Antidepressant Vitamins

Often, with such conditions as major depression and other more severe conditions, prescribed medication is the best course of treatment. However, there are several naturally occurring minerals and herbs that have been known to help alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms of depression. These symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, sadness, anxiety and mood changes. St. John’s Wort, SAM-e, Vitamin B Complex, Bacopa, Valerian Root, 5-HTP, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA), L-Threonine, Skullcap, Niacin, Cynocobamin and Cobolamin are some of the naturally occurring herbs and minerals that can help with the symptoms of depression. All of these substances affect the chemicals in the brain differently and can help patients with mild or moderate depression to control their symptoms in a more natural way. Some vitamins and minerals may also help with such conditions as bipolar and symptoms of mania or manic depression as well.

St. John’s Wort:

This vitamin supplement has gained respect and popularity over the past few years. The minerals contained in this substance are Hypericin, Hyperforin and Adhyperforin. These derivatives give St. John’s Wort its ability to help with depression. The active ingredients in St. John’s Wort are known to be a natural reuptake inhibitor. This means that it has an effect on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norephinephrine, which are responsible for stabilizing mood. Because St. John’s Wort inhibits MAOs and increases the level of serotonin in the body, it enhances the body’s ability to relax. Patients should consult with a physician or psychiatric doctor before taking St. John’s Wort. It can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron and should not be taken with other forms of antidepressants due to drug interactions.

SAM-e:

The name SAM-e is short for S-adenosyl-methionine and is classified as a dietary substance. This is a natural chemical that occurs in the body. When the amount of SAM-e is increased in the body, it produces a positive effect on the important neurotransmitters; serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for stabilizing mood. This substance is not approved by the FDA in the United States to treat depression and is considered a dietary substance. However, it is readily available in Europe and is being used as a prescription drug to treat depression. Taking too much SAM-e can cause anxiety, mania or manic episodes.

Vitamin B Complex:

Vitamin B is essential to well-balanced emotional health. Eating foods rich in vitamin B or taking supplements can increase energy and help fight fatigue, which are two symptoms that often accompany depression. Vitamin B Complex has a strong and positive effect on cell communication in the brain. It also helps to support a healthy central nervous system. While Vitamin B is essential to the overall well-being of a patient’s emotional health, it is important to consult with a doctor before increasing the levels of Vitamin B.

Bacopa:

Taking Bacopa can help a patient with depression to have better focus and concentration. There are three chemicals in Bacopa that help with brain function. These chemicals include Bacosides, Alkaloids and Glycosides. All of these chemicals help with concentration, focus, mental endurance and memory. This is a supplement that is fairly new to the scene when dealing with alternatives to depression treatments. The side effects of taking too much Bacopa are unknown. It is important to understand the literature and warnings before taking this supplement.

Valerian Root:

A common symptom in patients that suffer from depression is difficulty sleeping. Valerian Root can help with this symptom because it is a mild sedative. It reduces tension and stabilizes mood to allow a healthy emotional balance. Patients that are having trouble sleeping should consult with a doctor as it is important to rule out any underlying problems before administering a supplement.

5-HTP:

5-HTP is derived from the seeds of Griffonia Simplicifolia. It is helpful in the production of serotonin. 5-HTP controls mood balance and can counter symptoms that effect appetite and sleep. When taking this supplement, it is important to continue with healthy lifestyle habits and to create a plan for overall well-being. When the neurotransmitters associated with serotonin are affected in a positive way, the body then has the ability to control and stabilize mood and other depression symptoms. Two side effects that are known to occur occasionally are stomach and intestinal upset.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been shown to affect patients with depression that have been known to have low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 Fatty Acids have a greater impact on such conditions as SeasonalAffective Disorder (SAD) than on those such as bipolar disorder. However, patients who have bipolar disorder that take this mineral as a supplement may find that they have fewer relapses in mood swings. The effect of these fatty acids on more severe cases of bipolar disorder or major depression is still unclear. Omega 3-Fatty Acids can be found in such foods as salmon, mackerel, tuna, flaxseed, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. Having too much Omega-3 Fatty acids however, may cause several side effects including nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn.

DL-Phenylalanine:

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) works similarly to tricyclic antidepressants, one of the first forms of antidepressants. It works by raising phenylethylamine levels in the brain and increases the production of norepinephrine. DLPA is also known to increase the lifetime of endorphins, which regulate mood and pain. Symptoms associated with depression such as sadness and physical symptoms like tension headaches or muscle pains may be alleviated or lessened when taking DLPA.

L-Threonine:

L-Threonine is an amino acid that is essential to the body. It can only be obtained by eating enough protein. Often, depressed patients have been found to have low levels of L-Threonine in their bodies. Not only does this vitamin supplement help with symptoms of depression including mood, it is also known to give support to the immune system as well. Patients with liver or kidney problems should not take L-Threonin, as it can cause damage as too much of this amino acid can cause damage to these organs.

Skullcap:

Skullcap is an herbal remedy that is great for the nervous system. It can help depression sufferers to calm symptoms like agitation, hysteria, anxiety, neurasthenia, headaches and fatigue. It is also useful when dealing with symptoms of withdrawal from antidepressants or other medications that are being used to treat depression. It has a strong potential of helping with pain as well as other symptoms of depression, so taking the herbal treatment of Skullcap can help a patient suffering with depression to have an overall better grasp over their symptoms and a better chance at dealing with everything that can come with a downward change in mood. Taking too much of this herbal treatment can cause seizures and liver damage, so proper dosage should be discussed with a medical professional.

Niacin:

Niacin is found in vitamin B3. It is necessary for cell respiration. This treatment can be administered to those suffering from schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It has a positive effect on memory and is responsible for the synthesis of sex hormones. For people that take Niacin supplement, there can be an increase in mental alertness. While this is a positive vitamin to assist in the treatment of some depressive conditions, it is also known to have some side effects if the dosage is not administered properly. These side effects include allergy, rash, peptic ulcer, hepatic abnormalities, dilated blood vessels, low blood pressure, damage to the liver, and increased blood sugar levels. It may also cause lower cholesterol levels. This supplement should be taken under the supervision of a doctor or practitioner. Patients suffering from depression should consult with a medical professional before taking Niacin as an alternative treatment.

Pyridoxine:

Pyridoxine, like the other members of the Vitamin B family, is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates and proteins. Pyridoxine is found in Vitamin B6 and is especially important in the functioning of the human body. A deficiency of Pyridoxine can lead to irritation, anxiety, changes in mood and behavior, insomnia and nervousness. If an overdose of Pyridoxine occurs there are several side effects.

Cyanocobamin and Cobolamin:

These two chemicals are found in Vitamin B12. Cyaqnocobamin and Cobolamin are known as “energy vitamins.” Cobolamin is needed to produce red blood cells and helps to regulate appetite and promote growth. Often, depression sufferers respond more quickly to depression medications when taking a B12 supplement. A patient may experience side effects due to an overdose of Cyanocobamin and Cobolamin. These side effects include skin allergies, rash, infection and nervousness.

While the common treatment of depression and other like conditions is prescription medication, there is also the option of herbal supplements and vitamins to alleviate the symptoms of depression. People that suffer from mild to moderate depression may benefit from the positive effects of such vitamins as Omega-3 and St. John’s Wort. There are always positives and negatives to all types of treatments, so it is important for patients to discuss the benefits and risks of taking supplements as part of an anti-depression treatment plan with a trained medical professional such as their personal doctor.