Alternative Medications for Depression

Depression can be linked to poor nutrition or a hormonal imbalance. Both can be remedied, in some cases, with a simple change in diet or by using additional supplements. For some people, finding alternative medications and changing routines is more appealing than taking pills for depression.

Vitamin D

• If you do not regularly experience natural sunshine, you may a deficiency in Vitamin D. The sun helps your body produce Vitamin D. Depression has been linked to a lack of this vitamin.

Ginkgo Biloba & St. John's Wort

• Ginkgo Biloba and St. John's Wort have been used as alternative medications for depression. They are not scientifically proven to work, but they have been used worldwide for hundreds of years.

SAM-e

• S-Adenosyl methionine, SAM-e, is naturally produced within the body. As we age, our bodies produce less SAM-e, which has been linked to depression. SAM-e helps produce high levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. SAM-e helps ease symptoms of severe depression with far less side effects than prescribed medications.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

• Harvested from the seed pods of the plant Griffonia simplicifolia, found in West Africa, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) can be used as an alternative medication for depression as it is found to produce serotonin, a chemical key to emotions and feelings of well-being.

Amoryn

• Amoryn contains serotonin, dopamine, GABA and norepinephrine, all of which have positive effects on the brain.