Depression Blog.com

I just wnt to say that I had been on a university health plan, and went in for a refill of my prescription of zoloft, and the pharmacist told me that since the semester was over, I was no longer covered.

The med was rather expensive, so he (the PHARTMACIST) suggested that I could get the same relief from St. John's Wort ('SJW,' my abbreviation, for this post), that I had been getting from Zoloft.

The reason that I am writing is that I got the impression from the pharmacist, that SJW is so 'natural' that it could be taken without its even being considered a drug... IS it that good, or are people (including this pharmacist) just fooled, since it's considered a 'natural' drug...?

I just want to say that I had been on a university health plan, and went in for a refill of my prescription of Zoloft, and the pharmacist told me that, since the semester was over, I was no longer covered.

The med was rather expensive, so he (the PHARMACIST) suggested that I could get the same relief from St. John's Wort ('SJW,' my abbreviation, for this post), that I had been getting from the Zoloft. I guess SJW is cheaper than the Zoloft, I never did try it.

The reason that I am writing is that I got the impression from the pharmacist, that SJW is so 'natural,' that it could be taken without its even being considered a drug...so yu don't have to consider drug interaction, etc.

IS SJW that good, or are people (including this pharmacist) just fooled, since it's considered a 'natural' drug...?

[I just sent this post, but with a typo I didn't catch, that sort of changed the meaning of the post, so this is a correction of the earlier one... sorry.]

I've tried St. Johns Wort, and in the past, it seemed to work well for me. Though, I believe, if you're allergic to ragweed, it could cause an allergic reaction. I think I an allergy to it, because my lungs have seem to become constricted, when I have taken it in the past. In my mind, I've thought of it as a mild MAOI--a class of antidepressants that one has to be very careful with, because of food and drug interactions--but I didn't experience any major interaction, except when
I used DL-Phenylalanine the same day--an amino acid which I've also tried for depression.
St. John's Wort seemed to work well and fast for a
better mood, and I think it may have helped with my sex drive--rather then inhibiting it, which, unfortunately, regular antidepressants have done--at least with me.

I have used St.Johns' Wort often in times of "mild" depression, with what I thought was good results. Used in conjunction with valerian root extract, it seemed to lift my moods after awhile.

However, when my husband died and I went into a serious "full blown" depression, these were not enough to get me out of it. I spent 1 year taking Paxil (started with Celexa for a few weeks first.) In addition, I got weekly counseling from a family counselor, a lay counselor at church and a psychologist. At the end of the year, I quit taking all medications, was able to put everything into some semblance of order, and now I don't battle the depression. I feel like I have my life back. Oddly, I thought, I had no support from my doctors to get off of the medication. They seemed to think I should stay on it indefinitely. I, on the other hand, thought it should be a temporary help.

Regarding Natural remedies and Saint John's Wort SPECIFICALLY!
PLease, please, please, do NOT self medicate this condition without medical supervision. I began using Saint J's a number of years ago, before I considered pharmaceutical medications. After a week, I was seeing tracers from lights, having heart palpitations, anxiety attacks, dizziness, nausea and the muscles in my legs would collapse underneath me- probably part of the anxiety reaction. And yes, I have hayfever, so the ragweed relationship was probably a part of it as well.
So, in short-- while there are many natural herbs and supplements that make great claims, be as informed as possible, and I would NEVER reccommend venturing into this without medical supervision.
It took a long time to find the right pharmaceuticals to help my depression, but my doctor and I did it. My life is back and I am happier than I knew a person could be.
God bless all,
Corrie

St John's Wart is a highly effective drug. And should be treated as that, not an "all natrual" chemical. SJW is a potent inducer of Cytochrome P450 enzymes, that regulate many other drugs that you could be prescribed. It basically turns them into inactive compounds much quicker and sometimes leave the patient with no effect. There is no drug, herbal treatment, eastern medicine, or even food that has ZERO side effects. With these neutraceutacles or herbal meds there is no regulating body that controls them, and for the vast majority no conclusive respected studies have been done. These are actual drugs, with actual side effects and could be benificial or very harmful.

The best natural antidepressants are bright sunlight, good whole foods and aerobi excercise...

2 things to be aware of with St. John's Wort:-

If you are on the contraceptive pill, St. John's Wort can make it not work so you would need to use other contraceptive.

Also, if you are some heart medications, St. John's Wort can affect their efficiency too.

Best to check if you are on any other meds before taking it.

Where can you find St.Johns Wart??

>Where can you find St.Johns Wart??

most small pharmacies or large general shopping centers. you can buy it online or at a store like GNC or Wal Mart

Fish oil or flax oil in large doses helped me come off Wellbutrin. I take a smaller daily dose now to maintain. Plus I make sure to get plenty of sunshine (without sunglasses) and at least some exercise daily.

I noticed the effects the first day. Taking 200 mg of SAM-e, within 20 minutes I felt exremely sleepy, unable to focus along with a sudden but brief swell of anxiety. The sense of "well being" is there but not worth the side effects I mention.

I am currently pregnant with my 5th child and am off all meds for the 1st time in like 5 years. I was taking Depakote for a short period of time and prozac for what seems to be forever. I have not taken either for about 10weeks and am feeling ok. I feel stressed and moody and am thinking about going back on my prozac but hate the idea that I cant live w/o meds.any natural suggestions that are safe during pregnancy.

Can someone please compare St John's Wort to Sam e as use as an over the counter antidepressant? My son is in need of help but has no health insurance. Thanks in advance.

This is the first blog I have ever seen for depression which is progress. I had a year of severe manic depression and tried several drugs, some which made me convulse and froth at the mouth. I later developed a collection of immune diseases and discovered that the main part of my depression was caused by gluten intolerance and too much seratonin floating around in the brain. Health issues and diet play a role in depression which is usually overlooked. Pineapple and saffron are great along with flavanoids from fruits. Cutting out all grains helps the body absorb minerals. Although I have immune diseases I have a better attitude than when I was healthy and depressed. Depression and anxiety is comparable to any kind of pain and it is good to at least have that abate. Sometimes a change in diet is way more helpful than a shrink.

i have 2 questions
1. where and how can you test serotonin levels?
2.is it ok to take st johns wart with 5htp

thanks

I am trying to wean off
Effexor XR after several years. Is it o.k. to mix St. John's Wart/ Mood Rx as I go off it?

Just as a note :
1: you should never take any drug while you are pregnant "natural" or other wise before you talk to you doctor because you dont know how it will react with the hormones in your body

2: you should not mix natural and chemical drugs because you may be completly counteracting or neautrilizing what you are taking

Has anyone ever tried Serenity? Does it really work and have no side effects? I just came off of Effexor and Welbutrin, and now my doc wants to put me on Zyprexa and Welbutrin. I'd rather not experience what I went through with the other drugs. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I been battling with depression for 3 years now I take antivan for the anexiety. SAm-e I tried and it was awful my eyes were blurry numbness around my mouth. I went off it. St John also was awful. Thank you for sharing about the ragweed I am sensitive. Yes I am also gluten senstive.

i would like to find a natural astidepressant for someone i love and refuses to help himself except to drink and will not take medication

[moderator comments: Hi Andrea
from what I know, have seen, and understand, it is hard to change someone externally. They have to want to change.

A hard part about depression is it is a bit self reinforcing. They have to find out the patterns...why are they depressed? why do they seem to want to stay that way? what can you do to help make the environment more condusive to them wanting to do things that make themselves happy and reframe their worldview.

many times depression is from deep rooted childhood stuff. other times it is chemically driven. sometimes it is enviromentally driven. usually when we are exceptionally depressed or unhappy with our lives it is due at least in some part to our mind telling us there are some things we should change about the way we live...and that could be stress, exercise, diet, social relationships, environment, or probably a bunch of other things I can't think of right now]

What are the best ways to find out why you are feeling the way you are? I hate the thought of blaming the way Im feeling on a medical condition. I was on Paxil for 1 1/2 years and it was awful; I couldnt sleep, had no sexual appetite, had no regular appetite, a constant dry mouth, and a myriad of other side effects. I have been seeing the symptoms again within the past few months and the last week has been the worst in a year. Is it possible for this to be caused by a relationship? I could name a great deal of reasons as to why I would not be happy, however, depression seems to be a bit much. There is a strong medical history of depression, but my living family members with the condition embrace it and use it as an excuse. My grandmother took her own life because of depression, and my mother and half-sister both are on medication because of it. I refuse to embrace the idea; I am 21 years old, and I have too much of a life to live to let something like this rob me of the happiness I am always trying to attain. Thank you for your help in advance, it will be much appreciated. Take care.

I have tried the st. johns wart but with my perticular depression it is not working is there anything else. my depression is from a traumatic brain injury. please write if you can help thanks

I have tried the st. johns wart but with my perticular depression it is not working is there anything else. my depression is from a traumatic brain injury. please write if you can help thanks

Would like to know about natural therapies for clinical depression that will not depress one's libido.

I have struggled with depression for the better part of forty five years. In the eighties, I found,(more like stumbled) onto cardio-vascular excersize. Thirty minutes a day had me no longer forced to "fake it", (happiness I mean). For the first time in my life, I was truly free of the misery of depression.
Then I got my neck broken, could not excersize, and had that monster at the door again. At a critical point, alone and wondering if suicide was ineviable; I found, (through research) amino acids.
A simple complex of free-form essential amino acids, pulled me out of a serious nose dive and have since been helping me sustain a proper chemical balance for about five years now. I am fairly convinced that I would not be alive today if I had not made this discovery.

im so glad to have found a place to read about others suffering with depression like me. ive been battling depression for years and have been on meds off and on with no relieve. i refuse to go back to the doctors and the meds because they just made me feel sicker and worse. yes, ive tried diets, exercise, amino acids etc..but no relieve until i started taking st. johns wort. i got a pretty good vegetarian brand from gnc and i had imediate great results within 2 hours of drinking it. i feel good, calm, and it feels like someone turn on all my lights in my brain. of course, its only my experiance and im not on any other meds for anything and im not allergic to anything. so far its been 24 hours and i havent felt this good in years. and it sure beats the side effects of regular meds.

Hi,

Please please could someone tell me does 5-HTP effect the contraceptive pill?

I am considering using a "natural" antidepressant. The comments here were very helpful. I would like to know if 5HTP works?

Hi all. I have been on and off anti-depressnts for the past 7 years. I recently came off of taking a VERY small does of Lexapro, (1/4 of a tablet each day, somethimes every other day.) The main reason I am gong off is because I would like to become pregnant. Let me tell you that even on this very low dose, I am experiencing withdrawl symptoms described in this Lexapro blog; the loss of appetite, diahrhea, sleeplessness, and the weird sensation of almost shuttering when moving too quickly. This did happen to me when I came off of Celexa a few years ago too, so I know that this is normal and weill just take time to adjust. It IS however, maddening that psychiatrists (mine included) are not more upfront with patients about side effects and withdrawl effects. I suppose they don't want to 'suggest' it to create a placebo effect; regardless it is quite scary when you aren't expecting it at all. I finally went to my general doctor who was kinder and more thorough than any psychiatrist I have ever been to. He noticed that my blood prssure was extremely low when going from sitting or lying to standing (a common withdrawl symptom from this) and recommended I eat large amounts of salt in my food the next few days or so. Well, it worked like a charm, balanced my blood pressure and I began to feel normal, no more dizzy spells. I do think that anti-depressants can help people a great deal, as they did for me. However, psychiatrists need to take more of a responsibility in educating the pateints about side and withdrawl effects.

I have been taking St Johns Wort now for 3 months and have felt much better than i have trying antidepressants. Im worried now though because i decided that i wanted to stop so i have but feel quite ill. Im wonering is this because i have just stopped taking them, do i have to gradualy come off them. Or is this because im gonna go back to how i felt before, will it have worn off. How long does it take for them to be completley out of my system and should i have taken them for a much longer period. Please could somebody give me a few answers i have tried various web sites but they all say different things

I have not tried nauural cures for my "bipolar, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, borderline learning disability, battered woman syndrome, pathalogical gambling, alcoholic, borderline scizophrenic....on and on. Can one person be all these? I don't know, but, I have been on $4,800.00 worth of medication in 1 years time for my bipolar..if that is what I have. They are not sure. If I take effexor and I go into a manic state then I know I have bipolar. How NUTS is this. I have been on every medication for every thing I can be labeled for. No results. I have begged for ECT "shock treatments to the brain" for depression and mania. I am withdrawling from Effexor right now and it is hell. I can't take the side effects. They don't tell you the withdrawl part or the suicidal thoughts even though you are on the highest dose and feel like you want to die on or off this helpfull medication prescribed. I don't know of any natural healing I could try. I do feel toxic and need to get all these drugs out of my system. Does anyone have suggestions? Even a Pharmacist told me that the side effects and withdrawls are worse than what we are being treated for. I DO AGREE THERE. HELP, feel like I have been to hell and back.

I have by chance stumbled upon this blog and coincidently farm in a remote part of South Africa with a natural anti depressant and mood enhancer that I don't see in these reports called sceletium. There is a lot of material on the net and I suggest you look into this known seratonin uptake inhibitor.
I would be pleased to receive feedback but can assure you it will be worth your while to investigate this wonderful totally natural product

I have been dealing with depression for almost three years. I want to tell you all that anti-depressants work for some people, but for others (and it seems like most of us) it only numbs your emotions, so you never truly DEAL with your depression. And that fools you into believing that you are well. I recently got off of effexor and it was pure HELL. My job/relationship/health were all in jeopardy. I was unable to drive, extremely dizzy, felt electric shock, numb face/lips, etc. Even while on the durg, missing one dose would throw me off completely.

I recently went to a natural herbalist to help me cope with my emotions more naturally, I have made a vow to myself to never go back on effexor again, although it is SO tempting to want to mask this pain.

I am seeing a therapist, excercising daily, reminding myself of things for which I am most thankful, and taking Nature's Sunshine Stress Relief and Liver Balance Supplements - I'll kee you posted, but if medication is not doing the trick for you or withdrawal symptoms are killing you and making you stay on the drug - I would see an herbalist, her intentions are quite different from a doctor - who makes $$ as long as your are on that drug.

The best NATURAL anti-depressent I have found is lots and lots of excercise. Do something almost every day. Also getting a pet REALLY helps, particularly a dog. They are always there to give you love, they need lots of walks (making YOU active), plus there are so many dogs that need homes, you can pride yourself in the fact that you did something worthwhile by giving a dog (or cat) a home. Also having a dog gives you lots to talk about with others, which can be a great way to *get out of your own head*.

Let me add that YOGA is awesome for depression, plus a MYRIAD of other health issues. I think it's best for beginners to start with a slow moving type of yoga, like Hatha. If you don't want to try a class. Get some yoga dvd's, particularly for beginners. Walking/jogging with my dog, and yoga are my top two favorite forms of excercise.

Magnesium citrate is a help, too. *Natural Calm*, and *Ionic Fizz* are great suppplements. Google search the names for more info. Also, ACTIVE B-6, 5-pyroxidine (sp?) is great too. (Along with a good multi)

Hope this helps! : )

Does 5-HTP affect the contraceptive pill?

Does 5 HTP interfer with the contraceptive pill?

looking for a natural herb for wellbutrin

i take 10 milgrm of lexapro, and7.5 mobic i want to take valerian root to sleep what are the interactions to any of these if there are any? thanky mary jo

Remove your Amalgam Fillings.

I did this and have no anxiety and depression now. The chronic mercury poisoning made sad and irritable.

But be very careful: Mercury amalgam fillings should be removed only by dentists with experience using a mercury amalgam removal protocol.

If you don't, the removal will make you even worse, so be very careful.

I'm on Effexor XR and trying to slowly come off Xanax right now, can I use St. John's wort to help me to sleep?

will 100mg of 5-HTP herbal food supplement interact or affect the Combined Oral Contraceptive i am taking (Yasmin)?

Sexy Brunette Bitch In Bikini Giving Handjob

I just wanted to offer some hope to those struggling with the side effects of being on and getting off of antidepressants. I am not a doctor. I can only offer my personal experience. Having been on just about every prescribable drug for depression and anxiety over the past ten years I can empathize with the hopeless feelings that come from searching for the right meds, state of mind, and over all health that are key in feeling good about ourselves.
I have found that by providing my body with the right nutrition has made all of the difference in the world. I am now half way off of my antidepressants and am happy to say have had no side effects thus far. I have been using young living products with great results. I have read up on and tried other products recomended to curb withdrawl symptoms from antidrepessants that had no real results. If you are interested in trying something new to coincide with what you and your doctor have decided on to improve your health I would be more than happy to tell you more about my successes with these products. e-mail: youngliving.alissa@gmail.com

please help now !!! i have just found out my friend has stolen a valuble possesion from me...plus i have awful personal problems can you PLEASE quickly give me a natrual cure for depression NO DRUGS just yoga or home remiedies please

otherwise i fear it will get worse

Hi,
I urgently need to know if 5 HTP will interact with the oral contraceptive pill, I am currently taking Femodene?

Thanks
Caroline

Hi all, I was diagonised with Major depression and Anxiety before 3 years and since then I am taking Effexor XR daily.Even though struggle is going on, i have recovered a lot. According to my doctor i made a miracle with very rapid recovery. Three things i like to point out from my experience, 1) One of the thing i did was i refused to sit inside the home because of the illness. I set a goal for myself for next 6 months and worked on it. Whatever may be the pain ,humiliation or failure, i worked and worked. Most painful days of my life , but now those are the days remain in my mind. Yeah i failed many times in that 6 months but finally i succeeded. 2) Second one helped me in a big way is Breathing exercise, Yoga and meditation. Many people think it is all about Hindu religion. I know the pain and I am not talking religion here. There is a breathing exercise called 'Sudharsan Kriya' taught by 'Art of Living Foundation' which is the best natural anti-depressant i have known and it is scientifically proved. It is really superb and simply erased the trauma in my mind. Please see www.aolresearch.org and www.artofliving.org . I would recommend every person to join in their program. 3) Third Natural anti-depressant which helped me is Cognitive Behavioral therapy. My physician in my University sugessted this and i attended 12 sessions in our university. This is also very nice one and helps to reduce our confusion and unwanted thoughts.

Most important divine anti-depressant is our Family support and i am lucky to have my family's support. I would be glad to share my experience so that if it helps someone to more atleast a little bit from their depression.

I think everybody here should read books like Depression Free Naturally by Dr. Joan Mathews Larson
and The Mood Cure by Julia Ross to name a few among orthomolecular medicine.(Abram Hoffer, Carl Pfeiffer, Linus Pauling, and on and on)

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT 5-HTP? It seems people are asking about it but no one is answering or knows anything about it???

do john warts help with ocd

I notices that MANY people had mentioned bright sunlight being a good recommendation for depression... and they are probably more correct than they know.

After nearly 3 years of suffering, and being diagnosed with everything from Fibromyalgia to Psoriatic Arthropathy (I won't even get INto the litany of presciptions I've paid for - or my recent denial of health insurance coverage because of all this), I found a fabulous rheumetologist and he has determined (through a simple blood test) that I have a severe vitamin D deficiency, and has prescribed 50,000 units of vitamin D a week for the next 6 months. I just started taking the Vitamin D today, but if this fixes my problems, I will be the most elated person on earth.

Sunlight is a good thing. I quit getting ANY sun about 4 years ago (so my skin would stay young looking). Turns out, that may not have been a good thing.

I will post again in a week or two and let everyone know how I'm feeling.

if you had been mislead into thinking that a natural remedy would suffice in replacement of a chemical one- I am truly sorry. have experienced the same situation. one is so easily lead in todays day and age as we are constantly told that natural is better than chemical, or biologically engineered. our blog, http://wwww.jcvarsity@blogspot.com offers some rlif and tips in how to deal with the stresses of varsuty life. check it out if you may think it will help. And in the future, opt for the "evil you know,' and stay away from natural remedies.

Is there anything I can get from the store to help my depression?

i feel mildly depressed. i also feel a sense of bipolar disorder. i'll go from being completely content to feeling extremely depressed and i have no idea why. a week ago was one of my most extreme. i went from my very chipper to lying in the middle of my floor bawling. when my mom asked what was wrong with me, i said i didn't know. because i didn't. it was like a flood just washed over me and my mood changed completely.
any help, hints, tips of something i can do?
i really want this to go away. it affects my thoughts and feelings as well as my relati.onships with family and friends

I am looking natural medicine replacement of efexor XR

I hear horrible things

that happen comming off

Efexor XR

I have read a little

about orthomolecular

psychitry i am also

on klonopin seaqual ambien cr

nerotin I have been on these meds

for over 20 years

I started doing accupunture
a year ago

I read ti chi and yoga can help

I have had horrible experiences

Drs in psch hospitals reduceing

xanax and klopin 50% each in one day

I live in arlington mass

Do you think orthomolecular pscyistrist

could help i am on medicare

and mass health

thank you for your time

I can not stand the Dr

I have now He is extremley

controlling not to mention

rude and wierder than

H

leslie

I was taking efexor for about 11 years only 75mgs it worked well about a year ago i noticed my depression coming back i thought if i increased the dosage it would help however no luck the doctor has tried me on trytophan. welbutrin also a new one called pristig all with no success i could'nt believe the side effects with pristig it made it almost impossible to pee or the other also destroyed my sex drive,i really don.t know what would be the best to try

I was on zoloft and some other antidepressants for 2 months and it was terrible. I hate what they've done to me (as if my head wasn't already screwed enough) All they do is make me feel stupid and empty and i feel horrible. I'd almost rather feel sadness over emptiness. I can't really describe it but I feel really guilty. I can't think straight and i feel nauseous a lot. All i can say is that i absolutely HATE taking medication. all it does is mask your depression ( at least that's what happened to me). Anyway, im sorry for venting. I just really couldn't think . . . :(

I am just realizing now that I may have depression, I have a Dr.'s appointment next week to discuss anti-depressants. the problem is that after reading about the side effects (which I usually get from medications) I am afraid that they may contribute to my depression for example weight gain, headaches, insomnia...these are all things I am already battling with. So I think I am going to try the natural route but I have a question....what is the first step? How do I come home from work, exhausted and depressed and get to the gym for a well needed endorphin rush when all I can think about is how sad I am or that i don't really care (even though I want to get better, these are the thoughts that kep me from "just doing it") Any advice???

hi
I WAS WANTING TO WRITE ABOUE MY TIME AS IV BEEN AND STILL AM DEPRESSED I SEEN PEOPLE STARE AT ME AND HEARD THEM CALL ME A ATTENTION SEAKER JUSE BECAUSE MY ILLNES IS A MENTAL ONE THAT NOT SEEN DOSE IS THE REASON IV BEEN CALLED SOMETHING IN NOT .PREGDICE IS WAHT MANY PEOPLE ARE BEING . I HAVE HAD FITS WITH STRESS AGINE IV BEEN CALLED A ATTION SEAKER EVEN BY SOME HOSPIATAL STAFF I BEILVE THERE SHOUDE BE MORE WAYS OF MAKEING OTHERS AWARE THAT MENTAL ILLNESS SHOUDE BE SEEN JUST AS INMPOTANT AS A ILESS AS ONE THAT IS SEEN

THAANK YOU

MISS MARIAM SHAH