Over-the-counter antidepressants
Can you get antidepressants without a prescription?
All drugs known as antidepressants require a prescription. That means that without a prescription from a doctor you cannot get this as a patient.
In the age of the Internet, however, there are some online services that send antidepressants online without a prescription. The condition for this is partly an online questionnaire, which, according to the website, is checked by an expert. This then also gives a dosage recommendation. The fact is, however, that you are usually only forwarded to an Internet mail-order pharmacy, where you can then order the desired product.
Such sites are of course not advisable. Because even a questionnaire does not replace a conversation with the doctor, who can determine an individual therapy with the patient. Antidepressants, especially if they are used incorrectly, can have severe undesirable side effects! Likewise, such sites do not protect against abuse, especially since discounts are often advertised.
The therapy of depression undoubtedly belongs in the hands of a specialist!
Herbal over-the-counter antidepressants
There are numerous herbal products available to treat depression that can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. The best-known preparation is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), which through its ingredient hypericin has a similar effect as the prescription antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs). However, it should be noted that the effectiveness against depression has not yet been fully proven for the over-the-counter products, in which St. John's wort is only contained in a very small dose.
The following article could also be of interest to you: St. John's wort oil.
Another well-known product is cocoa. This contains naturally occurring cannabinoids in humans, which are known for their mood-enhancing and antidepressant effects. At the same time, it contains a high amount of tryptophan, which is the starting product for the synthesis of the happiness hormone serotonin.
Other herbal products used to treat depression include lemon balm. These are often combined with lavender for an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect. In addition, kratom also shows quick antidepressant effects. Depending on the dosage, it can have a sleep-inducing, euphoric and stimulating effect. However, it should be noted that kratom is a weak opioid and has a low potential for addiction.
Other herbal products that are said to have an antidepressant effect are: ginseng, taiga root, cola nut, yellow ginger and lettuce.
An over-the-counter alternative: St. John's wort
An over-the-counter alternative to the classic antidepressants is the Use of St. John's wort it is free for sale Obtainable (without a prescription) in supermarkets and drugstores.
Whose However, the effect is highly controversial. There are many studies that prove both effectiveness and the opposite.
In Germany it is to treat "mild transient depressive disorder" displayed.
As an effective component that will Hyperforin assumed, but this has not yet been definitively proven. It should also be used as a non-selective monoamine reuptake inhibitor work like the tricyclic antidepressants. Just like this This over-the-counter St. John's wort only develops its effect after a few weeks.
In the case of St. John's wort, however, it should be noted that it is broken down in the same way in the body Interactions with other drugs can come. This leads to the fact that other drugs are broken down more quickly and thus partially or completely lose their effect.
This is e.g. the case with Anti-contraceptives ("pill"), at HIV drugs, Antibiotics or also at Immunosuppressants.
This can severe consequences to have. So can severe infections be favored or for example Rejection reactions in immunosuppressive therapy after a transplant.
Also Interactions with antidepressants cannot be excluded. With serotonin reuptake inhibitors, their Side effects be reinforced and possibly that Serotonin Syndrome to be triggered.
In addition, the usual dosage of St. John's wort at about 600 mg / day begins. However, the preparations in, for example, the drugstore contain far lower doses.
Because St. John's wort requires a prescription from an effective amount of 300 mg.
Homeopathic over-the-counter antidepressants
Homeopathy also offers numerous alternatives to the common antidepressants in the treatment of depression. The effectiveness of the homeopathic active ingredients is controversial because the products contain only very small amounts of the active ingredient. That's why they are homeopathic preparations are especially suitable for the therapy of mild depression. If there is no effect or if the depression is unclear, a doctor should be consulted and the next steps should be discussed.
Different homeopathic remedies can be indicated depending on the patient. Products with Acidum phosphoricum are mainly used against chronic depression that along with exhaustion and anxiety attacks occur, suitable.
Many preparations also contain small amounts of the Cimicifuge rhizomeswhich mainly causes depression that during menopause occur, can be treated.
Further homeopathic preparations contain among others Nux vomica (nugget). This active ingredient is particularly suitable for those suffering from depression associated with anxiety, irritability, low blood pressure and a tendency to constipation occur.
Other homeopathic remedies for antidepressant treatment include among others Aurum metallicum, Cactus, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Lilium tigrinum, Lycopodium, Sodium chloratum, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria such as Veratrum album.
Over-the-counter antidepressants from the USA
The most popular drugs sold in the United States in recent years are antidepressants. However, these are not only prescribed for the treatment of depression but also for back pain, fatigue and sleep disorders. They are often used as an "everyday drug" abused to lighten the mood.
In addition, that individual drugs that only subject to prescription in Germany Available at pharmacies, can be purchased in the US without a prescription. Above all, the one that came onto the market in the USA and sold as the so-called 'lucky pill' Prozac (Active ingredient: Fluoxetine) can sometimes be bought in local supermarkets and pharmacies without a prescription.
