33 replies to this topic

[ageless]

It goes to show that what works for one may not work for another. Just because you feel you 'need' antidepressants, doesn't mean everyone else does, including those with diagnosed depression. There are good studies, not funded by big pharma, that show SAMe and St. John's Wort are as effective as pharmaceuticals. SAMe has been shown to work almost immediately in many cases and both without the serious side effects of the drugs.
I have been told to take antidepressants a few times over the years and have had success dealing with SAMe and SJW. There are many SAMe products that are contain little or none of the ingredient that they are supposed to... and fairly high amounts maybe needed. AOR SAMe is both stable and effective for me.
SJW has to have effective amounts of hyperforin, which most products lack. This ingredient is unstable also and a quality product is needed. 3-5% hyperforin preferable. Onset of action may be longer with SJW. NSI has a good product IMO.
Some people really like 5-HTP and tryptophan but I have no experience with these, but studies do suggest benefit.
It maybe age and wisdom over the years, but I feel I can cope much better now. I continue to use SAMe and other nutrients such as EPA in fish oil, folic acid, etc...
To be honest I have never taken antidepressants for longer than two weeks, but everytime I experienced harsh side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth and weak immune system. Now I has no side effects and probably have improved my health with the pluripotent benefits of the nutrients outlined above.
I agree, exercise that you enjoy, social activities and creative outlets can surely add to any drug/supplementation protocol.

[xanadu]

Wise words, ageless. And don't forget resveratrol. Many people including me have noticed a mood elevating effect from it. It may take a week or longer to kick in and the amount of the dose needed seems to vary with each person.

[tintinet]

Wise words, ageless. And don't forget resveratrol. Many people including me have noticed a mood elevating effect from it. It may take a week or longer to kick in and the amount of the dose needed seems to vary with each person.

ISTM the general pattern has been mood elevation associated mostly with less pure resveratrol preparations (i.e., those containing some emodin and, perhaps other plant extracts, such as OPCs).

Also, many report the effect appeared transient. Has anyone tried a t-resv. "holiday" followed by re-starting to see if the mood elevation is repeatable?

[ageless]

Wise words, ageless. And don't forget resveratrol. Many people including me have noticed a mood elevating effect from it. It may take a week or longer to kick in and the amount of the dose needed seems to vary with each person.

Hey, thanks xanadu. The resveratrol mood effect is an interesting effect that has been mostly subjective so far. Looking forward to hearing more about this possible effect in future studies through the scientific method.