Natural alternative to anti-depressants?

[DMT]

I tried zoloft a few years back. I hated being on it. The sleep side effects (insomnia, weird dreams), sexual side effects, the first time I took it I woke up thinking I had a stomach virus the next morning (which had the opposite effect on my anxiety!) It also made me gain weight and that was the main reason I just wanted off. That and the fact I just didn't want to have to be on medication. The side effects were bad going on, but they were down right horrific trying to get off. The months of constant wooziness and brain zaps was just too much. I kept cutting the pills in half and skipping days to go off slowly, but it was still bad and took months to go back to "normal" and several months after that for my metabolism to go back to what it was and the weight to come off.

Now that I'm realizing what a problem my anxiety is, I went to a psychiatrist who gave me a prescription for lexapro. He understood my concerns with the zoloft, but said antidepressants have minimal side effects - and compared its effects to taking a vitamin. I of course wanted to smack him. Doctors shouldn't make such claims until they have to take the medicines they are prescribing.

So I'm still undecided on the lexapro. I've been reading up on natural supplements to boost seratonin levels. I know they may not be as good as a true anti-depressant, but if it boosts seratonin like an antidepressant would, without some of the side effects, I figure it's worth trying before committing to an anti-depressant long term (or "forever" as they psychiatrist put it).

Has anyone had any experience with anything natural? Amino acids, St. John's Wort, etc? I'm interested in hearing your experiences.

[Mutanatia]

I am on lexapro. Worst that happens is you suddenly have to use the bathroom or your appetite increases. That's it.

Also, it sometimes makes things worse before they get better. You may obsess a bit more during the first month, but after that you'll be right as rain

[Grace47]

I have had limited success with 5HTP. It helps the body produce more seritonin. It did not work as well for me as antidepressants, but it did help some. Good luck!

[DMT]

Thanks for the responses. I'm in a really bad place lately and this weekend was a reminder why I need to just give in and take the medication. So I started the lexapro today. Actually, it's a generic of lexapro. I hope that doesn't mean there will be worse side effects...

[Mutanatia]

What a coincidence! I'm on that, too! In about a month, you'll be as right as rain. When you first ease on to it, though, just so you know, the obsessing in your head *might* get a little worse. Stick with it. IF that doesn't go away in like...2-3 weeks, talk to your psych, okay?

[momtecz]

DMT....i hope the medication helps...I was totally against letting my daughter take any sort of medicine when this sickness started for her last year...,but my husband and I had to do what was best for her and that is what you need to think of DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU!!! Give the medicine time and I hope you begin to feel better!!!

[staystrongxx]

Mutanatia, I was on Lexapro and it totally made me much more obsessive! I thought I was alone in that.

I'm on 50mg of Zoloft now, started at 25 and yes the side effects were terrible- lots of n* and what I like to call "Zoloft tummy" Which is the urgent need to use the restroom.
But i think in combination with my seroquel it is helpful.