Depression Medication: Herbal Or Conventional?

Depression medication is typically used when an individual suffers from depression that is considered to be "clinical". This type is not only considered to be a psychological form of depression, but also a physiological form which deems it as a medical issue. When a person suffers from this, there are many symptoms that prevent them from experiencing the quality of life that they should be able to, and may prevent them from functioning as appropriate in their day to day activities.

Anti-depression medication is typically prescribed in order to increase serotonin in the brain, as well as norepinephrine. In addition to this, depression medication can be used to block and/or release particular chemicals that transmit messages through neurotransmitters in the brain and increase the amount of dopamine. Unfortunately, while addressing physiological and psychological components of clinical depression, these types of medications can also lead to less than favorable side effects.

Understanding the Adverse Reactions to Depression Medication

For the individual that suffers from clinical depression, there are many different types of anti-depression medication forms that can be prescribed. These forms include the following:

• SSRIs or "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors"

• TCAs or "Tricyclic Anti Depressants"

• SNRIs or "Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors"

• MAOLs or "Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors"

While variety is typically not an issue when it comes to prescription medicine, adverse reactions due to side effects caused by these medications typically are. The FDA, or "Federal Drug Administration" carefully tests each prescription medication that becomes available in local pharmacies for safety, but they do so in percentages.

If the "benefits" of a particular medication are tested and believed to outweigh the "disadvantages" of taking the medication, such as potentially uncomfortable and/or dangerous side effects, the medication is released to the market. Unfortunately, not all individuals are created alike, which means we each have the potential to suffer from adverse reactions as a direct result from side effects for which the chemical composition of a particular drug induces. These side effects may include one or more of the following complications:

• Uncontrollable Muscle Tremors

• Varying Degrees of Fatigue

• Gastrointestinal Complications

• Sexual Performance Issues

• Angina and Similar Heart Conditions

• Weight Gain and/or Loss

• Nervousness

• Anxiety

• Sleep Disturbances

• Vision Changes

• Suicidal Thoughts and/or Attempts

Resolving Depression without Experiencing Side Effects

As you can see, these prescriptions can result in many unfavorable side effects. If one suffers from the physiological and psychological effects of depression, they may experience some challenges in overcoming the condition if chemical based treatments are implemented. The good news is that these patients can go about successfully resolving depression without experiencing side effects that can damper their day to day functioning and/or quality of life.

There are a large number of herbal remedies that can successfully tackle clinical based depression. The following list will outline some of the most popular of these remedies, as well as the symptoms that the treatments are known to eliminate:

1. St. John's Wort - Many may benefit from taking this remedy as it alleviates the symptoms of general sadness, mild to severe forms of nervousness, inadequate sleep, as well as excessive worry.

2. Kava - This herbal treatment has been found to be productive in assisting those that suffer from bouts of anxiety as well as varying degrees of insomnia that suffer from clinical depression.

3. Lemon Balm - This substance is often combined with a tea in order to soothe a highly active nervous system. Those that are depressed and take this natural remedy are likely to experience greater levels of relaxation and sound sleep than those who do not.

As you can see, there are many treatment options for the medical issue of clinical depression. Unfortunately, most medications designed for this illness that are chemical based can result in a wide array of uncomfortable symptoms and side effects. The popular choice among those who need treatment today is an anti-depression medication that is herbal based.

Diana is a Natural Health Consultant and is currently taking classes to earn a certificate in herbalism. Her website, Natural Health and Herbal Remedies, offers the knowledge, insights and experiences she has gained from her journey into the world of natural health and her quest to share it with others. Get your Free Ebook about natural remedies for anxiety and depression.