Jennifer Said:

Are there any over the counter medicine for depression?

We Answered:

St. Johns Wort (availible at grocery stores), Kanna (availible only at herbal smoke or head shops for some weird reason), l-tryptophan(availible at vitamine stores), kava kava root (for anxiety realated depression availible in pharmacy area of grocery store as a tea)


Actually, I have read some scientific literature on Kannas active ingredient mesembrine. It was tested via radioactively labeled mesembrine on a cloned rats serritonin receptor to be by far the "most potent SSRI chemical ever found in science" SSRIs are chemicals that improve serritonin levels like prozac or zoloft. Its antidepressent activity was tested via the forced swim test in rats and caused rats that were intentionaly put into a psychological state of "learned heplessness" to prolong their swimming endurence or attempt escape in the water tank. This indicates that the drug has antidepressent activity as the rats suddenly swim longer because of their increased confidence in their ability to swim and survive. The only steps needed now for mesembrine to gain acceptance into mainstream pharmacy is to find a way to synthesis or extract it without its other natural or environmental impurities and then go into human phase test trials. So yes Kanna is an antidepressent that is more potent then any currently used medicen on the market.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=suoHAAA…
http://herbalafrica.co.za/HerbsKanna.htm

Tara Said:

Is there an over the counter depression medicine I can get without going to the doctor?

We Answered:

Hi. Based on what you are describing, that actually sounds a lot like moderate/severe depression and no where near mild. Rarely are medicines useful for treating depression in the long run. They can help you during the acute phase but you can't depend on them forever. My suggestion to you is to go and seek professional help and do as you are advised. Only a mental health practitioner can help you deal with what you are experiencing. And most OTC products you get for depression and anxiety are supplements which aren't proven to be effective or anywhere near being effective and they are recommended only for those who suffer from mild depression which they can live with and don't want to take medicines. Also practitioners of conventional medicine rarely ever recommend supplements for reasons I have mentioned and many other. A doctor will give you some medicines that will help you deal with what you are experiencing and then they'll teach you ways of dealing with depression that you can use in the future to keep it under control.

Bernice Said:

Is there an over the counter depression medicine?

We Answered:

There are a few herbal remedies but one thing that really does work with mild depression is stress vitamins - B complex and C - ask the pharmacist. For more severe depression, I would still see a doctor. Often, it is caused by a chemical imbalance that needs correcting. Also, try exercise every day. I know. That is the last thing that you feel like doing. But try. And, once you get it under control, perhaps counselling so that it ever comes back, you will be better equipped to deal with the feelings. Sometimes antidepressants can cause the chemical imbalance to get worse so close monitoring is a must especially at the beginning until you adjust to them.

Herman Said:

which medicine helps you better with depression over the counter or medicine or prescribed?

We Answered:

Antidepressants are often the first treatment choice for adults with moderate or severe depression. Although antidepressants may not cure depression, they can reduce your symptoms. The first antidepressant you try may work fine. But if it doesn't relieve your symptoms, or it causes side effects that bother you, you may need to try another. All antidepressants have pros and cons, and until you try one, you won't know exactly how well it will work for you.

Some people need to try several antidepressants before finding the medication (or a combination of medications) that works best. Because some antidepressants can take as long as eight weeks or more to reach full effect, this trial and error process can take time. But don't give up. A number of antidepressants are available, and chances are you'll be able to find one that works well for you.
Finding the right antidepressant

There are a number of antidepressants available that work in slightly different ways, and have different side effects. Most work equally well to relieve depression, so choosing the right one generally involves subtle differences. When prescribing an antidepressant that's likely to work well for you, your doctor may consider:

* Your particular symptoms. Symptoms of depression can vary, and one antidepressant may relieve certain symptoms better than another. For example, if your depression symptoms include low energy, an antidepressant that's slightly stimulating may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you have trouble sleeping, an antidepressant that's slightly sedating may be a good option.
* Possible side effects. Side effects of antidepressants vary from one medication to another and from person to person. Bothersome side effects can make it difficult to stick with treatment. Sexual side effects are a particularly common reason people stop taking an antidepressant.
* Whether it worked for a close relative. How a medication worked for a first-degree relative such as a parent or sibling can indicate how well it might work for you.
* Interaction with other medications. Some antidepressants can cause dangerous reactions when taken with other medications.
* Whether you're pregnant or breast-feeding. Many antidepressants may not be safe for your baby when taken during pregnancy or when you're breast-feeding. Work with your doctor to find the best way to manage your depression when you're expecting.
* Your other health conditions. Some antidepressants may cause problems if you have certain mental or physical health conditions. On the other hand, certain antidepressants may help treat other physical or mental health conditions along with depression. For example, bupropion (Wellbutrin) may relieve symptoms of both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression.
* Cost and health insurance coverage. Some antidepressants can be very expensive, especially if there's no generic version available.
* Results of genetic tests. In some cases, blood tests can help pinpoint genetic factors that might influence your response to certain antidepressants. The test doesn't predict which antidepressant will work best for you. But it may suggest which ones may not work, and which ones may cause the worst side effects. This type of testing isn't widely used yet, but it's becoming more common.

Types of antidepressants

Certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are associated with depression, particularly the neurotransmitters serotonin (ser-oh-TOE-nin), norepinephrine (nor-ep-ih-NEF-rin) and dopamine (DOE-puh-mene). Most antidepressants relieve depression by affecting these neurotransmitters. Each type (class) of antidepressant affects these neurotransmitters in slightly different ways.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Many doctors start depression treatment by prescribing an SSRI. SSRIs are safe and relieve depression for most people. However, like many antidepressants, they can cause sexual side effects — most commonly failure to achieve orgasm in women, and delayed ejaculation in men. SSRIs include:

* Citalopram (Celexa)
* Escitalopram (Lexapro)
* Fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly)
* Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Luvox CR)
* Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
* Sertraline (Zoloft)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs include:

* Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR). Venlafaxine may work for some people when other antidepressants haven't. It can cause side effects similar to those caused by SSRIs. Venlafaxine can raise blood pressure, and overdose can be dangerous or fatal.
* Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Desvenlafaxine is similar to venlafaxine. It may be less likely to cause sexual side effects and other side effects than does venlafaxine, but more research is needed to confirm this.
* Duloxetine (Cymbalta). Duloxetine may help relieve physical pain in addition to depression — but it isn't clear yet whethe

Terry Said:

Is there any over the counter medicine for depression?

We Answered:

There is a supplement called St. John's Wort that supposedly can help depression and sleep problems. I think it is popular in Germany, but studies say that it is mostly placebo and does not do much. I strongly suggest going to the doctor, even a regular doctor can prescribe you some antidepressents. Also, do not take St. John's Wort and antidepressents at the same time it's really bad for you.
Hang in there, go talk to a counsler or a close friend. Nobody's judging.