Because of the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical antidepressants, some consumers are using herbal and nutritional supplements to naturally combat depression. Both natural and pharmaceutical antidepressants vary in their safety, primary uses, and effectiveness, and each form of natural antidepressant carries its own set of benefits and risks. Among the most popular herbal and nutritional anti-depressants are fish oil, kanna, Sam-e, and St. John's wort, all of which have their own mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Natural Antidepressant: Fish Oil
- Type: Nutritional Supplement
- How Fish Oil Treats Depression: Rather than stimulating a change in brain chemistry, like pharmaceutical SSRIs and most herbal antidepressants, fish oil addresses the issue of omega-3 fat deficiency, a common problem that many nutritionists believe to be a common cause of depression. Because of the increased biological demand for omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation, fish oil is especially ideal for treating the nutritional roots of antenatal and postpartum depression. It is the only natural antidepressant proven to be safe for use with SSRIs.
- Risks: Fish oil has fewer risks than most natural or pharmaceutical antidepressants. Poorly sourced fish oil supplements, which may contain the undistilled oils of predatory fish like tuna, are at risk from heavy metal contamination. Pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is generally distilled to remove any potential contaminants. Other risks associated with fish oil are rare and minimal, and it is safe for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Natural Antidepressant: Kanna
- Type: Medicinal Herb
- How Kanna Treats Depression: Kanna contains the natural herbal compound Mesembrine, a PDE4 inhibitor. This class of compounds has been used to treat depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. Unlike many similar drugs and supplements, kanna acts quickly and acutely. It can be used on an as-needed basis, to treat sudden episodes of depression or anxiety, and its effects last for between two and twenty-four hours. Kanna may be the best option for people who experience depression in episodes, rather than chronically.
- Risks: In addition to containing natural PDE4 inhibitors, kanna may contain compounds that interfere with the uptake of serotonin. For this reason, people taking pharmaceutical SSRI-class antidepressants should avoid kanna to prevent the possibility of serotonin syndrome, a dangerous and life-threatening condition. It is also possible that kanna can cause other negative interactions when it is taken with other medicines or supplements. Kanna has not been studied for use in pregnancy or during lactation, and there is little peer-reviewed data about its side effects.
Natural Antidepressant: Sam-e
- Type: Nutritional Supplement
- How Sam-e Treats Depression: Sam-e is a powerful coenzyme that has reached a peak in popularity over the last decade. It is known to be nootropic, meaning that it enhances cognitive function, and many well-controlled studies have proven its safety and efficacy in treating depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Several well-controlled studies have determined that it is particularly effective when combined with fish oil, B vitamins, or both, and it is among the most effective nutritional supplements for combatting depression.
- Risks: Like kanna and Saint John's Wort, Sam-e can cause serotonin syndrome or other negative interactions when it is taken alongside pharmaceutical antidepressants. Some users have reported side effects like rash, insomnia, palpitations, headache, and gastrointestinal problems when using Sam-e. Above-normal levels of homocysteine in the blood can also occur if Sam-e is not taken with B vitamins, and it may induce mania in people with bipolar disorder. Sam-e has not been studied in pregnant or nursing mothers.
Natural Antidepressant: St. John's Wort
- Type:Medicinal Herb
- How St. John's Wort Treats Depression: Some studies have shown that St. John's wort inhibits the uptake of 5-HT, or serotonin, making it a form of natural SSRI. Hypericin, the active antidepressant compound in the herb, has been shown by dozens of placebo-controlled studies to combat mild to moderate depression with fewer side effects than most pharmaceutical drugs. Because it seems to be ineffective in treating very severe depression, it is best used only when depression symptoms are moderately severe.
- Risks: St. John's Wort has been shown to cause photosensitivity in rare situations. Other common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and upset stomach, and, like many antidepressants, it can trigger the onset of mania in people with bipolar disorder. It has a noticeable, but mild effect on fertility in both men and women, although it may also decrease the effectiveness of progesterone-containing birth control methods. Like Sam-e and kanna, St. John's Wort can cause serious and life-threatening interactions if it is taken with antidepressants or other serotonin-affecting drugs.
As with all other supplements and medications, none of these herbs or dietary supplements should be taken without the advice of a qualified physician. Only a medical doctor with a full understanding of a patient's psychiatric history, medical conditions, and current medications can make an accurate determination regarding natural treatments for depression.
Sources Used:
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Su, Kuan-Pin; Huang, Shih-Yi; Chiub, Chih-Chiang; Shenc, Winston W. (August 2003). "Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder: A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". European Neuropsychopharmacology (Elsevier) 13 (4): 267-271.
Kagan, BL; Sultzer, DL; Rosenlicht, N; Gerner, RH (1990). "Oral S-adenosylmethionine in depression: a randominized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Am J Psychiatry 147: 591–595.
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