i am on anti-depressants what health products can i take when i have finished the tabets to keep up my spirits

Question

i have been off work for a while with depression i have been on anti-depressants and i am feeling a lot better.
when i go back to work is there any health tablets i can take to keep up my spirits so i dont fall into a depressive state again.
i am exercising and it is doing me good but i just thought some health product would help.

Answer 1

A lot of people say St. John's Wart works well, but also you might try another herbal supplement called 5-htp which is basically tryptophan (from the Griffonia plant) with Vitamin C and B-6. Tryptophan helps your body make seratonin, and other endorphins, which make you feel good (and also help you sleep). Exposure to sunlight is also key to help fight off depression. Go outside and enjoy an activity in bright, but not excessive sunlight. This will also help boost your body's vitamin D content. Exercise helps a lot as well, as does eating right. Congratulations on taking an active step to combat depression. Good luck.

Answer 2

If you feel like you need something to keep up your spirits, and your medication has been working, I would say you should continue your medication. Most doctors prescribe an antidepressant for at least 6 months, and some people take them for much longer periods.

In my opinion, though, you need to do more than just take medication to truly recover from depression. Issues with relationships, self concept, diet, and exercise are big ones for me. Research also shows that psychotherapy works as well or better than medication for many people, with the widest ranging effects coming from a combination treatement with both.

As far as herbal supplements go, many of them are ineffective and underresearched. Here is some info I found on St. John's Wort:

Side Effects and Cautions
St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:

Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills
Antidepressants

When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.

St. John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.
It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Answer 3

Hey..
I have heard that St John's Wart really works as a natural anti depressant, also there are certain foods that you can eat on a daily basis which really help, some include salmon, walnuts etc. Folic acid is also supposed to be really helpful, as well as fish oils.
-Carbohydrates are linked to serotonin production and lack of carbohydrates may cause changes in mood
-Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon and mackerel are great dinner options no matter what your health concern.
-Some studies have shown that people who suffer from depression also have lower levels of the antioxidant vitamin E, according to Moores.
-Dark green vegetables like spinach and peas are high in folate, which may help stabilize your mood because it's needed to help make serotonin.
-Chicken and turkey are both rich in vitamin B6, which plays a role in serotonin production in the body.
- Also if you visit your local health food shop they may be able to recommend some more.
Hope this helps =)

Answer 4

Hello..I don't think that you have to seek some too specific remedy in order to be again in form. Please, bear in mind that the immediate wipe out of the anti-depressants are causing severe problems afterwards. I was on SSRI anti-depressants and though I was stabilized and felt very well,when I stopped the intake after 3 weeks I felt very bad and down..Even out of the depression it is recommended to be taken a supportive dosage of the anti-depressants..As a herbal remedy Gingko Biloba is excellent, Guarana, especially Mate Tea etc..Best of luck!!

Answer 5

St John Wort (a flower) is a proven mood enhancer / stabiliser. But advise your doctor before using it.

Also, eating a couple of bananas a day as they contain low levels of Triptothan (sp) - basically Prozac.

Answer 6

Evening Primrose works both for male and females, tho it is often classed as a womens herbal supplement

Answer 7

st johns wort and there's always the circulation brain boosting ginko biloba, but the cheap stuff is not very strong or effective it seems.

Answer 8

Talk to your doctor about samples so you don't have to stop taking the pills. In fact, you will feel even worse if you stop the pills suddenly.

Call your doctor.

Answer 9

you shouldnt take anything while you takein them but st johns wort are good