Can I take 5 HTP instead of antidepressants?

The 5-HTP was found to be as effective as the antidepressant, with fewer side effects. The small study that did meet the quality criteria found that 5-HTP worked better than placebo at alleviating depression.

What is the best over the counter supplement for depression?

Supplements for depression

• NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
• Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that plays numerous essential roles in your body.
• B vitamins.
• Zinc.
• S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) SAMe is a sulfur-containing compound that’s shown promise in the treatment of depression.
• St. John’s Wort. St.
• Magnesium.
• Creatine.

How effective is Sam E?

SAM-e has some evidence as a treatment for osteoarthritis pain. Some studies have found that oral SAM-e is as effective as NSAID painkillers, such as ibuprofen and Celebrex. SAM-e takes longer to act than drugs do, but it also has fewer side effects than NSAIDs.

Can you take 5-HTP and antidepressants together?

Antidepressants — People who are taking antidepressant medications should not take 5-HTP. These medications could combine with 5-HTP to cause serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition characterized by mental changes, hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.

Is Sam-E good for depression?

Generally safe. SAMe appears to be safe and might be effective in treating depression and osteoarthritis. However, SAMe might interact with antidepressants. Don’t use SAMe and prescription antidepressants together.

Does Sam-E increase serotonin?

Animal studies show that SAM-e increases levels of serotonin, but not the same way as SSRI or tricyclics work. They prolong the effect of a neurotransmitter by blocking its reuptake after it ferries a signal across the gap from one nerve cell to the next.

Is there any OTC medication for depression?

Some of your customers could find relief from depression in the OTC and supplement aisles. According to a study published October 28 in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil can reduce the symptoms of major depression.