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Re: I'm struggling » Chris O

Posted by Sarah T. on April 8, 2005, at 1:45:31

In reply to I'm struggling » Sarah T., posted by Chris O on April 6, 2005, at 0:14:57

Hi Chris,

I just did a very short search on Inositol. You've probably researched it at length, so I'm sure you know all there is to know about it. It looks as if there have been some studies indicating that inositol is helpful for depression. I do remember my pdoc mentioning it a few years ago. He had also mentioned high doses of B12.

I think I might have told you before that, some years ago, I went through a bad stretch with terrible anxiety and panic. During that time, my pdoc suggested that I order some audio tapes from The MidWest Center for Stress and Anxiety. I did order that tape set, the one for attacking anxiety and depression. I found the tapes very helpful. I still use some of the self-calming techniques. In fact, I should probably listen to those tapes again. When my doctor first suggested the tapes, I was very reluctant to look into
them, but I have to say that I'm glad I did. When I used the tapes, they didn't have a website, but I see they do have one now. It is www.stresscenter.com. During the worst part of my panic attack phase, I was on Xanax, which I do NOT recommend because it is short-acting and addictive. I replaced the Xanax with long-acting Klonopin, and it was at that time that I started using the audiotapes. Gradually, I was able to get off the Klonopin completely. I tapered off the Klonopin VERY slowly, and I used the anti-panic/anti-anxiety techniques I learned from the tapes. I don't usually buy self-help tapes and books, etc, but I'm mentioning them here because 1) they really helped me, and 2) it seems as if you would like to treat your symptoms as naturally as possible.

Another suggestion I have is Magnesium. I started taking it regularly this past year, and it helps relax me. Sometimes, it is a bit too relaxing, so I take it at night. Right now, I take 200-400 mg of Magnesium glycinate at night, right before bed. If I forget to take it, and then wake up in the early morning, I've found it's best not to take it then. If I take the Magnesium too late at night (or too close to the morning), I'm too much of a slug to get out of bed. For several years, I'd take a combination pill of calcium and magnesium citrate, but, for me, the magnesium seems more calming when taken by itself in the form of Magnesium glycinate. I'll probably try Magnesium citrate by itself again. If I take extra calcium, I take it during the day rather than at night.

Have you been exercising regularly? Do you exercise every day? What time of day do you exercise? I think I would disintegrate if I didn't exercise. It is the ONLY thing that has been consistently reliable in helping my depression and anxiety over many years.

I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time now. Remember that it really hasn't been that long since you got off of Lexapro. I've found that it takes a long time to adjust to being medication-free, regardless of what the drug company ads say about withdrawal (or, in their words, "discontinuation syndrome"). By the way, how long had you been on 5-HTP before you decided to stop it? Do you think there might be some kind of "withdrawal" phase when stopping alternative treatments?

You mentioned that you have Cymbalta samples. I have some samples, too. I had tried Cymbalta a few months ago, but it was too much for me. Recently I read that "barbaracat" (another PB poster) takes just 13 grains/pellets out of the Cymbalta capsule, and she's finding it helpful. I might try that at some point, but I'm holding off for now. If and when I go back on prescribed meds, I think I want to stick with what's "tried and true," and right now, Cymbalta has only been on the market for about a half-year or so. So, while it's been "tried," it's still not "true."

I hope you'll be feeling better soon.


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poster:Sarah T. thread:480547
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050404/msgs/481518.html