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
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.
I have found improvement by using a sun lamp for 30 minutes a day on cloudy days, and going for a walk on sunny days. Sunshine raises serotonin.
Votes: +2
MI
Mike61943
29 Nov 2016
I'll tell you the way brother. Fasting and prayer. I have come a very long difficult 4 years to get where I am now; also 4 admittances to mental hospotal. I now sleep 6-8 hours a night, libido is excellent. Twice in one day so far. And I can do 39 push ups. So here we go.
Don't beleive any of the bs people say that energy drinks and pre workout drinks are bad. Do a 3-4 hour session. Listen to Christian rock or christian music on youtube cranked to the loudest on your ear buds. Start with Monster energy. Slam back 2 cans. You can do so push ups or sit ups but it isn't necessary. You'll most likely have to go to the washroom and crap a brick. Keep drinking the pre boiled water. You might have to go to the washroom 4-6 times but this is all part of fasting. You might cry tears of happiness but you are releasing the pain. Every memory is stored in your brain. Have to wake up your brain.
Have a buddy to talk to or just talk with God and say prayers for anything you can think of. It's all good.
Okay. Eventually your body will build tolerance to the drinks and you'll drink them like it's water. And you might have a little bit of fat on your stomach area but that doesn't matter. I'll list the drinks I went through.
Monster energy, Rockstar, Guayaki, Mr Hyde and finally WMD. This process might take 6 months to a year but it worked for me. When you start to feel sleepy you will sleep so good and heal your entire body. Put a large plant close to your head on your bed side table. The plant will give off tons of oxygen at night. Say the Lords prayer every night and say the armor of God once.
Votes: +1
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!
IN
Inactive
6 March 2017
I haven't tried fasting yet, but I think it's worth a shot. I'm looking into an elimination diet to see if I have any food sensitivities. I know I am allergic to bell peppers, but there might be other foods that don't serve my well-being.
I will cry if it's milk. I could easily give up gluten. But cheese!
Any OTC/herbal medication should only be used under the supervision of a physician or naturopath. These preparations can have severe side effects and most can potentially interact with other medications you may be taking.
Votes: +0
SA
sapphire2011
21 Feb 2017
This is very good advice Wildcat Vet
GM
gmc500
16 Nov 2016
Hi. Some supplements not specific to depression, may though help depression in some while maybe not in others (and some will find it makes them worse, while this happens also for some with depression specific recommendations).
There's the foreword and a caution to this approach, but I feel it may help some better than depression specific approaches. Depression can come from a mix of factors, such as stress and anxiety with other things, maybe even where the sufferer is unaware they have been stressed or anxious. It may also just be that a person is not feeling enough relaxation that their brain, mind and body needs, mostly in the head (so more of a neurological depression maybe), and never thought of this.
Over time, taking the Indian ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha can help. (It tastes horrible if you take it in powder form, but powder form is best, as it’s better to take quite a lot, and every day. Such as a heaped teaspoon, increasing from half that, increasing to one and a half teaspoons. Judge it yourself. You need to mix it with a little liquid and maybe have a small drink of something just after for the taste).
Other things to take (one or two with Ashwagandha is a good idea) are L-Theanine, GABA supplement (such as “True Calm” with an everyday, basic multivitamin), and high strength valerian.
It might be a good idea to take something which gives your body some impulse at the same time as these calming remedies for a while, or some days. (But the main thing is to 'bring down' the pace of the head particularly and increase obvious, felt calm periods). L-Carnitine on its own is a good one for some impulse. Maybe some MSM with food - it speeds up bodily functions of the main body, it could be that your head is too fast or unrelaxed for the body. But it's also good to get the odd bit of impulse when you're gradually calming the head - body..
The calming supplements are also definitely worth a try, I think, if you’ve already tried depression specific drugs & supplements. I think they also (eventually) can help you to “feel more yourself”. While serotonin related supplements & drugs such as St John’s Wort, 5-Htp or SSRIs (& other types of anti-depressant), though maybe making you feel short term “good”, can be an artificial feeling and away from the real you. (That’s not to say these are without use.)
Votes: +0
SI
Sideffects2
13 Jan 2015
Green tea is used for its calming effects. You can drink it or use a tab. St. John's Wort works for some. Adequate sleep is a biggie for helping depression and anxiety.
Votes: +4
KA
Kaisersub1
13 Jan 2015
If your on Harvoni, it is contra indicated to use St. John's wart... So being as this BBS is crossed over with that board (BBS) St. John's wart is simply warned as a do not use if you are taking Harvoni. I would,hope,the end of hep c,would offer all thee kinds
NE
Neededsomthing
26 May 2017
St. John's wart can react negatively with many kinds of snri & ssri's and other kinds of anti depressants always talk to your pharmacist!!!
KA
Kaisersub1
9 Jan 2015
Please know I am NOT making light of depression, but from my experience is I have proven to myself when I was depressed, I choose to decide NOT TO ALLOW MYSELF BE... I Pushed my self to do things I enjoyed at the time fishing. Playing my guitar etc... Bottom line simply not allowing myself to be depressed... I picture Eor or Tiger, a of the two I'd rather be happy and be Tiger... hope that helps, and I'm not saying that is easy, I'm saying I did it!
Votes: +2
IN
Inactive
28 Aug 2016
This is where I'm leaning as well. I truly believe Big Pharma has made me more sick. The side effects themselves cause depression.
Of course, I'm not suicidal. If I was, I'd give Wellbutrin another try.
But, for now, I'm concentrating on being healthy and slowly weaning off my meds. I am also working with a therapist. That helps immensely, once you've found the right therapist. We do EMDR and talk therapy. I've also found classes on cognitive behavioral therapy helpful.
But yeah. Sometimes getting going requires me to give myself a mental kick in the ass.
SA
sapphire2011
21 Feb 2017
While I can appreciate what you are trying to convey, a true chemical imbalance is not something you can choose to not feel by forcing yourself to do things. Do you think a person with Major Depression flat down in bed can just "will" themselves to do things. If it were only that easy there wouldn't be a need for this group, medications,etc. I do believe however that once someone finds the right medication to help restore some balance, some light in that darkness, then you can't only rely on the med but do all you can to sustain... such as healthy eating and exercise... you do all you can to keep it from rearing it's ugly head again. And yes, sometimes you have to force yourself. But believe me, I have lived with Major Depression since I was in my teens and when I am as low as I can possibly get without ending it once and for all, forcing myself to do something is something both my mind and body cannot comprehend.
IN
Inactive
6 March 2017
I'm not making light of the chemical imbalance factor. Though, I will mention, that is only a theory. Most antidepressants started being used off-label as mood stabilizers because doctors using the meds noted sedation, elevated mood, etc. as side effects of meds used to treat other conditions like epilepsy.
I believe we dont understand the mechanism of most mental and emotional disorders, so we treat the symptoms. An example would be failing to diagnose hypothyroid or lupus and just dismissing the crushing fatigue as depression.
But regardless of how I feel about meds for depression and anxiety, if I were in a completely non-functioning place, I'd go ahead and use them. No matter what I feel like, I'm responsible for feeding a family, keeping the house, attending their events, etc. That is what forces me to move, or leave the house when I really don't want to. I'm less motivated to do for myself, arts & crafts, music, meditation, etc. Even though I know these things help immensely.
PR
Praguemaillady
12 July 2017
I could feel something was off balance literally. It was not a choice or as simple as deciding. I searched for answers. I came across an article in Psychology Today that addressed the B vitamins and depression. They said my B levels were normal. The article spoke about people sometimes need more B vitamins than what is considered normal. So I went to a time released B12, a fish oil, magnesium and a D3. I also discovered I have sleep apnea. Treatment for that and the vitamins my life has changed completely.
CJ
cjmbos
15 Aug 2017
you are either completely naive or some self-anointed, self-help guru. If you've ever really suffered from depression you would know it is not something you can just will yourself out of. Tell me, do your incredible self healing powers also cure cancer?
I have used benadryl for anxiety at times. But, I have also relied on a therapist and a psychiatrist. If you are afraid of either of those alternatives, how about a pastoral counselor? Or, as was suggested, a primary care provider? I heard a lot of fear in your question, and I know that has to cause a lot of suffering. I would like to hear how things go with you. I don't say this lightly.
Votes: +1
BA
balbanese
5 Jan 2015
Which is more of a threat, the anxiety or the treatment of it? Not stated if this is post enlistment, active duty or combat, regardless, anxiety is a component unless your behind a desk straight out of OCS and no chance of ever seeing action or making life & death decisions. Wondering why it is a career threatening thing?
Votes: +2
LA
LaurieShay
5 Jan 2015
Other OTC supplements touted to aid in depression and anxiety are St. John's Wort and Valerian root, respectively.
Votes: +3
SA
sapphire2011
21 Feb 2017
Just be careful if you do start a medication that you let your doctor know if you are taking one of those supplements as they may interfere, causing them to change the effectiveness of the med and contribute to unwanted side effects. I would suggest mentioning how you feel to your medical dr. My father was career military and took something for depression and anxiety most of the time he was in. You are thinking the worst case scenario which is totally understandable when you are anxious and depressed. Your confidentiality is protected by your doctor so no one has to know except for you and the doc. I sincerely hope you will step outside of your "comfort" zone and give yourself a chance to feel better.
IN
Inactive
4 Jan 2015
what about asking a family dr.? thats as far as i had to go to get my anxiety under control and am free of it today
Votes: +3
IM
imelda2508
13 Sep 2015
I am 24 and have anxiety attacks can you give me any advice on what doctor I should go see
IN
Inactive
4 Jan 2015
Serotonin has been recognized as the neurotransmitter of central importance for so much. Boosting and balancing brain serotonin through tryptophan supplementation works great. My pain management Dr told me to take 4 grams a day of tryptophan for anxiety and pain.
Votes: +3
KA
kaismama
4 Jan 2015
There are pretty many people in the service on anti depressants. You can try L tryptophan, or Sam-E . They might help you.