Posted by Cindylou on April 10, 2001, at 13:00:36
In reply to Re: Kava for Anxiety/Social Anxiety, posted by kate9999 on April 10, 2001, at 5:53:27
She (the nutritionist) said the St. John's Wort is more gentle and "supportive" than actual meds ... (supportive rather than manipulative, I guess). She works only with the "standardized" companies (only a few, but I don't know their names), and with companies who have chemists in their lab rather than herbologists.
She also mentioned that in Germany, St. John's Wort is a PRESCRIPTION, and the leading prescription for depression in that country, which I found interesting.
I am so sensitive to meds, and have such strong reactions to them, that a less "harsh" form of treatment sounds enticing ... although, like you, I am not really optimistic about it working since I have such a long history of depression.
I appreciate your input. Anybody else out there who has comments, advice, etc. I'd love to hear from you.
> Cindy what was his/her reasoning for replacing your meds with an herbal med? It seems to me herbal remedies are usually just less tested for efficacy and safety, less regulated, full of impurities, and with less consistent dosing. I'm not saying they don't work, but I have a hard time seeing why they're *preferable* to standard meds. I agree with your doc that going off all your meds simultaneously and replacing them with two herbal medications at once sounds a little drastic.
>
> > I have begun seeing a nutritionist who has suggested I talk to my doctor about going off my current meds (Wellbutrin, Klonapin, Effexor) and replace them with Kava Kava and St. John's Wort. (I am currently going off Effexor). My doctor said she would consider St. John's Wort, but would want me to stay on the Wellbutrin and Klonapin.
poster:Cindylou
thread:59007
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/59316.html