Alternative Depression Medicine

Prescription medication for depression such as Prozac was popularized in the 1994 publication of "Prozac Nation," by Elizabeth Lee Wurtzel. But Prozac and other SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Paxil and Zoloft can have adverse side effects like insomnia, restlessness, weight gain, headaches, anxiety and loss of sex drive. And for some people, the standard medications just don't work. Alternative medications have had some success and some have become popular in Europe. These options include alternative therapies, herbal treatments and supplements.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort has long been a popular herbal remedy for depression. In studies reported by Dr. David Mischoulon, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, it was found helpful with mild depression although not as effective with major depression. Mischoulon stated sufferers should still consider it as an option.

SAM-e Supplement

Reports of successful use of the supplement SAM-e (short for s-adenosylmethiodine, a substance found naturally in the body) have been made by those diagnosed with depression. However, warnings of possibly triggering manic attacks in bi-polar patients have been made. Dr. Richard P. Brown, a Columbia University psychiatrist, has used SAM-e successfully on some severely depressed patients who didn't respond to antidepressants. He warned that the use should be guided by a doctor, however.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Staff at the Mayo Clinic has reported some success in using omega-3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats in seafood like salmon, to combat depression. Other sources of omega-3s include flaxseed, flax oil and walnuts.

Counseling as Medication

Those who suffer from chronic feelings of depression may find counseling can be a cure. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill quotes Robert J. DeRubeis, chairman of the psychology department at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia: "...cognitive therapy works just as well as medication, even in severely depressed people."

Light Therapy

NAMI also reports effective use of a "light box." Forms of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder have long been treated with light therapy. But it has also been found that a daily treatment of 30 minutes in front of artificial light with similar intensity to sunlight (about 10,000 lux) can be as effective as drug therapy with other forms of depression.

Exercise

Exercise has been found to "medicate" depression positively. James Blumenthal is a Duke University psychologist who co-authored a 2000 study on the long-term effects of exercise. He said it has yet to be determined if some chemical change takes place or if the process of overcoming physical challenges does it, "But we know it works." Those who were in a test group and exercised without other drug therapy had fewer relapses than those who used prescription drugs.

Therapeutic Alternatives

Mayo Clinic staff report several therapies in use for depression with no supportive research. Acupuncture, yoga, meditation, guided imagery and massage therapy all have adherents, but reports of success are mainly anecdotal.