I am taking Trepiline and Eltroxin for depression. Shall I replace it with St.John's wort?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been having terrible problems with anxiety and depression. I was on Trepiline and Eltroxin for depression when I was younger and I mainly want to know if I can substitute St John's wort for 25 mg Trepiline? These episodes definitely worsen around my period, so might a vitamin B supplement help? I am 35 years old. So far I have been managing this with breathing techniques, mindfulness, etc., but I really cannot carry on like this anymore. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

See, just because Prozac did not work for you, does not mean that you will not respond to other medicines. There are at least 15-20 types of antidepressants. Depression and anxiety are very common and a lot of people have it. It basically happens when some neurotransmitters such as serotonin reduce in your brain leading to a problem with handling the day to day stresses of life.

Medicines are usually given for two to four months and then tapered off slowly and stopped. Things like St Johns wort, Eltroxin, etc., will only add to the effect of the primary antidepressant. It will never be a substitute for the medicines.

Still, if you wish to try these, you can take St Johns wort twice a day, and also take L-Theanine 200 mg once or twice a day. L-Theanine is also an over the counter dietary supplement which shows good results for anxiety.

If you have sleeping issues, you can take Melatonin 5 mg over the counter supplement at night. Yes, taking a probiotic compound along with Vitamin B will also help also. Take it once a day.