Natural Antidepressants: What Are They?

Depression affects millions of people around the world. If you are struggling with depression symptoms, psychotherapy (talk therapy) and prescription antidepressants can help you cope. Commonly prescribed antidepressant medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been proven to be effective and safe to be used along with psychotherapy. However, you may be wondering about the role of different non-drug approaches in relieving depressive symptoms. Taking certain vitamins and herbal supplements may provide certain benefits in improving moods. However, just as with any antidepressant, it is crucial to maintain healthful routines while using dietary supplements to treat depression. Please continue reading to learn more about dietary and herbal supplements that can be beneficial for managing depression.

Can herbal and dietary supplements be used to treat major depressive disorder?

A natural antidepressant supplement could help in treating depression in some people with mild to moderate symptoms, especially if the natural remedy is combined with lifestyle changes and talk therapy. However, people with significant depressive symptoms may not get sufficient antidepressant effects from natural supplements and may require a prescription antidepressant for effective treatment.

People with depression should be aware that certain supplements can have serious side effects. Drug interactions between herbal supplements and prescription medications are a potential concern to keep in mind. Dietary supplements can interact with many other medications, including antidepressant drugs, blood thinners, and heart medications. These drug interactions can make certain medications less effective or can worsen certain medication side effects.

Always check with your healthcare provider before taking any dietary or herbal supplement to control symptoms of depression to prevent bothersome to even life-threatening adverse effects.

What natural remedies and dietary supplements can replace antidepressants?

S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAM-e)

This is a naturally occurring substance in the body that has been studied for treating mental disorders like depression. The synthetic form is sold as a dietary supplement and may reduce symptoms in people with mild depression. The side effects of SAM-e are usually minor and may include stomach upset and nausea.

However, there is no conclusive evidence supporting the use of SAM-e for major depressive disorder. More research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral SAM-e for depression.

This supplement may not be safe for pregnant women or people with a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder, as it can increase mania symptoms. Also, SAM-e can interact with levodopa (L-dopa), a Parkinson’s disease medication, and can reduce the effectiveness of this medication. SAM-e can also interact with any serotonergic agents (substances that can increase the serotonin levels in the brain), which include other antidepressant medications and herbal supplements like L-tryptophan and St. John’s Wort.

Another concern is the use of SAM-e in people who are immunocompromised, for example, those living with HIV/AIDS. SAM-e can enhance the growth of Pneumocystis carinii, and increase the risk of pneumocystis infection in immunocompromised people.

St. John’s Wort

Also called Hypericum perforatum, St. John’s Wort (SJW) is one of the most common natural remedies and most widely available natural antidepressants on the market. International studies have shown that SJW may be more effective than a placebo and equally effective as standard prescription antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. In addition, St. John’s wort tends to cause fewer side effects than prescription antidepressant medications.

However, it is worth noting that this supplement is not consistent in treating major depression. Moreover, while the short-term effects of this herbal medicine have been extensively studied, we do not know much about its long-term effects on mental health. Therefore, St. John’s Wort should not be used as a replacement for taking antidepressants or delaying professional mental health care to reduce depression symptoms.

Side effects of St. John’s Wort can include dry mouth, upset stomach, tiredness, headache, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, confusion, and sensitivity to sunlight. St. John’s wort can worsen anxiety in some people.

If you take St. John’s Wort for depressive symptoms, you should know that it can have extensive drug interactions with many other drugs, including birth control pills, heart medications, pain medications, HIV medications, cancer drugs, and blood thinners. Also, taking St. John’s Wort with conventional antidepressants can put you at risk of a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome due to high serotonin levels (this is a brain chemical). Always check with your medical professional before taking St. John’s Wort or other supplements.

In summary, the two major concerns regarding the use of St. John’s Wort are drug interactions leading to other prescription medications rendered ineffective and the increased risk of serotonin syndrome when SJW is used in combination with other antidepressants or any serotonergic agents. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal health complication caused by the accumulation of serotonin in the body.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These are polyunsaturated fats (healthy fats) that are found in some fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel, as well as plant sources like nuts and seeds, including walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. People who don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their diet can take them in supplement form. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and are good for heart health and brain health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to be natural antidepressants due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They can be used for managing symptoms of major depression in adults and children. However, omega-3s may not be effective in managing the most significant depressive symptoms in people with severe depression.

Side effects of omega-3 fatty acids include a fishy taste and upset stomach. They can interact with blood-thinning drugs and should be used with caution by people who are taking anticoagulants or have blood clotting disorders.

Other Natural Antidepressants

Many natural remedies have been studied for treating depression and regulating mood, including zinc supplementation, saffron supplements, lavender, 5-HTP, DHEA, chamomile, ginseng, and gamma aminobutyric acid, among others. However, the scientific community is not convinced that these alternative therapies are effective for mood regulation or have any effect on brain processes in people with depression or mood disorders.

While the aspect of using a natural remedy to improve mood may be appealing to many people due to the lack of side effects from prescription antidepressants, it is unclear if supplements can treat symptoms of depression, what their short- and long-term side effects may be, and what drug interactions they might have.

What vitamin is a natural antidepressant?

Some of the vitamins that may act as natural antidepressants include B vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin D supplements. Studies have shown that some people with depression have lower vitamin D levels, for example. However, it is questionable whether taking B vitamins or vitamin D supplements can lower the risk of developing depression or treat depression. If you have an unbalanced or poor diet, talk to your healthcare provider about taking vitamin supplementation. However, keep in mind that vitamin supplements can interact with other medications, especially at high doses.

What is the best natural antidepressant?

There is no single natural antidepressant that has been consistently proven to reduce depression or work better than others in relieving symptoms of depression. You should talk to your mental health professional about treatment options, including a prescription antidepressant medication, to manage your condition. Keep in mind that psychotherapy, along with antidepressants, is crucial for treatment success and prevent relapse.

What lifestyle changes can help with symptoms of depression?

Along with some of the natural antidepressants listed above, a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and stress management with meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are some of the lifestyle changes that can be useful in managing depressive disorders.

References: