Posted by Michael Bell on May 31, 2003, at 16:28:42
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea - I love it! Anyone else try this? » Michael Bell, posted by Ron Hill on May 31, 2003, at 15:42:18
> Hi Michael,
>
> > Just wondering if there are any other Rhodiola-heads out there.
>
> I purchased some a couple months ago, but I haven't tried it (yet?). I thought it looked good on paper, but Larry Hoover told me that it makes him anxious and/or irritable (I forget which), so I set it aside.
>
> What does it feel like in your brain? How much do you take? How long have you been taking it so far?
>
> -- RonRon, I use it as an adjunct to Picamilon. My main problem is social phobia. Picamilon got rid of the anxiety, but induced anhedonia/dysthymia in me. So I wanted something to get rid of the anhedonia, so I tried several things. Most didn't help, except for amisulpride. But amisulpride caused too much drowsiness & constipation. Then I came across rhodiola rosea.
For me, rhodiola increases my energy levels and and makes me noticeably more talkative and prosocial. I'm definitely more motivated with it. If I had to sum up the experience, I'd say it's an antidepressent that makes me more reactive to the environment. However, I agree with the poster who told you it made him more anxious and irritable is correct b/c reactivity goes both ways. There were a couple times where I skipped my Picamilon doses, and after taking rhodiola (at high doses) I had some feelings of anxiety, and a couple times grew irritable for minor reasons. With Picamilon (or some other anti-anxiety agent), though, it seems like a great additive and I irritability hasn't been an issue.
I take the Arctic Root brand from Sedish Herbal Institute, between 2-3 pills (180mg each) a day. Been on it for about 10 days.
Whatever brand you may decide to get, make sure it's standardized to contain at least 2% Rosavin and Salidrosides, as these are the active ingredients. Later!
poster:Michael Bell
thread:230437
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030530/msgs/230450.html