Do natural antidepressants really work?

[Doodlebug]

Due to rise in insurance, I need to find an all natural antidepressant that really works. Use to take zoloft and wellabuttrin-and they made a big difference w/my moodiness and crying episodes. My insurance is so high now that I can no longer afford these meds even w/the copay. Just heard about Protazen and wondering if it or anything else works. Tried Saint Johns Wort before but didn't take it long enough b/c of the dosage. Had to take 4 pills through the day and couldn't remember. Any suggestions?

[wmayers99]

Protazen is actually far less effective than St. John's Wort, and as you discovered, the latter is little better than placebo. It does have an effect, to be sure, but there are also problems with toxicity at the high doses required to achieve a meaningful pharmaceutical effect.
Speak to your pharmacist/chemist. Some of the major chains do offer assistance to low-income clients and if yours cannot, they may be able to refer you to one that will.
There really aren't any natural or "alternative" antidepressants that work satisfactorily for most folks. The active chemicals in them either are present in too small a quantity to be of help or they're accompanied by a number of other chemicals that can do harm. Pharmacy research has found those helpful chemicals and can synthesize them so that you can safely get a helpful dose without the danger of the other plant chemicals.

[lynne]

they never have for me, and I've really tried

[mokmok69]

Well, thanks for the information I also really want to know what kind of drugs I will use to with a small amount of chemical.

[CaliKid75]

wmayers99, Have you ever taken Protazen? I do, and think it's great. I have tried both prescription meds and other natural remedies (including St. John's Wort), and have had by far the best results with Protazen. Protazen is based on amino acid therapy, which is very different than St. John's Wort. There is a lot of research that backs up amino acid therapy... Unless you have first hand experience with a product, it is irresponsible to advise others.

Doodlebug, even with Protazen, you will need to be diligent with your dosage, but at least you only have to take 2 capsules per day. I just take them both at the same time so I don't forget.