Facts About Lexapro - Are There Alternatives to Prescription Anti-Depressants?

Sue Patrick
Sue Patrick
Health Expert Answers Select Questions From Readers

Question: I am a 60 year old retired man and I recently lost my wife of 40 years. I've been having problems with sleeping and really don't want to go out with friends or family anymore. I don't even want to see my grandchildren play soccer or softball. My daughter insisted that I go see someone for my depression. The doctor has recommended anti-depressant therapy. He wants to give me a prescription for Lexapro. I've heard there are a lot of adverse effects associated with prescription anti-depressants. Do you think Lexapro is safe? What side effects are most commonly associated with Lexapro? Are there any all natural anti-depressants that can be used instead of Lexapro?

Lexapro Answer: In light of the fact that approximately 15 million people suffer from depression and an additional 19 million people suffer from anxiety, a number of products have appeared on the market aimed at reducing symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. These products include all natural anti-depressants, as well as prescription pharmaceutical medications which can only be obtained under a doctor's recommendation.

With all of the different depression and anxiety prescriptions available on the market, there are quite a few that have serious side effects that are sometimes worse than the depression itself. Many people can't and WON'T tolerate them. Some possible side effects of Lexapro include a 24% chance of headache, 18% chance of gastrointestinal disturbance, 14% chance of sexual dysfunction, 13% chance of somnolence (sleepiness), 12% chance of insomnia, 9% chance of dry mouth, suicidal tendencies and more.

Many of those people afflicted with depression and/or anxiety have turned to all natural anti-depressants that are quite effective with little or no side effects. These all natural anti-depressants have ingredients that have been used for centuries in alleviating depression symptoms and feelings of anxiety. Many healthcare practitioners are using all natural anti-depressants before resorting to prescription medication.

However, you must remember to follow the recommended use that come with the product in order to achieve maximum results with these products. You'll often find different all natural anti-depressants containing a confusing array of ingredients. You should definitely look for a product that contains ingredients like Kava Kava, 5-HTP, Valerian, GABA, and L-Theanine which have clinical proof supporting their effectiveness. More importantly, not all products contain the quality and/or quantity of necessary ingredients to effectively minimize depression or anxiety symptoms such as fatigue, feelings of hopelessness and sadness, loss of pleasure, feelings of jitteriness or worry. That's why you'll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs.

Joan Raynor, our health and nutrition expert did a fantastic review on controlling depression symptoms and how actual effectiveness is crucial in diminishing symptoms of depression, the results are quite surprising.

Click Here To Read Her Full Review.