Over-the-Counter Antidepressants

OTC Medications That May Help With Depression

While antidepressant medications are only available by prescription, there are some over-the-counter (OTC) antidepressant herbs and supplements you can try. These have mild antidepressant qualities and may help relieve symptoms that are not severe.

If you have mild to moderate depression without suicidal thoughts and urges, OTC preparations may be worth a try. If you have more severe depression and need reliable symptom relief, talk to a doctor or mental health professional, who may advise that you take a prescription antidepressant.

OTC options for depression may be most beneficial when they are used alongside other lifestyle modifications that have been shown to alleviate depression symptoms. These include regular exercise, getting enough sleep, finding social support, and managing stress levels.

Learn more about the over-the-counter herbs and supplements that may help relieve mild symptoms of depression.

St. John's Wort

St John's Wort flowers

esemelwe / Getty Images

St. John's wort has a long history of use, going back to ancient times. It has also become a popular depression remedy in the modern world.

Does St. John's Wort Work For Depression?

There is evidence in the medical literature that St. John's Wort may help relieve mild symptoms of depression. A review published in 2019 concluded that its effects were similar to tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) but with milder side effects. The review also noted, however, that the evidence isn't strong enough to make a "robust conclusion."

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that St. John's wort does not offer consistent results for relieving depression. Because of this, it should not be used to postpone or replace seeing a doctor for depression treatment.

How Much St. John's Wort Do You Need?

Dosages of St. John's wort used in studies have been quite variable and are dependent upon the formulation of the herb or its extracts. In addition to consulting your doctor before use, always follow the manufacturer's directions for your chosen product.

What to Be Aware Of

If you take St. John's wort, it's important to be aware of:

  • Side effects: Always talk to your doctor before you begin taking St. John's wort, since side effects can occur and can sometimes be severe. While reported side effects are uncommon and rare, they include dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, gastrointestinal symptoms, and confusion.
  • Drug interactions: Medication interactions can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. For instance, taking St. John's wort with HIV medications can cause the body to clear HIV medications at a much higher rate, making it possible for a resurgence of HIV viral counts in a previously stable person.
  • Serotonin syndrome: If St. John's wort is combined with a prescription selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), MAOI, or any other medication that increases serotonin, there is a risk for serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. 
  • Sun sensitivity: St. John's wort can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to wear sunscreen.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Oil capsules spilling out of a bottle

Sharaff / Getty Images

Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for health. They play a role in heart health and reducing inflammation, but some findings suggest that they may also influence mental health.

There are three types of omega-3s:

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Work For Depression?

More research is needed to explore the connection, but some evidence suggests that omega-3s may be helpful for preventing or possibly alleviating mild to moderate depression. 

EPA, which is found in fish and other seafood, seems to offer the greatest depression-fighting benefits.

A 2019 meta-analysis that looked at the results of 26 earlier studies found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) had a beneficial effect on depression.

While omega-3s offer promise, whether EPA or other omega-3s provide significant relief on their own remains unclear. Studies suggest omega-3 supplements used in addition to standard antidepressant therapy resulted in the best outcomes.

How Much Omega-3 Do You Need?

Most Americans get the amount of ALA they need from the food they eat, along with smaller amounts of EPA and DHA. You can get adequate omega-3s by eating a varied diet that includes fish and other seafood, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and fortified foods such as certain juices, yogurts, eggs, and milk.

No particular dosage is recommended at this time for depression. The FDA recommends not going over 3 grams per day without your doctor's permission due to a potential increase in the risk of bleeding.

How to Get More Omega-3s

Since our bodies can't make them from scratch, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from the foods that we eat or from supplements.

Foods that are high in omega-3s include:

  • Fish (especially salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and herring)
  • Nuts and seeds (including walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds)
  • Plant oils (including canola oil, soybean oil, and flaxseed oil)

What to Be Aware Of

If you decide to try taking supplemental omega-3s, there are a few things to be aware of:

  • Stomach upset: While omega-3 fatty acid supplements, generally derived from fish oil, are considered to be quite safe, some people may experience stomach upset and fishy burps with higher doses.
  • Increased blood thinning: Omega-3 supplements may increase the effects of blood-thinning medications.

For those who opt to eat fish rather than take a supplement, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish per week for general health, which could be taken as good minimum consumption level.

5-HTP

Chemical model

Jynto / Wikimedia Commons / CC0

5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is an amino acid that your body makes from a dietary amino acid called L-tryptophan. Since it may increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is believed to be involved in mood regulation, it is thought that 5-HTP supplements might help relieve depression.

5-HTP does not occur naturally in foods, so you must take it as a supplement. The supplement is derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a plant native to Central and Western Africa.

The body produces 5-HTP naturally as it converts L-tryptophan, but this ability is limited by the availability of an enzyme called tryptophan hydroxylase. Taking 5-HTP as a supplement bypasses this limitation, so there is more 5-HTP available for conversion to serotonin.

Does 5-HTP Work For Depression?

While better-quality studies are needed to firmly establish its effectiveness as an antidepressant, a 2019 review found that there is some evidence that 5-HTP supplementation, along with creatine, may improve the effectiveness of SSRI medications in some cases. However, it's essential that you speak with your doctor before adding this or any other supplement to your treatment program.

How Much 5-HTP Do You Need?

In clinical studies, the typical dose of 5-HTP ranges from 50 mg per day to 400 mg per day. However, it is always best to consult your doctor before you begin taking any new supplement, and never take more than the packaging label directs.

What to Be Aware Of

5-HTP is generally safe and well tolerated, although side effects can occur. Some potential side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • Muscular tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Sexual dysfunction

5-HTP can also lead to drug interactions when taken with some other medications, including antidepressants like SSRIs and MAOIs, tramadol, and dextromethorphan (DXM).

5-HTP could lead to a dangerous build-up of high serotonin levels if it is used in conjunction with other medicines that impact serotonin.

SAMe

Chemical formula

NEUROtiker / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is produced in your body from the essential amino acid methionine and the energy-producing compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It can also be taken as a dietary supplement.

SAMe plays a role in methylation, a process involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, so it could possibly play a role in depression.

Does SAMe Work For Depression?

Studies indicate that it may relieve depression as well as an older type of antidepressant called tricyclic antidepressants.

How Much SAMe Do You Need?

Follow the package directions or consult with your physician for an appropriate dose for you.

What to Be Aware Of

Potential side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Elevated levels of homocysteine (a protein that has been linked to cardiovascular problems)
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Loss of appetite
  • Problems sleeping

It is also important to note that SAMe may worsen symptoms of mania in people with bipolar disorder.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola Rosea plant

Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Although not much English-language research is currently available on Rhodiola rosea, it has been used traditionally as a tonic in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Russia as an herbal antidepressant and stress-reliever. In addition, it has long been used by herbalists as an adaptogen, meaning that it is thought to be able to help people better cope with the effects of stress.

Does Rhodiola Rosea Work For Depression?

According to a review published in 2016, there were very few clinical trials examining Rhodiola rosea and its effect on depression. They were quite limited in their design and ability to determine outcomes. However, it appears to be well-tolerated, at least in short-term use.

One 2018 study found that Rhodiola rosea extract helped improve symptoms of stress-related burnout, including depression. 

While American and European research is still in its early stages, this herb does appear to have some action as an antidepressant, and it has a good safety record.

How Much Rhodiola Rosea Do You Need?

In clinical studies, doses range from 100 mg to 400 mg daily. However, it's best to consult your doctor before you start taking Rhodiola rosea, and never exceed the manufacturer's dosage recommendations.

What to Be Aware Of

At low doses, most people do not experience side effects when taking Rhodiola rosea. However, you should consult your doctor if you plan to start taking Rhodiola rosea and you're taking the following medications:

  • Anti-anxiety medication
  • Prescription antidepressants
  • Antibiotics
  • Thyroid medication
  • Medications to treat diabetes
  • Birth control pills

Vitamins and Minerals

Mixed vitamins and supplements

Brian Hagiwara Photolibrary / Getty Images

A wide variety of vitamins and minerals have been investigated for their potential role in depression. These include vitamin B12, chromium,​ and inositol. It is not possible within the scope of this article to give full details about all of the nutritional factors involved in depression.

Do Vitamins and Minerals Work For Depression?

One meta-analysis suggested that the typical Western diet (which includes larger amounts of red/processed meats, refined sugars, and high-fat dairy) was associated with an increased risk of depression.

Healthy diets that included a high intake of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and fish, on the other hand, were linked to a decreased risk of depression.

How Many Vitamins and Minerals Do You Need?

In general, an adequate, well-balanced diet will provide all of the vitamins and minerals needed for good health and emotional balance. Alternatively, vitamin and mineral supplements may be used to help fill the gaps. Please see your doctor if you have particular concerns about a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

What to Be Aware Of

A healthy diet is always a good place to start no matter what health condition you're experiencing. However, vitamins and minerals alone can't reverse major depression. If you have severe symptoms of depression and/or symptoms that have been going on for more than a couple of weeks, seeing a mental health care professional should be your next step.

Seeking Professional Help

If you find that OTC options do not alleviate your symptoms, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. In many cases, depression can be effectively treated with therapy and medication.

Therapy

Your doctor may recommend that you attend therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapy type used to treat depression.

During CBT, a therapist will help you reframe negative thoughts and behaviors and teach you healthy coping mechanisms to help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Medication

In order to get a prescription medication for depression, you must visit a doctor or mental health professional. If they determine you'd benefit from an antidepressant, they may prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve your sense of well-being and regulate your mood.

Examples of SSRIs include:

Or, a doctor may prescribe a selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) such as Effexor (venlafaxine).

SSRIs and SNRIs may produce side effects such as anxiety, stomach aches, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dizziness. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you experience these or any other side effects when taking any type of medication for depression.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

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Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Nancy Schimelpfening
Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be.