Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 5765

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Any natural anti-depressants that really work?

Posted by Leonora on May 8, 1999, at 21:48:15

I tried St. John's Wort and experienced nothing. Are there any other herbs or nutrients that people have found effective? Prozac was great for me for eight years then I went off it for awhile and found that it didn't work when I went back on it. I'm now on Celexa and about to go off because of intolerable side effects (anorgamia and weight gain), so I'm looking for an anwer.

 

Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?

Posted by Racer on May 8, 1999, at 22:17:18

In reply to Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Leonora on May 8, 1999, at 21:48:15

I've found that a stress free life works for me....

Other than that, real life requires me to take pharmaceuticals...

 

Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?

Posted by Gigi on May 9, 1999, at 9:04:31

In reply to Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Leonora on May 8, 1999, at 21:48:15

> I tried St. John's Wort and experienced nothing. Are there any other herbs or nutrients that people have found effective? Prozac was great for me for eight years then I went off it for awhile and found that it didn't work when I went back on it. I'm now on Celexa and about to go off because of intolerable side effects (anorgamia and weight gain), so I'm looking for an anwer.

Unfortunately I have not found any natural ones that worked, as a matter of fact St. John's Wort made my depression worse. As for the stress-free life Racer mentioned, where can we get a prescription for that?
There are a lot vitamins I have read about, but I have tried various ones with no luck; however, I'll check the book I have and send a list of suggestions; maybe one will work for you.

 

Re: Welcome back Racer

Posted by Annie on May 9, 1999, at 10:38:59

In reply to Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Racer on May 8, 1999, at 22:17:18

Good to have you back Racer! I missed your wry wit. I haven't managed that "stress free life" either. People keep intruding and dragging me back into the real world. :o) Annie

PS Leonora, keep looking, but do your homework before trying any "natural" remedy. Herbal remedies also come with risk. For example, researchers at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California reported that high doses of several popular over-the-counter herbal supplements could impair fertility. The report is in the journal Fertility and Sterility (February 22, 1999).
Since I haven't found an effective pharmaceutical (including experimental), I'm currently considering alternative methods of treatment, like accupuncture or Reiki to relieve some of the depression. I'm also researching Chelation Therapy because someone I know who was also treatment resistant had great success with it. The process of doing the research is, in itself, therapy of sorts for me. Keeps me off the streets!!

> I've found that a stress free life works for me....
>
> Other than that, real life requires me to take pharmaceuticals...

 

Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?

Posted by Betsy on May 10, 1999, at 15:54:30

In reply to Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Leonora on May 8, 1999, at 21:48:15

> I tried St. John's Wort and experienced nothing. Are there any other herbs or nutrients that people have found effective? Prozac was great for me for eight years then I went off it for awhile and found that it didn't work when I went back on it. I'm now on Celexa and about to go off because of intolerable side effects (anorgamia and weight gain), so I'm looking for an anwer.

This may sound really silly, but it worked for me today...
Try 15 minutes on a swing-set. Its natural, and it was fun, and it lifted some of my darker mood today.
Of course, I also take Prozac, which helps.

Think about acupuncture or massage as well, if you're looking for more natural paths.
Also rose oil or jasmine oils have been shown to be mood-enhancers, and rather than anorgasmia, they are libido enhancers too.

A good book is:
"Natural Energy"
"A Consumer's Guide to Legal, Mind-Altering, and Mood-Brightening Herbs and Supplements"
by Mark Mayell
(ISBN number 0-517-88812-2)

Luck!

Betsy

 

Swinging singles...

Posted by Racer on May 10, 1999, at 23:45:18

In reply to Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Betsy on May 10, 1999, at 15:54:30

I LOVE swing sets! It's one of the great joys of life, and I too recommend it. You have to be careful, because grownups around kids playgrounds can get bad reps, but it's great for mind and soul. If you can find a good swing set, go for it.

I go up to a local park with my friend's son and their dog. I swing while he plays with the dog. Then we play together on the merry go round or race to see who can get higher on the swings. It's the best therapy I know of.

Also, swimming helps me. In fact, most exercise helps me. The energy that goes into the twisted thinking of depression and the anxiety get transferred into physical release.

I also like sad movies, old black and white tear jerkers, like Dark Victory (ugh) or Anne of the Thousand Days, or Nine Days a Queen. A movie that gives you permission to cry it out over someone else can be cathartic.

Thanks for reminding me of my fave therapy!

 

Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?

Posted by dove on May 11, 1999, at 10:04:40

In reply to Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Leonora on May 8, 1999, at 21:48:15

I had posted a message under "Migraine Meds and lifetime-depression" concerning my experiences with 'natural' meds. St. John's Wort made me angry, frustrated, suicidal and aggressive. I've tried Inositol, vit. B6, felt very bad on both of those also. I did try Valerian in small amounts and felt very calm but tired so I stopped. Started to do aerobic exercise for 30 minutes 4 days a week and have noticed an incredible improvement in my state of mind. I take Verapamil for migraines which has helped with my whole state-of-mind. The exercise was introduced after I felt better and was motivated. Be careful taking natural remedies, many are strong and can cause unexpected results. St. John's Wort also caused my heart to race.

~dove

 

Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?

Posted by andrew on May 11, 1999, at 11:31:52

In reply to Re: Any natural anti-depressants that really work?, posted by Betsy on May 10, 1999, at 15:54:30


>
> Think about acupuncture or massage as well, if you're looking for more natural paths.
> Also rose oil or jasmine oils have been shown to be mood-enhancers, and rather than anorgasmia, they are libido enhancers too.
>

I love scenting rooms with natural citrus oil sprays (orange, lemon, etc.). A study done in Japan seemed to indicate that the frangrance actually helped lift depression in the long term.


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