over the counter anti-depressant

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2004
over the counter anti-depressant
2
Wed, 12-29-2004 - 5:50pm

Are there any over the counter medications I can take to lift my spirits?

I heard about St. John's Wort but read it had side effects (such as neutralizing the effect of birth control), so I cannot take that.

stacey

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2004
Wed, 12-29-2004 - 5:55pm

I've been hearing a lot about fish oil, flaxseed, and cod liver oil. Those might be worth trying to find answers for. I'm looking for answers on those myself since I've heard that they are working for some people's depression.

Sara

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Wed, 12-29-2004 - 8:09pm
when you're looking for mood altering drugs, my advice is to talk to someone who knows more and can also prescribe something that is best for you. i have been taking prozac for 11 years, and for the first few years it had to be monitored closely and that was a good thing to have someone knwoing what was going on. it's almost like having a broken leg and buying yourself an ace bandage at the store- it might help, but the professionals would probably be able to help more and with better materials. hope it is ok that i am so blunt. i have done a lot of research on exercise and depression though and that is somehting that can really help without a docotor or prescription meds.