Hi,
Recently told I have depression / anxiety. Was prescribed Fluoxetine which is an SSRI drug. Decided to first try a herbal option St johns Wort but I find a side effect of this is a dry mouth in the morning. I've one been taking it for a few days so haven't experienced the benefits yet. Would these side effects pass?
Also I have some SAM-e which I have yet to try, anyone have experience of this stuff?
2007-01-17 00:00:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I recommend you try talking therapies before taking anything.
2007-01-17 01:23:36 · answer #1 · answered by tinkerbell34 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the dry mouth unbearable? Could you not drink lots on the morning? If it's really nasty then stop taking the St John's Wort, but if you can cope stick with it, as it may pass and it's a lot more natural option than fluoxetine (prozac).
I was on fluoxetine a couple of years ago and got an allergic reaction to it (big body rash - just what you want when you are depressed!), so I came off it. I have recently started taking St John's Wort, and am giving it a couple of weeks to kick in. No side effects so far, but no big change either....
I don't know about SAM-e tho sorry.
Good luck
2007-01-17 00:17:37 · answer #2 · answered by kezls_79 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although I have never come across the side effects of taking St Johns Wort,the ones you say you are experiencing will pass in time so just try and bear with it a little longer. You will probably notice the benefits within a week or two of taking St Johns Wort - this is also the average length of time it would take to notice any benefits from typical anti depressants. With SSRIs, you are more likely to suffer with side effects such as: dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, insomnia, increased perspiration, anxiety, panic attacks and loss of libido/ appetite.
If you are still taking St Johns Wort, it is advised that you do not take Fluoxetine at the same time.
It may be worthwhile to invest in other over the counter remedies such as 'Calms'. I find the blue bottle particularly useful for me when I have a hectic day. Calms contains Valerian - which has properties known to help reduce stress/ depression and aid relaxation.
Alternatively, if you find herbal remedies are not for you, then it probably is a good idea to take the prescribed medication as instructed by your GP. SSRIs are excellent for combating anxiety and depression, but in long term use, I feel they tend to have the opposite effect.
I hope this information has been useful for you.
2007-01-17 01:37:30 · answer #3 · answered by charlotte s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello, I suffer too and it's not nice. I used to take Diothiopin (possible spelling error) but I chose to give that up in favour of St John's Wort. Any such drug, I believe, takes about two/3 weeks before you notice any change. The change itself isn't amazing, but I find St John's Wort a benefit. I used to have a dry mouth before and (ashamed to say) anti-depressants + booze was a potentially lethal mix. I would suggest you stick with the more natural option you are pursuing. Good Luck.
2007-01-17 00:10:22 · answer #4 · answered by I'm Sparticus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, i dont believe in antidepressants. They just suppress your feelings, unless you are getting counselling or something of the sort while taking them, you shouldnt take them. Because you will be on them for the rest of your life or when you come off them you will be the same or 10 times worse. If I was you, i would stick to any herbal tablets anyway, you should ask your doctor about side effects for herbal tablets.
2007-01-17 01:30:42 · answer #5 · answered by mandee_00 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not tried the herbal remedies but have been taking Fluoxetine ( Prozac) for a few a few months now and feel better for taking it. I was a little worried at first about taking it but feel the pros outway the cons.
2007-01-17 00:16:53 · answer #6 · answered by princess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vitex it works wonders I use it and so does my mom. we suggested it to a friend who was on prescrips depression drugs and know this is all she uses is Vitex you can get it at most health store I have seen it at some grocery stores also wonderful stuff. Also vitamin b is a good one I use both personally
2016-03-14 06:58:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you shoud get a prescription from you doc for CIPRAMIL or CIPRAGER there really good and they help you sleep better plus there is no side effects at all
and you can decide wether to increase your dose or not depending on how you are feeling
gud luk
hugs xxxxxxx
2007-01-17 00:08:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as far as i recall, fluoxetine is one of the much better antid's.
i would go with that unless u r not allowed to drink
alcohol and thi would be a serious problem!!!LOL!!
good luck!!
2007-01-17 00:06:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋