Nutritional Supplements to Replace Antidepressants

I took the antidepressant Paxil for over seven years. According to Drug Alert, Paxil has multiple side effects which I was not informed of when I began taking it. I quit taking Paxil after experiencing many of the listed side effects. When I quit, I knew that I would need to find ways to stabilize chemical imbalances and compensate for the lack of the drug. Here's my nutritional supplement guide to get off from an antidepressant. I take these in combination and have been able to stay antidepressant-free for over 16 months.

* Vitamin B 100: B 100 means 100 mgs of niacin, thiamine (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), B-6, B-12 (cobalamin), biotin, folic acid and pantheotic acid. I don't use the "stress relief" (or "B complex" formula) as it doesn't always provide enough specific B vitamins. Vitamin B, especially B 12, helps maintain energy, metabolism and nervous system health, say WebMD. Vitamin B works best for me as a liquid.

* St. John's Wort: Also called Hypericum perforatum, this herb works as a natural mood support supplement. I take 600 mgs. daily. If I forget the St. John's Wort, I feel more nervous, irritable and anxious. These were the symptoms that drove me to seek an anti-anxiety and antidepressant medication.

* Bach's Rescue Remedy: This homeopathic sub-lingual spray contains essences of impatiens (to promote patience, empathy and tolerance), Star of Bethlehem (to aid with the aftereffects of trauma and shock), Cherry Plum (which builds self-confidence), Rock Rose (to assist with feelings of panic) and Clematis (to keep a positive grounding in reality). I also Bach's Rescue Pastilles to quell anxiety and calm my feelings of stress. Bach's products can be rather pricey (about $10 each), but they last for almost two months, used daily.

* Emergen-C: Alacer makes a natural effervescent vitamin drink that provides vitamin C and other healing nutrients. This product contains no artificial ingredients. It wards off infection and provides cellular support when recovering from illness. I drink one packet of Emergen-C daily. If I feel an illness coming on or am under the weather, I drink another.

In addition, I make sure to eat at least six small protein meals and snacks daily to get adequate nutrients. I also drink plenty of water. I have found that drinking eight glasses of water daily keeps me healthy. When I am physically healthy I am emotionally stronger.