Before trying herbs and amino acids you should investigate a possible vitamin or mineral deficiency. This is because a poor diet (malnutrition) can lower mood by depriving the brain of important nutrients needed to function properly. B Vitamins. These include Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 as well as folic acid and other associated names for them. B Vitamins are often sold separately or in a B-Complex, which combine the vitamins to support the nervous system and relieve stress, helping mild depression. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a health all-rounder and is most commonly referred to as reducing the severity of colds and the flu. Vitamin C is very cheap in its chewable form and is an essential addition to the formation of a depression diet. Vitamin D. Many people get all the Vitamin D they need from sunlight, which helps the body to synthesize this vitamin. However for people with limited sun exposure particularly during the winter months, depressed mood can take its toll. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 has been proven to elevate mood where a deficiency exists and even for those who already get adequate levels from the sun. As well as being found in foods in small amounts, Vitamin D3 can be readily bought in differing strengths such as 4000IU. Multivitamins. Take a multivitamin for a general overlay of important nutrients you may not be getting from your diet. The omega-3 in fish oil helps regulate not only healthy hearts but also healthy brains. Look for fish oil brands with a higher ratio of DHA (mental health) to EPA (heart health) - fatty acids found in fish oil. For example, 1g capsules of fish oil with 300mg DHA and 200mg EPA. Some such as St John's wort have been clinically proven to treat depression. However, St. John's wort can interact with popular prescription antidepressants such as Zoloft and Celexa. . Some supplements can be bought over the counter in pharmacies and health food stores, but your country's physician may also prescribe it. Other herbs like kava root may be an effective option, but take care to ask a shop assistant what their suggestion is for depression. Herbs can be a win-or-miss affair when treating depression, as unlike vitamins, minerals and fatty acids (omega-3s) no deficiencies exist in the human diet. Tryptophan is an important amino acid found naturally in the body and in a variety of food sources, include poultry, nuts and seeds. Tryptophan helps induce sleep and is also made into niacin (Vitamin B3) and serotonin inside the body. These products can reduce anxiety and elevate mood. If you don't want to take the tablet or capsule form of tryptophan, a great source of it is from lecithin granules found at a health food store. Sprinkle some in your smoothie or over your breakfast cereal for a daily supplement of this amino acid. Many studies have looked at SAM-e (pronounced "Sammy"), and the results have showed it is quick in elevating mood. This important biological agent increases serotonin levels and performs other actions similar to conventional anti-depressants. However it comes at a high price (about $50-70 USD for 60 capsules). Try SAM-e for depression if you can afford it. It can be found in most health food stores.
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One-sentence summary -- Get your vitamins. Take fish oil daily. Consider herbal supplements, with caution. Take L-Tryptophan for sleep and anxiety. Treat your depression with SAM-e.

Article: Before discontinuing antidepressant medication, make sure you discuss this with your prescriber first. It is not advised to take yourself off of medication without medical supervision. Your physician may advise you how to decrease and eliminate usage so that you come off safely. Prior to discontinuing medication, talk about the risks with your prescriber. Be knowledgeable about the risks and what the process will be like before starting. Talk with your physician about whether or not there are any medical risks of withdrawing from medication. Reconsider discontinuation if your are in the midst of a stressful situation, such as a breakup, change in careers, or move. Post-pone discontinuation until you are stable and in a good place. While this may be one way to stop using other substances, it is strongly advised against when lowering antidepressant medication. Often, physicians will advise you to taper dosage, which means slowly decreasing the amount over time. Make sure that your process is monitored by your prescriber. Generally, it's recommended that individuals stay on medication for 6-9 months before considering discontinuation. While symptoms can vary depending on individual factors and what medication you take, there are some common withdrawal symptoms to look out for. You may be experiencing withdrawal if you encounter the following symptoms while going off of antidepressants: Nausea/vomiting Stomach cramps Diarrhea Appetite loss Difficulty regulating body temperature (excessive sweating, hot flashes) Insomnia, increase in nightmares Difficulties with balance Feeling lightheaded Tremors, restless legs Sensations such as tingling, ringing in your ears, feeling shocks Flu-like symptoms Along with physical symptoms of withdrawal, emotional symptoms can also occur. Keep an eye out for the following withdrawal symptoms regarding your emotional health: Depression Increased anxiety Agitation Aggression Irritability Confusion Mood swings Hallucinations Mania
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Consult with your physician beforehand. Discuss risks with your physician. Avoid stopping "cold turkey". Recognize physical symptoms of withdrawal. Identify emotional symptoms of withdrawal.