Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, stress or other mood-related problem but are confused by all the treatment alternatives thrown at you by so called ‘experts?’ It seems that everyone has an opinion when it comes to treating mental health problems and this is evidenced by the huge range of books, courses, supplements and medications in the area which claim to finally have the answer. Unfortunately, despite all this, rates of mental health problems are increasing.

This article will present the FACTS about some of the most popular drugs and over-the-counter supplements available in Australia. The advantages and disadvantages of each are outlined in an attempt to help you determine the option (or options) that are best for you.

 

Antidepressants

e.g., Prozac, Luvox, Tofranil, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor

 

Antidepressants are generally the first line of treatment for depression offered by mainstream doctors. They work by increasing the availability of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) which are important for mood. The neurotransmitters targeted by antidepressants include serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline.

Despite increasing types and brands of antidepressants on the market, no one brand stands out above any other in terms of effectiveness. It’s pretty much trial and error to determine the drug that works best for a specific person. The major benefit of newer antidepressants is that the side effects are fewer, although still there (approximately 20 to 40 percent of people stop their use because of the side effects). Studies have shown antidepressants to be effective in helping anywhere between 30 to 60 percent of people who are depressed. This unfortunately means that a great portion of people receive little benefit from them. Some of the more common side effects of antidepressants are listed below.

        - Anxiety, nervousness                - Blurred vision

        - Constipation or diarrhoea           - Drowsiness

        - Headache                                 - Increased heart rate

        - Loss of appetite                        - Sensitivity to sunlight

        - Sexual dysfunction                    - Dizziness

        - Dry mouth                                - Heavy menstruation

        - Insomnia                                  - Nausea

        - Weight gain                              - Increased sweating

 

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

 

Benzodiazepines

(anti-anxiety medications) e.g., Xanax, Valium

 

Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs called minor tranquillisers and are commonly prescribed by doctors to help people with anxiety or sleep problems.  They slow down the workings of the brain and the central nervous system through their effect on brain chemicals, specifically a neurotransmitter named GABA.

The effects of benzodiazepines may last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the dose and type of benzodiazepine taken. The immediate positive effects include a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness/sleepiness to help people sleep. However, a significant portion of people complain of reduced energy, confusion, dizziness, mood swings, slurred words, blurred vision and short-term memory impairments.

Because of their addictive qualities, benzodiazepines should only be used for short periods of time. Dependence can actually develop in as little as four weeks. Long term use of benzodiazepines can result in a range of problems such as fatigue, irritability, nausea, headaches, nightmares, reduced libido, impotence, skin rashes, weight gain, menstrual problems and depression. Withdrawal symptoms are also common.

Although helpful for many people in the short term by reducing anxiety and improving sleep, benzodiazepines are a poor long-term solution.

 

Rating: 1 out of 5

 

St John’s Wort

 

St John’s wort is an herbal antidepressant that has its greatest popularity in Europe. It comprises 25 percent of all antidepressant prescriptions in Germany. St John’s wort is thought to work via its impact on neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine and GABA. It also has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects.

A recent paper published in the prestigious Cochrane Review, analysed studies conducted on almost 5,500 people that compared the effectiveness of St John’s wort with pharmaceutical antidepressants. The authors concluded that St John’s wort is as effective as standard antidepressants in treating depression and had fewer side effects.

Most studies have shown that the therapeutic component of St John’s wort comprises an ingredient called hypericin and the levels of hypericin are important in determining its effectiveness. Research suggests that around 1800mcg per day of hypericin is optimal for improving mood. Products that contain less than this level are unlikely to provide enough therapeutic benefit.

St John’s wort does increase some of the body’s detoxification processes so it needs to be used with caution by people on some medications.

 

Rating: 3 out of 5

 

Vitamins & Minerals

 

A range of vitamins and minerals have been used to help reduce stress and improve mood. For example, B-vitamins are commonly used to improve energy and reduce stress levels. Magnesium has also been used by natural therapists to help people reduce stress and tension. Folic acid has also been shown in numerous studies to increase the effectiveness of antidepressants.  Other nutrients that have shown some promise in improving mood include calcium, inositol, zinc and chromium.

 

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for the production of brain chemicals and if deficiencies exist, then neurotransmitter levels will reduce. For example, to produce the mood-lifting neurotransmitter serotonin, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and zinc are important. If levels of any of these nutrients are low in the body, then serotonin levels will be lowered, resulting in a depressed and stressed mood.

Although helpful for many people in enhancing general health, vitamins and minerals as a sole treatment to reduce stress and improve mood is unlikely to be effective. Another problem is that not all vitamins and minerals are the same and many companies use cheap and inferior forms that the body cannot absorb well. As a general rule, chelated minerals are the best absorbed in the body and therefore provide most benefit.

 

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

 

BCN’s UpLift

 

BCN’s UpLift is a mood formulation designed to reduce stress levels and enhance mood. It contains St John’s wort along with a range of vitamins, minerals and an amino acid (tyrosine) which are important for the production of mood-lifting neurotransmitters.

When specific neurotransmitters are low and nutrient deficiencies are present, then this will have an adverse impact on mood and general well-being. BCN’s UpLift is scientifically formulated to help overcome this problem.

UpLift also contains only high-quality ingredients and at therapeutic doses. This means that the body is able to absorb them and therefore use them for neurotransmitter (and other chemical) production.

UpLift is safe and effective and unlike pharmaceutical antidepressants and benzodiazepines, result in little (if any) side effects. UpLift does contain St John’s wort so should be used in consultation with your doctor if you are on medications.

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

 

Depression, anxiety, stress and other mood-related problems can have devastating effects on one’s life if not treated. Fortunately, effective treatments are available. If you are suffering from serious mental health problems consult with your doctor or a mental health practitioner for professional advice.