Dawn, I wholeheartedly recommend trying 5-htp. I can't tell you enough how much it helps for anxiety (I used to have panic attacks) and depression. It's completely natural (plant derived pre-cursor to serotonin) and rarely causes any side effects. I refuse to take any pharmaceutical grade antidepressants (I've tried many and it just seems like playing Russian Roulette). You can take up to 300 mg a day, but you should start with 50mg a day for a week and increase by 50mg per week until you get the desired results. Clinical response occurs in 2-4 weeks. Get a good brand like Natrol. Hope it works for you!!!!