Depression/dopamine question?

Question

I have had depression for years, a lot of meds just did not work for me. I was wondering if anyone knew of a natural cure or certain vitamins that would increase levels of dopamine. I have tried all the antidepressants that were SSRIs which did not work well, maybe I felt 50% better. I read a lot about dopamine, and it seems that could be part of my problem. Anyone know of any natural herbs etc for this? thanks

Answer 1

Have you tried exercising 7 days a week and beginning to eat correctly? I have had a chronic shoulder injury for over 2 years now and Im a pretty serious athlete. I've had depression for a while now and I've developed some other psychological disorders as a result of my injury. When I get over my shoulder injury, stand back.
I recently sold most of my posessions so I could get money in order to take time off from work to heal my MINOR injury. When I was working out before, I didnt have depression, and it has been proven that exercise can help to keep depression at bay.
IF(thats a big IF), you are a young and healthy women that is able to workout, I would take advantage of this blessed opportunity and workout seven days a week. You dont need the drugs. B-complex vitamins are helpful with depression, but it is said that alcohol will eliminate your b-vitamin supply. So if you have depression, stay away from hopps(in beer), and other alcoholic substances. Take a 10 dollar b-comples vitamin, and do different exercises each day of the week. Bye bye depression.

Answer 2

Have you tried Effexor? IT is part SSRI but also helps raise epinephrine and dopamine levels. Works for me.
Don't know of vitamins to work, but dopamine is a large part of a runner's "hitting the wall", gives a high once past that point. Exercise will raise levels consistently. Try it, it does help depression, now you know why Dr's. recommend it for those suffering depression.

Answer 3

There are non SSRI treatments that are effective. First, you may consider uping the dos of current medication. If that isn't doing it you can take a TCA (tri-cyclic acid) or an MAOI (monoamine oxidize inhibitor) This inhibits the breakdown of Seratonin (5-HT) and dopamine. Although if you take an MAOI don't drink red wine or eat cheese, caviar or paté, but that's stuff you dr. will tell you about.

Answer 4

5-htp works for me. I take 300mg a day.
5-HTP) is a precursor to the brain chemical serotonin. Evidence suggests that low serotonin levels cause many people be overweight, crave sugar and carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, insomnia, frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pain. All of these maladies are correctable by raising brain serotonin levels.

Answer 5

Phenocane I believe it's called. It was orignally for pain and the nice bonus is that is really helps depression. I heard about it at my health food store.

Answer 6

l-dopa great natural source of dopamine