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

Sue Patrick
Sue Patrick
Health Expert Answers Select Questions From Readers

Question: I am a 35 year old lawyer. I've been having problems for the past 6 months. I have been fatigued and sluggish. I found that I just don't get the same enjoyment out of life as I used to. I have had to push myself to stay in touch with friends and family. I thought I was just feeling a bit blue but my doctor has recommended anti-depressant therapy. He has discussed giving me Prozac. I've heard there are a lot of adverse effects associated with prescription anti-depressants. Do you think Prozac is safe? What side effects are most commonly associated with Prozac? Are there any all natural anti-depressants that can be used instead of Prozac?

ProzacAnswer: 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 Prozac include a 21% chance of headache, 22% chance of gastrointestinal disturbance, 19% chance of insomnia, 10% chance of weight gain, 4% chance of sexual dysfunction, 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.