I would like to find an alternative to depression medication and have heard a lot about Saint Jonn's. Any feedback?

Phil-

Phil

I have had a naturopathic doctor advise me to use 5HTP for depression. Many consider it good natural product that works basically the same way as SSRIs. I used it after several traumatic events in my life, and thought it did as good or better than the pharmacueticals I was prescribed. I still occasionally buy a bottle when I start noticing I am feeling "down" over a period of time. Usually I take it at night, perhaps 3 x 25mg. caps. There should be a lot of literature about it on the internet.
Take care
PB

I know for my depression right now, a lot of hydro sure does ease the pain.

Ingred
It sure sounds like your very addicted to hydro. Sounds like you've got another big stash while trying to quit. I think you should maybe check into a rehab center if you are using them to ease that type of pain. I mean, brand new to the board, and you are talking about a use of a pain medication for improper purposes. Good luck in your continuing quest.
PB

Phil: I have been on celexa 40mg 2 a day for around 6 months now. I dont see a whole lot of difference but they say it takes time. When u are in chronic pain you are depressed and you can see why. So right now I am out of it and I have been crying very easily and so nervous over everything. Just anything tears me up and dont take much. So maybe it was working more than i thought. I am in process of new specialist so hopefully they will put me back on it. I hope my input helped u out some and its not a real strong one like prozac or nothing like that. I guess everybody is different and i really did not want to take an antidepressant but i was talked into it. So we will see in time but for now I am without and I can tell a big difference.

Ingred,

I am concerned for you...is there a professional you can go talk to? I know you're in pain (emotional) and it's easy to mask the pain with medication. I'm afraid that you may over-medicate one day and not be aware that you did. Would you do me a favor and please make an appointment with your doctor or psychologist?

I know you don't know me, and probably think I'm over reacting - but I've been where you are now, several times in my life. Things do get better - and they get better without hydro.

Do you have anybody you can go to as a friend in need? Parents, siblings, cousins, co-worker, boss, anybody just so you can vent? I'm sure there are plenty of people who love you and would do anything to make you smile.

Please, for me and the PW members (if I may), and especially for yourself, seek some guidance ASAP. Everyone here cares about you and is concerned.

If you can't meet with anybody today, then tomorrow. In the meantime, write down your feelings and post it. You have friends here too who will respond.

Take it easy. Want to hear from you soon.

Hi Ingred:

I am sorry you are in so much emotional pain, I have been there myself.
There is help for you, you just have to reach out and take it.
It sounds like you may have some underlying emotional issues and need professional help in dealing with them.
I can tell you as I am sure you are finding out, Hydro is a temporary fix and turns into a problem all it's own..
Please seek some professional help, you will feel better for it..That Hydro will get ya..
If I can help at all let me know.
God Bless you...ACE-

thank you for the caring, luckily I do know the hydro is too quick of a fix so I am keeping my slow schedule, I must say I am bad when it comes to having a "cookie jar" around. I already am feeling better, maybe it was the good nights sleep. But better times AND places are in the future.

I agree with PB, 5HTP works wonders. I take it also and it works much better than the Paxil I was prescribed for my depression several years ago. I did notice that it took a few weeks to start working, so if you give it a try, keep that in mind.

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I will try the 5HTP for sure. Ingred...hang in there dude and find a drug/therapy/support scenario that works for you. Depression doesn't just "go away." You need to deal with it head on or else it will deal with you head on. Good luck man and God bless!

Phil-

Also dont forget counseling does help i go once a week to try to deal with all kinds of issues. Pain can cause your life drastic changes and it sure has mine. So anytime you need a shoulder i will try to help you out if i can.

The ultimate result of depression is suicide. There are good treatments and bad treatments for depression. However, ANY treatment is better than NO treatment which will eventually end up in suicide.

If all you have is a BAD treatment plan for your depression, use that one until you can find a better one. If you have to use hydro to get you through until you can see a psyche doctor...do that! BUT, get your A$$ to a psyche doctor as soon as you can!

This is just my opinion and I an NOT a psyche doctor, but using hydro to get one through seems better than the alternative.

Respectfully,
Phil-