are there any over the counter anti depression medication?
January 11, 2010 by admin
Filed under Mental Health
Erik Mathes asked:
I have diagnosed MYSELF with depression. Its not a suicidal depression, its just like, sad and pessimistic all the time. i push most friends away and i just put on a happy smile so people assume everything is dandy with my life. i work 2 jobs and go to school to escape depression, and it works, but when i come home, i feel this sadness, dark cloud, feeling. theres no major problems at home either. i have had this feeling off and on for about 2 years now. i have always been against anti depressants but there just comes a point where im tried of fighting. i really dont want to see a dr unless i really have too. i dont like disclosing my personal information to people. i dont mind posting on here because i will never talk to any of you prob ever again…
I have diagnosed MYSELF with depression. Its not a suicidal depression, its just like, sad and pessimistic all the time. i push most friends away and i just put on a happy smile so people assume everything is dandy with my life. i work 2 jobs and go to school to escape depression, and it works, but when i come home, i feel this sadness, dark cloud, feeling. theres no major problems at home either. i have had this feeling off and on for about 2 years now. i have always been against anti depressants but there just comes a point where im tried of fighting. i really dont want to see a dr unless i really have too. i dont like disclosing my personal information to people. i dont mind posting on here because i will never talk to any of you prob ever again…
you diagnosed yourself? and when did you get your Ph degree? no you can not get anti depression meds over the counter. which is why a DOCTOR should be the one who diagnosed you.
The only thing that I am aware of is St Johns wart. You could go to a vitamin store and ask them .they will have more ideas to help you feel better. Best of luck!
sounds like depression to me, I think u really need to go to the doctor. there is no since in going thru life feeling like that if u don’t have to. medication helps I have used them before. and i had nothing to b depressed about either. its an illness just like diabetes ect… u cant help how u feel. but u can do something about it. there is nothing to be embarrassed about as far as i no there are no over the counter meds.
Yes. Please read the following article. 2/3rds of the way down, “Dietary Supplements.”
Clinical depression - Wikipedia
Also read:
Antidepressant - Wikipedia
Another possibility:
Inositol - Wikipedia
It sounds like you may also experience
Anxiety - Wikipedia
and
Social anxiety - Wikipedia
The steadfast refusal to see a doctor and the mistrust of other people indicates that there may also be a mild form of a personality disorder. Possibly Cluster C (anxious or fearful disorders).
Personality disorder - Wikipedia
Please, I am not diagnosing you. I do not know you. I am simply providing a direction so that you proceed with research in a productive efficient manner.
However, I do believe the following. Unless your attitude about asking for help changes I expect that results in this endeavor will be roughly equivalent to going out on a blustery day and pissing into the wind.
Most psychological problems in life have a biochemical cause, but people are very complicated creatures. In order to successfully improve oneself you need to address all aspects of your life. Diet, exercise and social interaction; just to name a few.
Since you have a problem with doctors I suggest this book. Natural supplements are given just as much attention as pharmaceutical medication.
Healing Anxiety and Depression: Daniel G. Amen, Lisa C. Routh
If you do not like the idea of medication then you must first look at your diet.
The Truth About Food: What You Eat Can Change Your Life:
Jill Fullerton-Smith, Mehmet Oz M.D., Mehmet C. Oz
Also, nobodyinparticular, he does not know what he is talking about. St. John’s Wort does help mild depression, but it is not without side effects. The article that nobodyinparticular links to is a political trick by big pharmaceutical companies. To the best of my knowledge no one with any credibility has ever claimed that St. John’s Wort was effective at treating moderate or severe depression. It will only treat mild depression effectively, but it usually does so with far fewer side effects than any of the SSRI medications. This is why the researchers did not test it with people that only had mild depression. They knew that most SSRI’s would look bad in comparison. One other thing. The first few SSRI’s on the market also failed to treat moderate and severe depression. It is only with the release of Lexapro that many people have found relief from more serious depression. The Wikipedia article on depression provides a link to St. John’s Wort that is objective.
Somebody is bound to tell you St. John’s wort.
So I am giving you a link that describes a study that was done that shows it doesn’t work.
I have suffered from depression myself, and have benefitted from taking antidepressants. So I get to tell you that you should really see a doctor. You don’t have to tell them your deep dark secrets. Depression is a condition involving a chemical imbalance in your body, and your deep dark secrets don’t matter. And a doctor can never tell anybody what you tell him, anyway.
I understand your apprehension & desire for privacy.
I suggest you find a professional trained in alternative medicine like accupuncture, accupressure &/or herbal medicine instead of just trying to self-medicate. Even if an medication is OTC, it can still have side effects.
You can also seek a doctor who is willing to work w/ you before resorting to prescription medication.
Related links:
exercise..
when depressed your brain lacks certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and a few others.. when you exercise these chemicals are released along with endorphins.. this is the body’s natural pain killer and what causes “runner’s high”.. dopamine is the chemical related to pleasure and serotonin is the chemical which helps you to sleep..
getting yourself on a regular exercise regimen about 20 minutes a day could really help.. it doesn’t even have to be anything extensive.. simply taking a walk would work..
clinical trials have shown that exercise works faster and lasts longer than anti depressants.. and there are no annoying side effects or chemicals.. and it’s just an all around healthy thing..
also.. try to do things you enjoy.. take time to relax and meditate.. concentrate on your breathing.. maybe listen to some music.. and talk to someone.. i’m not saying go to therapy.. just simply talking to a friend or family member about how you feel..
i hope this helps and that you feel better soon..
Anti_Pop_Chic’s answer is the right one.
I was going to type almost exactly the same words, but read her answer & thought you will find total help from that.
I have also proved that exercise works better than anything else.
All the best.
Don’t listen to the haters.
When you are depressed, you know it. You can feel it, obviously. I have had depression for almost ten years.
Over the counter? Meaning herbal? Try St John’s Wort, 5HPT (encourages serotonin production), mostly I would recommend exercise and just enough being out in the sun will help your brain to manufacture natural anti-depressants.
For me, all I need to do is get a new girlfriend. I don’t know why that works, but it does.
There is a product called “AMORYN” , please do a google search.I suffer from chronic depression for last 6 years and homebound ever since.I am only 24 yrs old but I took Amoryn for 2 yrs and it seemed to help.It is extract of St.Johns Wort so it’s more effective because the active ingredient is in concentrated form.You can order it online.It will help you believe me.Depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.Going to a phycotherapist also helps you because they manupulate the negative energy into positive vibrations.I will try to let you know of more natural therapies.i hope this helps.Also diet is also very useful.Try taking Nature’s Made Omega-3 and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.Cut down on sugar!Walking 20 -30 minutes a day is also a best form of relaxation.You may also try breathing techniques.I will let you know.