What are the best over the counter medications for depression.?

Question

I know the best thing is to see a therapist, and perhaps even have a perscription...but that can be expensive, and where I live there are no licensed therapists available. It is possible to get generic prescriptions over the counter though (I will be living in Egypt) Basically, if anyone knows anything about clinical depression (it comes and goes in epidodes but when I am depressed it is horrible and effects those that I love around me)...what is the best method of control???

I meant that by living in Egypt sometimes you don't need a prescription like in the States so maybe if there was info on that.

Answer 1

Hi. Thanks for asking an interesting question.

Please look up the medical studies on St Johns Worrt summarized in Wikipedia. Although it sometimes helps with mild depresion there is NO evidence that it is effective for clinical depression. Also, it can have side effects including increased photsensitivity, which would be bad for you living somewehre bright and sunny like Egypt.

It is true that Omega 3 can be helpful, but this may not be enough for clinical depression. It is well worth taking though because it will provide some support and also has many other good health benefits.

My experience has been that lithium orotate (herbal or natural lithium such as used by homeopaths) is extremely effective and the evidence for it's use for serious depresion and also anxiety is growing.

Please see links below, and don't just take what a stranger suggests on the Internet without looking at some further info. Your health is too important!!

Good luck, and I hope you feel better. Sarah

Answer 2

Best over the counter is St Johns Wort - even professionals in mental health advocate this. It takes about 3 weeks to start feeling the effects but it is a natural, non addictive medication. Ask your GP about cognitive behaviour therapy. This therapy is about re training your depressive thoughts away from negativity and towards positivity. It sounds arty farty but I had it for 6 sessions after a very black epidode of depression and ever since when I can feel my mood slipping I go back to what I learnt by this cognitive approach - it works and because you have the control you feel stronger for it. It cant hurt to at least try it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I don't know of anything over-the-counter that would work.
St. John's Wort used to be touted as a natural anti-depressant and can be purchased in health food stores I think.

Exercise is known to be especially effective against depression, even just walking 20-30 minutes a day!

Also try to eat good food and take a multi-vitamin. Good luck!

Answer 4

I thought prescriptions were opposite over-the-counter (you can get OTC *without* a prescription)

Fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acid) is supposed to be among several non-prescription things (like exercise) that fight off depression.

Egypts' sunny climate may help too.