Discover What to Take For Depression Besides Prescription Anti-Depressant Medicines

If you go to see your doctor and ask him what to take for depression he or she will likely prescribed anti-depressants like Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Cymbalta, etc. They all come with their own set of side effects and that is why many people are starting to ask for alternative medicines. Many natural medicines and supplements have the same track record for success as prescriptions. Basically they work the same way as supplements for depression by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.

It is not surprising that many suicidal people have very low serotonin levels. Because serotonin is a neurotransmitter it helps the brain to convey and communicate within the different areas of the brain. Serotonin levels can affect your moods, sleep, memory and many other functions in the body, including libido.

Researchers believe the root cause of depression are these low serotonin levels. Once the levels rise the depression is lifted. If you are wondering what to take for depression in the form of supplements the following are the top six:

--St. Johns Wort elevates dopamine and serotonin levels. You should consult your physician because St. John's Wort has been shown to block or lessen the effects of certain drugs and can cause minor side side effects like sensitivity to light, dry mouth, dizzy spells and fatigue.

--Vitamin D also contributes to producing serotonin along with aiding immune function and absorption of calcium. If you have low levels of this vitamin you may experience depressive moods.

--SAMe also helps the body to increase serotonin levels.

--5-HTP is an amino acid which your body converts into serotonin helping to regulate depression, anxiety, sleep and anger.

--B complex in low levels can contribute to depression. They are vital in your support of mental health. Although each B vitamin performs specific roles the symptoms of deficiency are fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, memory problems, loss of appetite, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic stress, mood swings, paranoia, irritability, confusion, dementia, hallucinations, or mania.

--Omega-3 Fish Oils were found to improve brain cell communication. People that had less omega-3's (like fish oils), or (walnut and flax seed contain a precursor that helps the body convert it to EPA and DHA) and too much omega-6's (refined vegetable oils, snack food, cookies) had more symptoms of depression.

--Holy Basil (not to be confused with basil used in cooking) is also known as Tulsi. Holy basil will reduce Cortisol levels (stress hormone) directly related to serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine levels causing depression. Holy basil can also help with fatigue.

Eating mostly vegetables and fruit, exercising, staying active combined with what to take for depression in the advised supplement list will help you attain a healthy frame of mind.