My psychiatrist recently prescribed Effexor to me for anxiety and mild depression. After doing some research and some surveying of friends I'm scared beyond belief of this drug. While I know that each person reacts differently, my depression is situational and my anxiety can be controlled if I take the proper precautions, I don't feel that the damage Effexor can do to your body is worth it in my situation.

After doing some research on some natural ways to handle my depression and anxiety I am going to attempt this course: St. John's Wort (300MG) 5-HTP (200MG) Ginkgo Biloba (120MG) and B Complex. I don't plan on starting this until I talk to my physician. I am hesitant to talk to my psychiatrist about my plans as he basically said, "...don't come back unless you're taking Effexor."

Has anyone else tried to handle mild depression/anxiety with herbs and supplements? Any bad interactions you might see with the above course? I do take .25 mg of klonopin for anxiety, but only as needed. Again, I don't plan on starting this without consulting my physician, but thought I'd start here.

Hi there

I have taken 5-htp at night for about 2.5 years and I find it helps me sleep. I was having problems with anxiety related to just mid-life stuff and hormones in my female body. I can't say
if 5-htp will work for you or not, but I like it, and take it with Gaba and L-theanine, but for helping me sleep. Good luck to you and I hope you overcome your anxiety.