for her depression. It is covered on some insurance, as well.

Good luck and way to go on looking for some help. I know it can be hard.

You might research Omega 3 oil and its effect on the body, especially depression.

Hello M. I know individuals who are taking Sam-e and doing very well on it. I also take Nature Sunshine Mood Elevator Herbal supplement and have change my diet to eat right for my blood type. I sell a Organo Gold Healthier Coffee with Ganoderma that is helping a friend with Bipolar..you can google Ganoderma. If you are interested in getting started with this call me at ###-###-####.

God Bless,Denice Ford

Prescription anti-depressants had horrible side effects for me. I tried SAMe but it was kind of expensive and hurt my stomach. What REALLY worked for me (and was very inexpensive) was a combination of St. John's Wort and B-12. I used the sublingual(goes under the tongue) form of B-12. It really helped take the edge off of depression and give me enough energy to pull myself back up. Hope this helps. Good luck to you!

You can take Valerian Root. It is good for sleep and anxiety. You can get it at Wal-Mart. Spring Valley is the manufacturer. You take 1 pill per 100 lbs. They are gel caps, so you can't break them apart. My husband just got done reading a book, I am currently working on it. It's called Over-The-Counter Nature's Cures by The People's Chemist, Shane Ellison. It gives many alternatives to prescription drugs and OTC medicines. It is worth the read. It's very scary how the Prescription and OTC drugs affect your body. I think there was another drug mentioned in the book for depression. If you are interested in more information, let me know, and I will see what I can find.

I absolutely loved sam e. It helped me so much. There were a few problems. First it really irritated my stomach so I would have to break it in half. The other problem was anxiety. I was having bad anxiety and so I did some research and sam e can cause anxiety. Now I drink a lot of coffee and sodas and had other things going on in my life so I can't directly link my anxiety to the sam e.

I have taken it off and on for about a year now. There are no side effects if you just stop taking it like there are with anti depressants. It has worked great for me. I am not currently taking it but would start again if I felt like I needed to. Within seven days you realize just how much better and normal you feel. Good luck

My husband takes SAM-e for depression. It was recommended to me by my friend, a pharmacist. I do believe that it helps ... not quite as much as prescription antidepressants, but at the same time, it has less side effects. Its actually good for your liver, as well.

Hi!

Oat straw is a natural herb and is supposed to be good for depression, panic attacks, and much more. You can google it for more information.