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Is anyone taking Supplements/vitamins for clinical depression?

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Posted 9/4/2005 4:10 PM (GMT -6)
I was on SAM-e for about three years and it pooped out on me.  I went to General Nutrition center and was told that one should stop Amino acids for a few months and then get back on them because our bodies get used to them and we don't feel as good.  I just started to take L-Theanine Calmplex that has GABA and 5-HTP in it.  I no longer have any anxiety and my depression has lifted a bit as well.  I love being so calm!

However, I feel I need more as I feel the depression in the background and the lady at GNC thought I might do well on Magnesium/Calcium supplements, she said that was very helpful for depression and emotional PMS symtoms as well.  She also suggested I take a good Multimvitamin and Amino Acid blend as well.  I was prescribed Cymbalta, but do not want to deal with the side effects right now. I am going to try the natural route for awhile.  Is anyone else going this route?  I heard Cymbalta was not studied for major depression for more than 9 weeks!

Posted 9/4/2005 5:08 PM (GMT -6)

Hello,

I take Calcium / Magnesium, Valerian Root and Melatonin. I suffer from Chronic Daily Migraines and find the Calcium / Magnesium and Valerian Root help control the pain and calm the anxiet that comes about from daily pain. The melatonin is helping me sleep. Right now I feel like I go three rounds with Mike Tyson each night. I take these in addition to my anti-depressant - Celexa.

I have taken St. John's Wort as well as an anti-depressant, though don't take it as well as an anti-depressant. It didn't have as strong effects as the Celexa.

Posted 9/5/2005 3:37 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Nicky- Thanks for the response! Can you please tell me how much Magnesium/Calcium you take? On the bottle, it says to take 4 pills a day (two in the morning, two at night), but I feel that's a bit much as I am also taking a multivitamin that has Magnesium in it. Also, I am thinking of taking Melotonin, as since I have been off the SAM-e, am waking up at 3am and can't go back to sleep! Does it make you groggy?? Do you take 2.5 mg or 3mg?
Posted 9/6/2005 10:57 PM (GMT -6)

Hello,

I take 6 tablets of Calcium / Magnesium (350/175) - 2 in the morning, 2 at noon and 2 in the evening. I started at the recommendation of my naturopath and confirmed this with my doctor and he says this is fine.

I am taking 3 tablets of 3 mg of Melatonin nightly. I'm not experience any groggy feelings with it. I have checked this with my doctor as well and he says its fine, not addictive. I'm coming off pain killers so I'm not sleeping well at all, waking up at 3 am and not able to go back to sleep. I started the Melatonin and Valerian Root last week and am now sleeping well and waking up feeling good.

Posted 9/7/2005 9:20 AM (GMT -6)
Oh my gosh..that seems so much taking all these supplements - mornings..afternoons and evenings..e-gad.  I told my concern to the lady at the health food store, and she said she doesn't think of it that way, but rather that she is feeding her brain and body.  I sometimes think it would be so much easier to give in to chemical antidepressants and their side effects because it would only be one pill a day..oh..decisions..decisions..I am confused..what to take..how much..etc.  Have made an appointment with a Medical Doctor who also is a specialist in herbs and supplements.

Posted 9/10/2005 1:01 PM (GMT -6)

Hi Rianna,

I also suffer from chronic daily migraines and take three medications daily for those so I was already used to taking a bunch of medications . I have a dispenser in which I put the pills each week and just take the little square full when I get up, at lunch and then in the evening.

I have found that I was tired this week so I am going to reduce the melatonin to 2 3mg tablets each day this week. I find a lot less side effects from natural remedies than medications.

Good luck! I'm intersted to hear how it goes.

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