SSRIs

• If you have a higher dosage but you are able to use a lower one, depending on the medication, you might be able to cut the pill or dose in half.
• Mexican pharmacies may have SSRIs over the counter.

Tapering if necessary

• Check your SSRI’s half-life to see how long you have; sudden discontinuation can trigger severe withdrawal (brain zaps, dizziness, panic attacks, depression).
• If you must stop without access, taper slowly over weeks by reducing doses in 5mg increments (liquid compounding pharmacies can help).
• In case of sudden withdrawal, these might help:
  • Increase 5-HTP or Tryptophan Intake
    • 5-HTP: 100 mg 2x daily.
    • Natural sources: Turkey, eggs, cheese, oats, seeds (pumpkin/sunflower), and dark chocolate.
• Use NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) to Reduce Withdrawal Effects
  • Helps restore glutamate balance disrupted by antidepressant withdrawal.
  • Dose: 600-1200 mg/day.
• Exercise (Even Light Walking) to Boost Serotonin Naturally
  • 20+ minutes a day helps regulate mood and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
  • Light Therapy (If Seasonal Affective Symptoms Are a Factor)
• Light therapy - use a 10,000 lux light box for 30 min in the morning.
• How to Safely Taper Off Drugs video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY820dpjdq8

Prescription Alternatives

Note: these are not substitutes for prescription medication, but they might help.

• 5-HTP (Precursor to Serotonin) – Helps replenish serotonin levels, similar to an SSRI.
  • Dose: 50-200 mg/day (start low).
• St. John’s Wort (Natural SSRI Alternative) – Shown in studies to be as effective as some antidepressants, but interacts with many medications.
  • Dose: 300 mg 2-3x daily.
• Saffron Extract (Natural Serotonin Booster)
  • Studies show it’s as effective as Prozac for mild to moderate depression.
  • Dose: 30 mg/day (crocin + safranal active components).
  • Best Source: Buy standardized saffron extract (not just cooking saffron).
• Rhodiola Rosea (Adaptogen for Mood & Energy)
  • Improves serotonin & dopamine levels, reduces fatigue & stress.
  • Dose: 200-500 mg/day.
  • Best for: Depression with low energy & fatigue.
• L-Theanine (Calming, Balances Neurotransmitters)
  • Found in green tea, increases dopamine & GABA, reduces anxiety.
  • Dose: 200-400 mg/day (safe long-term).
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Supports Nerve Regeneration & Mood)
  • Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), similar to SSRIs.
  • Dose: 500-1500 mg/day.
• Magnesium Glycinate or L-Threonate (Natural Anti-Depressant)
  • Critical for serotonin production, reduces anxiety & depression.
  • Dose: 400-600 mg/day.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Brain Health & Mood)
  • Found in fish oil; supports dopamine & serotonin receptors.
  • Dose: 2000 mg/day (high EPA content preferred, ~1000 mg EPA minimum).

Stocking Up

• Depending on your doc, they might be able to put in an order for you with a medical/pharma wholesaler and you would pay in cash.
• If your clinician is okay with it, but insurance is getting in the way of filling, you can see if CostPlus Drugs (Mark Cuban’s pharmacy) has your medication.
• If you have a higher dosage but you are able to use a lower one, depending on the medication, you might be able to cut the pill or dose in half.
• Ask for 90 day supplies from mail-order pharmacies (GoodRX Cold, Cost Plus Drugs, Caremark, Blueberry Pharmacy, HoneyBee Health etc.)
• International pharmacies you could try: InHouse Pharmacy (New Zealand), Buy Pharma (Singapore/India), Mexican pharmacies that have some critical meds OTC

Asthma

Alternative/OTC meds in case of shortages

• Epinephrine (For Emergency Use)
  • Primatene Mist (OTC Epinephrine Inhaler)
    • Available without a prescription in U.S. pharmacies.
    • Not as effective as albuterol but can help in emergencies.
  • Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPen, Auvi-Q)
    • Can provide emergency relief if asthma is triggered by severe allergic reactions.
• Antihistamines & Inflammation Control
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Loratadine (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec)
    • Help reduce airway inflammation from allergic triggers.
  • Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy
    • Some studies suggest aspirin desensitization can help reduce inflammation in aspirin-exacerbated asthma (AERD).

Natural preventive/emergency alternatives

These will not replace normal prescription medication for asthma treatment. Some things may help reduce inflammation and improve airway function over time, but it is different for every single person.

• Quercetin (Natural Antihistamine & Bronchodilator)
  • Found in onions, apples, tea, and berries.
  • Supplement dose: 500-1000 mg/day.
• Butterbur (Proven to Reduce Airway Inflammation)
  • Anti-inflammatory herb that works similarly to Singulair (Montelukast).
  • Supplement dose: 50-100 mg/day.
  • Warning: Avoid raw butterbur; choose PA-free supplements.
• Magnesium (Relaxes Airways)
  • Found in pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach.
  • Supplement dose: 400-600 mg/day.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Reduces Lung Inflammation)
  • Found in fish oil, flaxseed, walnuts.
  • Dose: 2000 mg/day.
• Ginger & Turmeric (Natural Anti-Inflammatories)
  • Ginger helps open airways and reduces spasms.
  • Turmeric lowers lung inflammation (like Singulair). Emergency alternatives if out of inhalers
• Controlled Pursed-Lip Breathing
  • Inhale through the nose for 2 seconds, exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4+ seconds.
• Steam Inhalation
  • Boil water + eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil (both contain natural bronchodilators).
  • Inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes.
• Caffeine (Mild Bronchodilator)
  • Found in black coffee, tea, dark chocolate.
  • Acts like a weak theophylline (old-school asthma drug).
  • Dose: 1-2 cups of strong coffee in an emergency.
• Mustard Oil Chest Rub
  • Mix mustard oil + camphor and massage onto the chest to improve airflow.
• Elevate Head & Stay Calm
  • Keeping the upper body elevated reduces airway constriction.
  • Avoid hyperventilating, which can worsen symptoms.

ADHD

• Brigham Tea (ephedra)
• Pseudoephedrine
• NOS or Monster (both have guarana)
• Guarana fudge (“Speed fudge”; source https://swsbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Formulary2.pdf

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Homeopathic Options · Herb Formulas for Clinic and Home by Michael Moore https://swsbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Formulary2.pdf