Hypericum or St. John's Wort

Pros:  As an over-the-counter product, St. John's Wort is inexpensive and is believed to have very mild side effects.  It has received media attention lately as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression.

Cons: The National Institute of Mental Health funded a study that evaluated the effectiveness of St. John´s Wort on depression.  The study results found St. Johns Wort to be no more effective than placebo.  Since it is an herbal medication, St. John's Wort has not undergone testing by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).  Without FDA scrutiny the product's various brands may be inconsistent in purity and dosage instructions.

Side Effects: While no major side effects have been reported, the product has not been monitored by the FDA. 

Bottom Line: Even though natural remedies are seen as wholesome, some natural medications once thought to be benign later proved to have sometimes serious side effects.  For the most effective treatment of depression, your doctor can prescribe a variety of antidepressants that have minimal side effects and proven results.

S-adenyl-L-methionine or SAM-e

Pros: It is an over-the-counter supplement in the United States but is used effectively as a prescribed medication in Europe. The product's key compound, nicknamed Sam-e, is found naturally in the body and often is deficient in depressed patients.

Cons:  As with St. John's Wort, the medication has not been  monitored by the FDA.  This medicaiton is very expensive and is often more expensive than the new antidepressant medications.

Side Effects: Minor side effects, such as gas and nausea, sometimes have been reported.

Bottom Line: While SAM-e has been tested successfully in Europe, tests in this country have just begun. Early results are encouraging.