Numerous herbal antidepressants are available quite easily both on the Internet and as over-the-counter herbal remedies for depression, but it is rather difficult to trust most of them. Actually only a small number of them are of any real value, because most of the others are not supported by evidence of their being effective through extensive clinical studies. Some of the herbal antidepressants may claim some scientific support, but that support is based on insufficient statistical data or on clinical studies that are inconclusive or not extensive enough to produce valid results.
Generally, in cases of depression, the doctor has to ascertain the severity of a person’s depression. A particular person may be afflicted with quite a severe bout of depression and in that case, the doctor may prescribe antidepressant drugs either alone or in combination with psychotherapy. Most herbal antidepressants may not work well enough for persons suffering from severe depression. Even if the herbal antidepressants used are not prescription drugs, it is advisable to take a qualified medical specialist’s advice in the matter of using them. Children under 12 should not be given herbal antidepressants without the approval of a pediatrician. Actually, it may be better to opt for psychological treatment in cases of children and teenagers.
The alcoholic extract from St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has found great scientific support as being a very effective antidepressant. Its active ingredient is called hyperforin, a phloroglucinol derivative, which is an antidepressant compound. Herbal antidepressants claiming to have the standardized, pharmaceutical grade St. John’s Wort extract, but which contain less than 3% of hyperforin, will not give you the desired relief from depression. The extract that has 5% of hyperforin will work best, as per the evidence established through clinical studies.
Those suffering from mild to moderate depression need to take a daily dose of about 900 mg of St. John’s Wort. The dosage goes up to about 1800 mg for cases of increased levels of depression. However, the actual dosage depends upon the age of the patient and the severity of the depression the patient experiences. Younger persons, and persons having milder depression, have to take a lower dosage.
5 - HTP, (5 - hydroxytryptophan) extracted from a plant called Griffonia simplicifolia, is an amino acid which is useful in combating depression and anxiety. If 5 - HTP is added to go with hyperforin, St. John’s Wort will work more effectively.
Almost all the well-known prescription antidepressant drugs of all types have multiple side effects. TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants) are known to cause a dry mouth, constipation, sleepiness, weight gain and sexual dysfunction, besides some other problems. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), especially in the first few weeks of taking them, cause among other things indigestion, impotence or sexual dysfunction, problems in controlling urination, giddiness, confusion, difficulty in remembering, palpitation, increase in blood pressure and so on. Other types of antidepressants also produce side effects.
That is why more and more depressed people are turning to herbal antidepressants, as these have hardly any of the harmful or painful side effects associated with many popular prescription antidepressants. However, it is always advisable to obtain the doctor’s opinion before choosing to take a particular over-the-counter herbal antidepressant or other herbal health products meant for depressed people.
