I have what is known as major depression and since I don't have health insurance right now I can't go to the dr. and get the help I really need. I will have the insurance starting the first of the year, but I can't wait that long to feel better. What is availible otc for depression? I have read somethings on Sam-E and I may try that. Is that a good idea? Please advise. Thanks!
2006-10-29 11:04:27 · 12 answers · asked by audiophile_girlie03 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
There is no instant fix, even prozac takes about a week to start working. Walmart now sells generic prozac (fluoxetine) for about $3. All you need is to go into a walk-in clinic (about $40) and get a prescription. It is well worth it. If you are that depressed, eating, sleeping and medication should be your main priorities in order to start dealing rationally with life. Sam-E is about 1/10th the strength of fluoxetine, don't bother with that. Get yourself to a walk-in clinic ASAP.
2006-10-29 11:18:46 · answer #1 · answered by Wait a Minute 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some lifestyle adjustments that a few other people mentioned, but here are a couple more easy ones:
1) Eat a balanced diet
2) Take multivitamins
3) Drink lots of water
Believe it or not most people are technically dehydrated, and a lack of water can lead to feeling "down" and depressed. Same goes for unbalanced diets. If you're not getting the right nutrients, you're probably not going to be as alert and happy as you can be. Some people really do need medication, but if that's not an option for you, these other types of things can be a really good way to start bringing yourself up a bit.
But if it's REALLY bad, like you've thought of hurting yourself, etc., go to a clinic or even the emergency room and tell them what's going on. You would need to do that *right now*
2006-10-29 11:24:25 · answer #2 · answered by Tim 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depression sucks, i too have struggled w/ depression for most of my life.
i used to be prescribed to effexor, and then lexapro.
i have never used any otc meds, so i cant suggest any, but there are alts to pills.
1. exercise. exercise naturally releases dopamine and endorphines, the two chemicals that your and my brains have trouble producing naturally.
2. go outside. people living in lighter environments tend to get depressed less frequently
3. get a few plants or a small pet. sounds weird but i find being near other living things comforting.
4. don't do drugs or drink. they are a quick fix and only make things worse in the end, as they release all of your dopamine and/or endorphines at once, and you have none left for the next day or two.
5. listen to upbeat music. when i fell really sh*tty i jam Jimi Hendrix or the rolling stones at top voulme.
good luck darling
2006-10-29 11:16:30 · answer #3 · answered by spoonman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know enough about any of the OTC stuff like St. John's Wort to recommend anything, but check out the website for whatever state you live in. Most areas have programs to help those who need it. Go to a clinic, call the doctor who normally prescribes your meds for you and ask if she/he knows of any programs - might even be able to get you samples to hold you off until your insurance kicks in :-)
2006-10-29 11:14:35 · answer #4 · answered by Trish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear that.I think with sam-e,you're really dabbling with the unknown-I wouldn't advise that.To be really honest,I don't think anything's going to make that much difference if you're suffering from clinical depression.I've found Siberian Ginseng to be a good overall tonic though,and it's relatively safe to take.Just be careful about trying OTC medicines though-you could do more harm than good.
2006-10-29 11:12:12 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried that Sam-E stuff. Basically, it's snake oil; that is, if you have faith that it will work, you'll find reasons to support that belief.
Best thing you can do is increase the amount of exercise you do -- even if it's as simple as walking a bit more -- and eliminating animal-derived ingredients from your diet. The last thing you need is violence on your plate and dead creatures in your body. Don't believe this will work? Try it for a week; I promise you will feel lighter (emotionally, spiritually) and less burdened.
2006-10-29 11:08:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look on line under oriental medicine. There are some items that help relieve depression. And sometimes they work, sometimes they do not, just like western remedies. Also health food shops like GNC have remedies. They are the same type thing as the oriental stuff. Herbs and such.
2006-10-29 11:09:41 · answer #7 · answered by It All Matters.~☺♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the Beginning God created heavens and earth.
God gives you air to breathe and sunshine to enjoy.
God gives you water to drink and food to eat.
God gives you a wonderful body and sound mind, to live.
God loves you, and you are precious to Him.
Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation.
Jesus’ love is boundless and everlasting.
We have the hope of Heaven through Jesus.
Life therefore has fantastic and glorious future!
(Digestion of above can even prevent depression and suicide attempt.)
2006-10-29 11:23:03 · answer #8 · answered by Moriahho 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sam-E got a lot of good press when it first came out, and it works more quickly than regular meds (they take 4 weeks to kick in). If you can afford it, try it... I used it in a pinch years ago and it really helped.
2006-10-29 11:10:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Things that can counter-act depression:
*exercise - it really works, it helps the release of endorphines (happy stuff) in your brian.
*be pro-active - start to take steps in your life to fix whats wrong
*get sleep.
I don't know anything otc.
2006-10-29 11:16:20 · answer #10 · answered by Brandi A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋