Avatar Posted by twentytroubles 61 days ago (Question)
Is there any one medicine that treats depression, insomnia, and migraines?

I'm planning to go to a doctor next week, and would like to be informed about what to ask him, and aware of what treatment options might exist and the risks of each. I've never taken anything in my life, and want to know what to ask the doctor about (side effects, routine follow-ups, safety, alternative/natural treatments, etc.) if he decides to use this approach. (For the depression part, I'm considering a counselor, as well.) I'm also considering natural remedies/supplements, lifestyle changes, counseling, etc.-- I just want to know what to talk to the doctor about so I'm not so nervous. I haven't been to a doctor since high school!


Answers

Written by Chemar 61 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi

hoping you manage to find a good med to help. There is a Medications forum at NeuroTalk where there are posters who may be able to help http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum72.html

I have heard that the herb butterbur helps with migraines.

Some people find low dose melatonin helpful for insomnia, tho I personally prefer a magnesium powder drink called Natural Calm before bed. Really helps me sleep peacefully.

Doctors usually prescribe SSRI meds for depression/anxiety and for some people they work very well, tho for some the side effects can be bothersome. There are some natural supplements that can be helpful, like tryptophan (or 5HTP), St John's Wort, or samE (or methionine) Good idea to discuss use of these with a doctor tho, and never to take them with meds as one can get serotonin spiking that way, which is dangerous. Most conventional doctors scoff at these remedies, but I have personally seen how they can help people who dont like the side effects from the meds

A good balanced diet and exercise also help tremendously with depression/anxiety. Also note that low carb diets tend to be associated with more depression in some people as carbs help stimulate serotonin, so be sure you are getting your healthy carbs in, especially at night, as then you produice more natural melatonin (which is in the same biological pathway as serotonin), again helping you sleep

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be very beneficial in helping you with anxious thoughts etc

hope that helps a bit and all the best!

Written by Clyde 46 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Very good post Chemar...I would also recommend that you talk to your doctor, so they can better fit or prescribe you something that they feel you actually are diagnosed with or not.

Best,

Clyde


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