Posted by lizzyg on March 13, 2002, at 7:04:31
In reply to Re: Sam-e in conjunction with AD, posted by Ron Hill on March 12, 2002, at 12:44:03
Ron - a couple more answers and questions...
Thanks for your kind thoughts - I might pursue seeing a bereavement counsellor. My anxiety symptoms are physical agitation, lightheadedness, racing thoughts and a sense of impending doom; no rage or irritability. I'm not particularly concerned about the addictive potential of benzos: I've only used them on an 'as needed' basis rather than to a regular schedule. As usual, however, our uninformed GPs (family doctors) over here seem very uptight, and are only prepared to write prescriptions for small amounts.
As cost isn't really an issue, do you think the 5-HTP might help both with the depression and anxiety - I seem to remember reading that it had sedative/anxiolytic properties? I assume there wouldn't be any bad reaction from the combination of SAM-e and 5-HTP?
Thank you for your help again.
Lizzy
> Lizzy,
>
> > So far the SAM-e seems to be working pretty well, but this depressive episode is different from my history.
>
> I'm glad to hear that you are finding some benefit from SAM-e. Please continue to post periodically regarding the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the SAM-e.
>
> > However, this time, the depression has been triggered by an external event (bereavement) and is not as severe as previously.
>
> I am very sorry for your loss. Do you think it might help if you met with a counselor (psychologist)?
>
> > Do you have any experience/views about augmenting the SAM-e with 5-HTP?
>
> No, I've never tried 5-HTP nor have I read anything regarding this combination. I might try it when I wean myself off of my small Zoloft dose (my daily meds; 600 mg Lithobid, 12.5 mg Zoloft, 200 mg SAM-e). One thing that SAM-e and 5-HTP have in common is that they are both expensive supplements!
>
> >Also, have you ever tried an alternative remedy for anxiety, such as kava kava?
>
> I have very little experience with kava kava. I used it a couple of times as a sleep-aid and I felt a slight "hangover" the next day. However, your mileage may vary. What are your anxiety symptoms? Is it an irritable rage thing or a fear and hiding thing?
>
> >I have a supply of Oxazepam in my armoury, but haven't taken any since being on the SAM-e, and wondered if you could recommend anything other than the benzos.
>
> For quite sometime I have been considering adding a small amount of gabapentin (Neurontin) to my Lithobid. As you know, Neurontin is an anti-epileptic drug (AED) used also as a mood stabilizer. It has some anti-anxiety features. Does the addictive potential of the benzos concern you?
>
> -- Ron
poster:lizzyg
thread:95968
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020313/msgs/97763.html