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Hello Please Can You Advise On Alternatives Especially Natural Supplements

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Posted on Wed, 3 Jul 2019
Question: Hello

Please can you advise on alternatives especially natural supplements to take in place of SSRI for depression. I don’t want to go on these drugs because I don’t know thier effects on the body. I would love a treatment that would naturally work on me. Please advise.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
5HTP or arginine can be one such option

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service...

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Since the SSRI increase the level of serotonin at the brain anything which can increase the serotonin can be used for same purpose with limited effect (read mild to moderate depression or anxiety).

Some of these medications (call them nutrients as they are natural) include 5 hydroxytriptamine (5HTP) and arginine as the former directly increases the level of serotonin while the latter increases it indirectly. Both of them can be useful options for mild to moderate depression and can act as substitute to SSRI medications.

I hope this helps you.

Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

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Hello Please Can You Advise On Alternatives Especially Natural Supplements

Brief Answer: 5HTP or arginine can be one such option Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service... I read your query and understand your concerns. Since the SSRI increase the level of serotonin at the brain anything which can increase the serotonin can be used for same purpose with limited effect (read mild to moderate depression or anxiety). Some of these medications (call them nutrients as they are natural) include 5 hydroxytriptamine (5HTP) and arginine as the former directly increases the level of serotonin while the latter increases it indirectly. Both of them can be useful options for mild to moderate depression and can act as substitute to SSRI medications. I hope this helps you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.