Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hello Terry, “Is it double dosing if one is currently taking a prescription anti-depressant and also taking the special echinacea product you have recommended for anxiety? Can this echinacea product act as a replacement for my anti-depressant? Also, will any echinacea product do the same thing?” —Kathy P., Portage, WI A. Dear Kathy, The special echinacea product that I recommend was developed at the Hungarian Academy of Science. It has clinical and other scientific studies demonstrating its effectiveness at reducing anxiety. It is very different from the echinacea you see in stores that is sold for immune health and helping to overcome colds and the flu. This specific anti-anxiety preparation has unique compounds that attach to certain brain receptors that in turn instill a sense of calm and relaxation without drowsiness. The echinacea product I recommend for anxiety is a very low dose—about 20 mg—and higher doses actually lose effectiveness. While people with depression may also have elements of anxiety, they are not the same thing. There are certainly other natural herbal medicines that can address depression, such as St. John’s Wort. However, if you are interested in trying to move from a prescription drug to an herbal product, please discuss this with your doctor. One should never stop an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drug abruptly as this can cause some serious adverse effects. Always work with your prescribing physician if you want to stop any of these drugs. That said, I believe you can use the special anti-anxiety echinacea supplement with your medication as I am not aware of any specific contraindications. However, please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist, because they may have insights into your situation that would allow them to guide you in making the decision of whether or not this is acceptable in your specific circumstances. Good luck! Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally