Herbal Anti- Depressants?

Question

Is it legal to buy some herbal anti-depressants if you are under the age of 18?

p.s. I take a prescribed anti- depressant already, I am curios. And please don't be a smart @$$.

Answer 1

It is definitely legal to buy herbs, as they are non-prescription. However, even herbs can possibly interact with some medications. Talk to your doctor first and indicate to them that you'd like to try natural methods to overcome your depression. Hopefully, you'll have an educated physician who'll discuss it with you. If the best they can do is "That stuff is all baloney", I'd change doctors. Also be prepared for the fact that it doesn't work for anyone, and herbs take longer to start having an effect than drugs do. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

There are a variety of herbs and supplements which increase serotonin, the brain's neurotransmitter targeted by the block buster prescription anti-depressant Prozac.

Prior to Prozac's introduction, many people successfully used the amino acid tryptophan to support serotonin levels, but it was withdrawn months before the introduction of Prozac due to a new industrial process that poisoned a few users.

Tryptophan is once again available, now that Prozac is nearing the end of its profitable patent run. The related 5-HTP has been a tryptophan substitute for a decade or more. Both can help with sleep as well. Both of these supplements are available in health food stores.

Fish oil has recently gained a reputation for increasing serotonin levels, and is widely available without prescription. It should be taken with antioxidants as it has a tendency to become rancid.

One herb that always has been available and is widely used by doctors in Europe is St. John's Wort. There are studies showing it more effective than Prozac, and should not be used with Prozac unless supervised by a doctor balancing your levels.

Finally, SAM-e a sulfur based amino acid, has shown some usefulness in depression.

For raising dopamine levels you need to consider tyrosine, Phenylalanine, and some of the "adaptogenic" herbs that have been studied in the Soviet Union such as horse radish.

There are a lot of books in the library on this that can help you find non-prescription support. Some of these deal with the issue of shifting from prescription drugs to a more natural approach. But there is a surprising amount of work that one can do within that requires no drugs nor herbs, and is very effective. I hope you're looking into that as well. Some of these are mentioned above, but I didn’t see meditation or what’s known as cognitive behavioral therapy (positive thinking).


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Answer 3

If you are taking prescribed medication you should NOT take St.Johns Wort .It can increase the rate at which the meds are broken down by your liver , rendering the drugs less effective which could be dangerous .
Having said that, I am all in favour of using herbal tinctures for depression just not St .Johns Wort if you are taking anything from the Doctoras well . There are other herbs that are effective
See a medical herbalist. They can give you specific advice for your individual situation ! Good Luck ! you have the right idea!

Answer 4

Onion, Cinnamon, Camomile, Green Tea, St. John's Wort, Dandelion Tea, Gotu Kola, Jasemine.

Answer 5

SAMe is a natural, vitamin-like antidepressant.

I would not recommend herbal ones for you.

Try more exercise, omega-3 or fish oil capsules, and Calcium-Magnesium supplement -- preferably one with Vitamin D.

You can buy any of the foregoing, but for age 18 you should be careful and get competent advice.

Answer 6

Herbs are not medicines.It will only supplement the natural process of the body.It is legal.Go for a standardised herbal capsule like the one by Himalaya drug company MENTAT.

Answer 7

St. John's Wort - Walgreens

Answer 8

YOU CANT MIX HERBAL ANTI -DEPRESSANTS WITH DRUG ANTI DEPRESSANTS.YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY THEM THERE IS NO RESTRICTIONS BUT IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH AND DIE THEY WONT LET US BUY THEM ANY MORE.(or even sam-e)check labels they tell not to mix.

Answer 9

vitamin b 12 helps

Answer 10

No it is not illegal, one that may help is St. Johns Wartroot