SAM-e for depression-anxiety - Alternative Medicine Message Board

ringer · 07-10-2002, 09:44 PM

Has anyone been on a prescribed anti-depressant like Paxil or Zoloft, that worked well for you, but as with many others, you gained weight on these, even while dieting and exercising?

And......have you switched to an alternative like
"SAM-e" ? Did the SAM-e work well for treating your symptoms, but without the weight gain?

Would like to hear from anyone regarding the above, before I wean off Zoloft and try the natural brand called "SAM-e". Thanks a bunch.

Nancy S+13 · 07-11-2002, 12:14 AM

I went from Prozac to St. John's Wort and never went back. It worked great. I didn't gain weight with Prozac, but being on Zoloft I'm sure you know about the other icky side-effects. That's what I hated about it. Plus, being tied to seeing a doctor at $60 a pop and all he did was say, "How are you doing?" and then write me a new prescription.

BetaChiAngel · 07-27-2002, 01:07 PM

I'm on zoloft for mild depression and moderate anxiety, and also interested in switching to a natural/herbal remedy. Are SAM-e and St. Johns Wort effective in treating anxiety or just depression? I've done a little research and have only found information for their treatment of depression. I currently take xanax for anxiety on an as-needed basis and it's been a wonder drug for me, but I'd prefer to take a natural suppliment that is not addictive.

ringer · 07-27-2002, 09:34 PM

Hello in New York. I've been doing quite a bit of research too, like you. Found a good product, plus the SAM-e I'd like to try. This is supposed to treat both anxiety and depression. It's called "Anxiety Control." by Pain and Stress Center. ALso another product is called, "Mood Sync" which contains both St. Johns wort and HTP-5.
I like you take a Zanox about 2-3 times a month for minor anxiety. Is a real life saver,,,to have on hand. All I can say is, do the research and experiment. That's what I'm going to do once I'm off the Zoloft. I'm taking 6 weeks to slowly wean off Zoloft to avoid the side effects. Than I'm starting on Mood Sync and Anxiety Control, or SAM-e or both.
May I ask, if you have gained any unwanted weight on the Zoloft? Take care. Good luck. PAR

[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 08-06-2002).]

BetaChiAngel · 07-29-2002, 06:41 PM

Hi Ringer,
Thanks for the response. I checked out the link you gave and I am definitely interested. I have already started weaning off the zoloft- hopefully it won't be too difficult, I am only taking 50mg and it's only been about 4 1/2 months since I started taking it. As far as weight gain on the zoloft- actually I experienced the exact opposite. The first week or 2 my appetite decreased significantly and I lost between 5-10 lbs. The zoloft certainly has not been helping with anxiety, so I'm hoping a natural aproach will work. Good luck and keep me updated on your situation