Is there any over the counter medications or remedies for depression and anxiety?!?
Question posted by Pharaoh1144 on 4 Jan 2015
Last updated on 4 February 2019 by Rosy101
I'm a soldier and I have been suffering with depression and anxiety for at least 8 years. I could not ask for professional help because it will affect my career so bad; It may even terminate my career. I have been just wondering if there is an over the counter medication for depression and/or anxiety.
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27 Answers
RO
Rosy101
4 Feb 2019
I am in the process of researching remedies for anxiety. In addition to drugs I have seen good reviews for alternative methods e.g. acupuncture, reflexology and craniosacral therapy where the therapist uses gentle touch to palpate joints of the cranium. This is getting hugely popular. To my mind personally I favour a combination of both types i.e. regular medical treatments combined with alternative therapies. Best Wishes.
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EA
eandjracquet
27 July 2018
I have found Sam-e works for both anxiety and depression better than Prozac or Lexapro.
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CM
cmoca
11 April 2018
When it comes to sleep I'd recommend California poppy extract and valerian extract. If you take them together make sure you're already wherever you intend to pass out.
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WI
WildcatVet
11 Nov 2017
"Interactions between your selected drugs: Moderate St. John's Wort/ Valerian Applies to: St. John's Wort, Valerian Root (valerian) MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients.
MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Cautious dosage titration may be required, particularly at treatment initiation. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.
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KA
Kanina
11 Nov 2017
I realize this is a 2 year old post but wanted to respond in the event it may benefit someone in need.
I see someone mentioned St John’s Wort. I do know there is a product by Panaxea International called “PS Calm”. It’s an amazing product that relieves people of fight or flight mode. It’s main ingredient is SJW, but has other Chinese herbs as well.
You cannot get it OTC but you can get it through your local naturopathic doctor. Runs around $36 for 60 caps.
Hope this helps.
Votes: +1
KA
Kanina
11 Nov 2017
And as a few have already mentioned, tell your ND all the OTC, other supplements and prescription drugs you’re currently taking, which they should ask for anyway. Very important.
SA
Sammy5504
22 Sep 2017
Hi! The first call is with your doctor he or she can offer lots of antidepressants but it seems you are not allowed. Ask the pharmacist for help. There's lots of over the counter medications that can help. There's , kalms, St. John's wort these are only two which I know .
Yes there is Sam-e, St. Johns wort, 5-htp, among many others but these are just a few examples. You did not mention if you are on any medications for anything or being treated for any disease. A lot of these over-the-counter herbs and supplements react with many medications, especially if you take an anti-depressant but it could be any medication. Always talk to your doctor before beginning these or any supplement or weight loss aid, etc, especially if you are on medication or have a disease. the biggest risk of taking these supplements with many other meds is SEROTONIN SYNDROME, which can cause some horrifying side effects and even death. Always do your research too because vitamins and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Best regards.
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HI
HighDesertSage
15 July 2017
I've had surprisingly good anxiety relief from Nature's Way Calm Aid. There are lots of positive Amazon reviews. The active ingredient is Silexan. You'll find several impressive clinical trials of Silexan online. In at least one study it was as effective as Ativan, a benzo. In the study 160 mg was only a little more effective than 80 mg (one capsule). I always keep it on hand.
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WI
WildcatVet
12 July 2017
Make an appointment with a naturopath or at very least a reliable, licensed pharmacist before using herbal or *natural* supplements or remedies. Herbal or *natural* or not they can cause severe reactions, side effects, and adverse reactions in many people, especially when mixed or mixed with common OTC products and prescription medications. Many can also cause false positives on routine drug screens. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/st-john-s-wort.html
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PR
Praguemaillady
12 July 2017
I am a military dependent. Same issues. Our MTF put me on Wellbutrin. It helps some but I've had more luck with B12, fish oil, B6, magnesium, D3, treating sleep apnea. Also our Behavorial Meds has Alpha Stim devices to use. I was told it's like a brain massage. I tried it. It worked for me got a script and ordered the device. They work with you on payment plan but it was completely worth it for me. Helps with depression, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia. Worth looking in to.
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SA
Sammy5504
4 May 2017
Try St Johns Wort. You can get this from any herbalist shop. Don't take it with any anti depressants.
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NE
Neededsomthing
26 May 2017
Besides it risk of side effects with other mess for depression it also makes you sensitive to the sun!!!
TE
TerraGreen
21 March 2017
You can try St. John's wort. It works really well for some people so worth a shot and it's herbal. Also at a health food store try finding St. John's wort mixed with vitamins and maybe amino acids. Good luck! For anxiety you can try Valerian root. Good luck to you! God bless~
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IN
Inactive
20 Feb 2017
Be careful of fasting without the supervision of your doctor. Some fasts can be quite dangerous and hazardous to your health! It can really screw up your blood sugar levels, amongst other more serious problems, such as blood pressure, anxiety, etc. I found out the hard way!
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MH
Mhall33
20 Feb 2017
If you go to anti aging systems you will discover a wealth of information and can order any of their products online. Try it and you will be happily surprised. Much better the USA over the counter products. Thank you so much for your service! I appreciate you!
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JU
Judester192404
21 Nov 2018
Someone please help I have panic attacks what do you suggest over the counter?