It was hailed a wonder drug, and as antidepressant Prozac turns 25 years old in January, its popularity is still on the rise.
The drug, launched in 1988, was prescribed 3.9 million times in 2011 and its sales soared, with a 9.2% increase since 2010, along with its price, which has gone up by 22.6%, according to the NHS.
But herbal remedies are also on the rise, with over a quarter of GPs saying they would recommend remedies like St John's Wort over antidepressants, according to natural remedies provider Schwabe Pharma, which surveyed 201 GPs.
Dr David Edwards, an Oxfordshire GP, said: "Often GPs have become increasingly reluctant to treat cases of low mood with antidepressants such as Prozac as these drugs are both powerful and, for some patients, are not without side effects.
"Nevertheless, antidepressants have been shown to be an effective treatment in more serious cases of clinical depression.
"However, since the introduction of new licensed herbal medicines last year, many people have felt more confident in turning to a herbal remedy such as Rhodiola or St John's Wort to manage symptoms of low mood prior to seeking help from their family doctor."
St John's Wort is reported to be significantly more effective than a placebo and equally effective as antidepressant drugs in the short-term treatment of low mood.
A recent survey of 2,000 people by suppliers KarmaMood suggested 80% of herbal remedy users felt the mood-boosting benefits after just two weeks, while 99% of antidepressant users had experienced side effects, with loss of libido cited as the most common.
George Lewith, professor of health research at Southampton University, said: "There have been countless clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of St John's Wort. It's very well tolerated, with most patients seeing fast results, with very few side effects and fewer withdrawal symptoms.
"If you are feeling low on a regular basis, perhaps irritable, moody, suffering insomnia or gaining weight, your first stop should be the GP."
7 Helpful Websites For Coping With Depression
About.com(01 of07)
Open Image ModalWho it's for: Anyone struggling to cope with depression.Why we like it: This site offers self-help articles about coping with various aspects of depression. Learn how to let go of the past, make positive changes in your life, and deal with insomnia. Practice breathing exercises and read about the power of forgiveness.
HelpHorizons.com(02 of07)
Open Image ModalWho it's for: Anyone suffering from depression.Why we like it: This list of articles addresses important steps you can take in the coping process. For example, you can work on building self-esteem and self-reliance. Develop a "Wellness Toolbox," which includes positive things you can do for yourself, including writing a list of your accomplishments and looking at old photographs.
HealingWell.com(03 of07)
Open Image ModalWho it's for: Anyone looking for support online while coping with depression.Why we like it: You can find chat rooms, message boards, and online communities focused on coping with depression. Start here if you want to connect online with other people with depression.
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration(04 of07)
Open Image ModalWho it's for: Anyone with a mental illness, such as depression.Why we like it: One of the frustrating parts of recovery is realizing you don't always have the time to do the things you need to do to stay well. This guide from the National Mental Health Information Center tells you how to design an individual action plan that will help you cope with your disease, while living your life. (credit:National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse)
National Empowerment Center(05 of07)
Open Image ModalWho it's for: People who have been labeled "mentally ill."Why we like it: The center offers an array of multimedia resources to help you adjust to living with a mental illness like depression. Books and DVDs, events focused on creating a supportive environment for yourself, and audio programs that can teach you to better function in society are available here.
National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse(06 of07)
Open Image ModalWho it's for: People with depression and their caregivers.Why we like it: The clearinghouse helps connect users to self-help and advocacy resources and offers expertise on peer-run groups that serve people who have been diagnosed with mental illnesses. The site's list of resources is constantly being updated.
National Stigma Clearinghouse(07 of07)
Open Image Modal