Alternative meds for depression/anxiety.... - Alternative Medicine Message Board

Piscean33 · 08-19-2005, 10:11 AM

I need to know some good alternative meds for anxiety and depression. I suffer with both and was taking zoloft but it just wasn't working well for me. I've also taken several other prescription meds for anxiety/depression but I either had terrible side effects or they just didn't work. I would really like to try something herbal. I've heard very good things about herbal medicine and that it works sometimes much better than prescription drugs. Could anyone tell me the different kinds of alternative meds for anxiety/depression? Thanks!

sneezydiva · 08-19-2005, 06:46 PM

I have no experience with this. But I have heard St. John's Wort is good for depression. Also Omega-3 fats are supposed to help. But please research any supplement carefully before taking any. Especially if you are taking a prescription.

HELLASRULES · 08-20-2005, 05:03 AM

I agree with SneezyDiva, Check out herbals thoroughly before trying. I've tried a lot of things for anxiety, St. John's Wort, Valerian, 5-Htp, Sam-e, and found that the St. J.W, Valerian & 5-Htp was great if I needed sleep, but made me too sleepy for daytime use. I tried the Sam-e, but felt a little shaky on it. So it's a lot of trial and error in finding something that works for each individual. A lot of herbs do not mix well with prescription drugs, or need to be stopped before surgeries, so always tell your doctor if you are using them. Also, herbals are not without side effects or health risks, so you really have to do a lot of "homework" on them.
So far, I've had the best luck with Omega 3 fish oil. I was having a lot of anxiety attacks with menopause. After a few weeks of using the Omega 3 my anxiety attacks/panic attacks stopped. It's not dramatic relief like an A/D or benzo, but has helped me tremendously. Plus it has a lot of benefits for many functions of the body, so what the heck, right?
Hope you find something that will help & that you are comfortable with taking, whether it be a prescription or herbal. Good Luck.

veelveta · 08-20-2005, 09:51 PM

acupuncture and chinese herbs cured my depression. i had depression ever since i can remember. after seeing an acupuncturist for 3 months, the depression was gone. a good acupuncturist will ask questions and check your pulse and tongue-and it shouldn't hurt when they insert the pins.

homeopathy can also be of help. there may be a physical reason you're having problems w/anxiety and depression. homeopaths can check for vitamin and minerall deficiencies, metals and other toxins, health of organs, etc.

before prozac came along, tryptophan was used as a natural anti-depressant. my homeopath often uses tryptophan on patients w/depression.

goldenseal · 08-21-2005, 10:41 AM

Royal Jelly and Fish Oil have been known to mood elevators, both of which I take

Others, which I have heard wonderful things about (which I do not take), include St. John's Wart and Sam-E (which is supposedly the ultimate natural anti-depressant). I suggest doing a search on the boards for St .John's Wart and Same-E... drinking certain teas like St. John's Wart, chamomile and peppermint (caffeine free) may help soothe you and your nerves...taking a multivitamin is known to help, as well as getting regular exercise, and keeping a balanced diet which is free of wheat/gluten and refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. Hope that helped!