St. John’s wort may be considered for short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression, especially in patients seeking natural options. However, its extensive drug interaction profile limits broader clinical use.

A small but growing body of evidence suggests saffron may help with depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—particularly in milder cases. 

SAMe is a natural compound involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. 

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Most people get enough magnesium from their diet, and while supplementation is sometimes used for anxiety, insomnia, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the supporting evidence is weak and based on low-quality studies.

Memantine’s indication (moderate to severe dementia only) may limit its use, but it does boast a unique mechanism of action and has some data to support its usefulness as an augmenter of donepezil.

Ambien is the original Z-drug, having been initially FDA approved in 1992.

Zaleplon is the only sleeping pill that can be taken at 3 or 4 am without causing functional impairment when the patient gets out of bed a few hours later.