Wednesday, May 27, 2009 twloha asks

Q: Has anyone found anything herbal that would help depression and anxiety?

Don't know how many are going through this but my 15 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. We have tried Citalopram and now Prozac. The switch was due the side effect of headaches. If this happens on Prozac her Pdoc said the only other thing is trying something herbal like St Johns Wart. Looking for anyone that has tried herbs and if they have been effective.

Answers (3)

Notify me when there are new answers

Jerry Kennard

5/27/09 1:47pm

Hi twloha,

Perhaps I can start the ball rolling. There have been numerous controlled studies testing the efficacy of St.John's wort (hypericum perforatum). With one or two exceptions they agree that's its use is superior to placebo. It's important not to mix St.John's wort with other medications as it can result in some fairly dramatic and serious side effects.

ihope

5/28/09 8:40pm

What are the serious side effects please? Also, please elaborate about SAM-E and L Tryptophan combos. Thanks.

Merely Me

5/27/09 4:40pm

Hi there

I hope she fares better on the Prozac.

I am taking the natural route myself to help with my depression. I am presently taking SAM-e which has really helped me but the effects are going to be different for everyone. There are a lot of studies backing up the efficacy of St. John's Wort. I found that it made me feel too sleepy so I stopped taking it but again...everyone is different.

I hope to write more about natural remedies for depression soon so stay tuned. My son who is thirteen is taking Prozac and it is going really well so I am hoping your daughter does well too on this medication.

Thank you for your question.

ihope

5/28/09 8:38pm

I will look forward to more information on herbal/natural helps. Do you recommend a good source for this information.....regarding potential dangers. I have a feeling my psychiatrist, who is very good, will know which ones should NOT be mixed with meds I take, but probably will advise me to look into promising ones on my own. Since my med combo has developed over a period of 10+ years, it seems important to reevaluate. I also take Omega 3 1000 mg. EPA with his blessing. Don't know if it helps. He said it won't hurt. Limited studies. Diagnosis is "might be bipolar' depression. (non technical diagnosis)

ihope

5/28/09 8:44pm

Hi, Merely Me. Can you please direct me to another post of yours...or give me the summary of your journey to SAM-E. From what you have sent me on email (sharing), I'm thinking that you did take antidepressants in past? Also, do you have experience with Bipolar Depression? Or have you experienced depression with high agitation? (these two things look so much alike).

Merely Me

5/29/09 5:00pm

Hi there

Yeah...I have taken antidepressants before and I didn't like the side effects nor the way they made me feel...so "I don't care about anything."

So I switched to natural methods...found SAM-e and I have been feeling pretty good.

Here is the link to the article.

It isn't for everyone. I was lucky to find something which worked for me.

I will try to write more about this topic soon. Thanks for your interest.

ihope

5/28/09 8:34pm

I hope you do not give up after prozac if it doesn't help. If she is not seeing a psychiatrist, it would help to find one. I have questions about herbal remedies, too. BUT, if depression is bad, there are treatment options - medicines -- that could provide relief. A good psychiatrist should know there are more options than the two you mentioned. Good luck

Q: Has anyone found anything herbal that would help depression and anxiety?

Related Questions

Ask a Question