Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 248487

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Lexapro******Day 5

Posted by galkeepinon on August 6, 2003, at 1:40:22

I can sum it up in one word tonight..............


jittery

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5

Posted by SLS on August 6, 2003, at 7:18:56

In reply to Lexapro******Day 5, posted by galkeepinon on August 6, 2003, at 1:40:22

> I can sum it up in one word tonight..............
>
>
> jittery


Lexapro quite often produces anxiety early in treatment. More often than not, it disappears prior to the onset of antidepressant activity. Knowing that might make it easier to get through some uncomfortable days.

Good luck.


- Scott

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » SLS

Posted by galkeepinon on August 6, 2003, at 8:10:20

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5, posted by SLS on August 6, 2003, at 7:18:56

Thanks Scott, actually I was up ALL night. So now, I need to find something to help me sleep.

> > I can sum it up in one word tonight..............
> >
> >
> > jittery
>
>
> Lexapro quite often produces anxiety early in treatment. More often than not, it disappears prior to the onset of antidepressant activity. Knowing that might make it easier to get through some uncomfortable days.
>
> Good luck.
>
>
> - Scott

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5

Posted by Bill L on August 6, 2003, at 9:17:13

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » SLS, posted by galkeepinon on August 6, 2003, at 8:10:20

Consider switching the time of day that you take Lexapro. At least until the jitteriness goes away. When I first started, I also was jittery. I took Valerian which helped a lot. It's very safe. (Stay away from Kava since it can cause liver problems). Only buy Valerian that says "standardized" on the label. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes to work.

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5

Posted by Rudi on August 6, 2003, at 10:22:59

In reply to Lexapro******Day 5, posted by galkeepinon on August 6, 2003, at 1:40:22

I'm on day 3....so far a slight headache that wont go away....but it scares me that you are getting jittery...I am on the med for anxiety...where I get palpatation and chest tightness when I get anxious...feeling jittery will just make me moreso have an anxiety attack. My doc also said it will just help things roll off my back and I wont get so uptight over the tivial things...hope so....just having anxiety now just thinking about the SE that may be coming my way. Keep me posted on your days. Hopefully the SE will all go away .

 

for scott et al,.............. jittery on lexapro

Posted by joebob on August 6, 2003, at 11:14:15

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5, posted by SLS on August 6, 2003, at 7:18:56

what do you think of taking the lex just before sleep, i use trazadone for sleep and love it, 100mg

and what about cutting back the dose from say 10 to 5 or 5 to 2.5 and titrating up............will that lessen the jitters?

how long for anxiety/jitters to subside and AD efffects to kick in?

> > I can sum it up in one word tonight..............
> >
> >
> > jittery
>
>
> Lexapro quite often produces anxiety early in treatment. More often than not, it disappears prior to the onset of antidepressant activity. Knowing that might make it easier to get through some uncomfortable days.
>
> Good luck.
>
>
> - Scott

 

Re: for scott et al,.............. jittery on lexapro

Posted by jlo820 on August 6, 2003, at 13:40:59

In reply to for scott et al,.............. jittery on lexapro, posted by joebob on August 6, 2003, at 11:14:15

Lexapro has a mean half-life of 27-32 hours and reaches peak plasma levels in about 5 hours after you take it, so if you take it about 7 or 8 pm, that could be helpful for some people.

Also, a small dose of a long-acting benzodiazepine (like clonazepam or diazepam) can help with any jitteriness...but ususally this is not necessary...most sife effects will go away with a few weeks after you start Lexapro.

Titterating is really not necessary with Lexapro.

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Bill L

Posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 3:25:37

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5, posted by Bill L on August 6, 2003, at 9:17:13

Thanks Bill:)
I may start tomorrow taking it at night. May be the right thing to do. So you are on Lexapro now??? How long have you been on it?
Is it safe to take Valerian WITH Lexapro though? Is there a dosage I should look for on the Valerian?I don't know.

Appreciate your feedback.
hope to hear back,
gal

> Consider switching the time of day that you take Lexapro. At least until the jitteriness goes away. When I first started, I also was jittery. I took Valerian which helped a lot. It's very safe. (Stay away from Kava since it can cause liver problems). Only buy Valerian that says "standardized" on the label. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes to work.

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Rudi

Posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 3:32:52

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5, posted by Rudi on August 6, 2003, at 10:22:59

Hi Rudi, remeber everyone's different in how they react to meds, the jitteryness is my experience and the insomnia also. I had a slight headache also but I take a tylenol and it's ok. I will tell you, though, that I am starting to notice more so now, that I am starting to let things roll off my back and I'm not getting so uptight over the tivial things lately, my concentration is better also-bigtime.
Are you taking any anxiety meds for your anxiety already? I have a tendency to worry about side effects that may come my way also, but this was a desperate effort because I was a mess with my depression-I wasn't functioning, I was beginning to feel hopeless, and crying non-stop, so I had to give it a shot, and so far, I am happy that I did.
Hang in there ok and keep me posted on how YOU are doing.
Gal


> I'm on day 3....so far a slight headache that wont go away....but it scares me that you are getting jittery...I am on the med for anxiety...where I get palpatation and chest tightness when I get anxious...feeling jittery will just make me moreso have an anxiety attack. My doc also said it will just help things roll off my back and I wont get so uptight over the tivial things...hope so....just having anxiety now just thinking about the SE that may be coming my way. Keep me posted on your days. Hopefully the SE will all go away .

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5

Posted by Rudi on August 7, 2003, at 9:27:26

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Rudi, posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 3:32:52

Gal....well I was on Paxil about 2 yrs ago.. for about 1 yr. made me gain weight so I went off. Just trying the lexapro for now...nothing else...have my xanax if I need it.
I still have my mile headache...and I could fall asleep but I don't have a good sleep.
I am still waiting for SE to start...and praying that I may not have bad ones.
Have you asked your Dr. about the sleeplessness...there must be something he can give you...its not healthy not sleeping.
Have youtried xanax for sleep?
Hope you get some rest! R

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5

Posted by Bill L on August 7, 2003, at 10:13:23

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Bill L , posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 3:25:37

I do a lot of reading and I have never heard of any dangers of Valerian. It should be safe with Lexapro. I have taken it a lot with Lexapro. I don't know the dose off hand but I guess start with 1 pill and see if that is enough. I rarely need to take it anymore.

I have been on 20 mg of Lexapro since it first came out (last October?). It's been great for me.

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Rudi

Posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 17:15:33

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5, posted by Rudi on August 7, 2003, at 9:27:26

Rudi, that's good you have Xanax PRN. Have you tried anything for your headache? Sorry to hear about that-they really hurt:( Maybe you can talk to your doctor about augmenting some other medications with your current monotherapy of Paxil??? That may help you.
Xanax doesn't seem to work for me, I take Klonopin at night have been for a while. Last night I took Benadryl (allergies) and I slept quite well. I'm going to start taking my Lexapro at night tonight-see how it goes, see if I sleep better.......
Take Care,
Gal


> Gal....well I was on Paxil about 2 yrs ago.. for about 1 yr. made me gain weight so I went off. Just trying the lexapro for now...nothing else...have my xanax if I need it.
> I still have my mile headache...and I could fall asleep but I don't have a good sleep.
> I am still waiting for SE to start...and praying that I may not have bad ones.
> Have you asked your Dr. about the sleeplessness...there must be something he can give you...its not healthy not sleeping.
> Have youtried xanax for sleep?
> Hope you get some rest! R

 

Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Bill L

Posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 17:23:00

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5, posted by Bill L on August 7, 2003, at 10:13:23

Thanks Bill:) I am so happy to hear that the Lexapro has worked great for you!!! Did you by chance happen to notice any weight gain with yourself since being on Lexapro???? That always concerns me.
I may try the Valerian. I actually took Benadryl last night and slept quite well. But Valerian is worth a shot-I hear good things about it and now from you. I guess there is no *dose* eh? *laughing* just a pill.
Thanks again.
Best,
Gal


> I do a lot of reading and I have never heard of any dangers of Valerian. It should be safe with Lexapro. I have taken it a lot with Lexapro. I don't know the dose off hand but I guess start with 1 pill and see if that is enough. I rarely need to take it anymore.
>
> I have been on 20 mg of Lexapro since it first came out (last October?). It's been great for me.

 

Valerian

Posted by Bill L on August 8, 2003, at 8:37:46

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Bill L , posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 17:23:00

I found this on the internet. It's from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (which I have never heard of). But the information sounds legitamate based on what I have read in the past. I like Valerian because it gives a feeling of calmness without too much drowsiness.

Valerian

Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis L. Family: Valerianaceae

Common Names: Valerian, baldrian, radix valerianae, Indian valerian (V. wallichii), red valerian (c. ruber)

Composition: Most commercial formulations utilize an extract prepared from the dried rhizome of valerian and standardized to contain a specified concentration of terpene alkaloids. The fresh plant material has no appreciable odor; however, drying liberates isovaleric acid, which has a distinctive very unpleasant odor.

Proposed Therapeutic Uses: Anxiolytic for anxiety/stress reduction; mild sedative-hypnotic for treatment of restlessness, insomnia and sleep-related disorders. Perceived improvement in stress symptomatology and improved sleep patterns may require several (2-4) weeks of treatment with valerian.

Administration/Dosage: Anxiety/stress reduction: 150 mg of standardized valerian extract one-to-four times/day. Sleep aid: 150-300 mg of extract 30-45 minutes before bedtime.

Adverse Reaction/Precautions: Valerian has been classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for food use in the US. Adverse reactions to usual doses are relatively minor, they may include headache, mental distress and morning drowsiness (hangover). There appear to be no psychic dependence/addictive potential associated with the use of valerian. Patients taking valerian for either stress reduction or as a sleep-aid should be cautioned to markedly decrease consumption of caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, colas).

Clinical Pharmacology: Clinical studies generally support the ability of valerian to decrease sleep latency (time required to achieve sleep), decrease nighttime awakenings and extend sleep duration. A few clinical reports provide evidence for mild antianxiety activity based on both subjective and objective parameters.

Patient Information:

General:

Do not exceed the dose (number of tablets or capsules) or dose schedule (number of doses/day) recommended on the product label.
If you experience any ill effects, stop taking the medication. If adverse effects are serious or if they persist, contact your physician or pharmacist.
Do not take herbal medication during pregnancy or while nursing a newborn unless advised by your physician.
Valerian:

Do not take valerian if you are currently taking prescription drugs for anxiety/stress or sleep disorders or taking nonprescription sleep-aids.
Reduce or eliminate consumption of caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) while taking valerian.
Do not drink (or markedly restrict consumption of) alcoholic beverages while taking valerian.
Valerian may reduce alertness and motor coordination; caution in driving or operating hazardous machinery.

 

Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 11:58:35

In reply to Re: Lexapro******Day 5 » Bill L , posted by galkeepinon on August 7, 2003, at 17:23:00

Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in here. Valerian has never really worked for me (as far as insomnia is concerned, anyway... there is maybe a slight reduction in anxiety/muscle relaxation... but that may be placebo). I've tried many different forms, including tinctures of valerian that are very high in valeric acid (the active phytochemical).

Though I generally prefer to manufacture my own tinctures and glycerites of herbs (just yesterday I finished a skullcap/calamus/wormwood tincture that is just wonderful), there *is* one product commercially available that I've found helpful. It's a glycerite made by Gaia Herbs called "Valerian Poppy Supreme". It comes in 60ml (2oz.) bottles, and one dose (40 drops) contains 60mg total of extracts of valerian root, skullcap, California poppy, kava kava, passionflower, German chamomile, and mugwort. Here's a link:

http://www.iherb.com/veleriapop.html

There isn't a prescription sleep aid available that puts me to sleep, but this stuff knocks me right out -- and no hangover in the morning; just a pleasant relaxed feeling!

If you'd like to make your own herbal extracts at home, the process is very simple, though it takes four-six weeks. In case you're interested, here's how you do it:

1. First, of course, you have to decide which herbs you want to use in your extract. For example:

(Note: each combination of herbs listed here is just one of hundreds that could potentially be used to treat each condition listed -- these are just either my personal favorites, or ones that I've prescribed to others and seen good results with)

*To promote immunity and to detoxify your system: echinacea, thyme, mistletoe, eleuthero root, vervain, and elder flower

*To treat heart conditions, maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, and control hypertension: hawthorn berries, mistletoe, garlic, yarrow, rue, and asafoetida

*To treat depression: borage, camphor, meadowsweet, St. John's wort, rosemary, and mint

*To treat anxiety: betony, lavender, ashwagandha, reishi fungus, passionflower, and California poppy

*To treat ADD/ADHD: cowhage, kava kava, panax ginseng, and yohimbe

*To treat migraines: coriander, feverfew, betony, lavender, and rosemary

*To treat IBS: borage, valerian, anise seed, ginger, caraway, saffron, and lemongrass (if accompanied by diarrhea) or fennel seeds (if accompanied by constipation)

*To treat bronchitis or asthma: chamomile, horehound, elder berries, parsley, mullein, and hyssop

*To treat arthritis or fibromyalgia: camphor, bay laurel, white willow bark (contains salicylic acid, an orginal source for aspirin), meadowsweet, horehound, elder root, stems, or leaves, valerian and frankincense

*To treat CFS: eleuthero root, cardamom, panax ginseng, American ginseng, reishi fungus, mint, violet, lavender, rosemary, and rue

But let's just say you want to replicate (roughly) the Valerian Poppy Supreme extract above, only let's make it a tincture (alcohol-based) instead of a glycerite (glycerin-based). Alcohol is much more effective at absorbing the active chemicals in the plants. So the items you will need are valerian root, skullcap, California poppy, kava kava root, passionflower, German chamomile flowers, mugwort, 1.75 liters of 100-proof vodka, seven 8oz. Mason jars (actually, anything will work fine as long as it's not metal or plastic), sticky labels, mortar and pestel and/or coffee grinder, a tea strainer, coffee filters, and a one ounce amber bottle with a one millileter dropper. You'll need about an ounce of each herb listed, which will probably cost anywhere from $5-10 at your local health food store (if there's an herb or two you can't find, don't worry about it -- the tincture will still be effective); you can buy cheap vodka -- I use Crystal Palace brand, which costs about $10 for 1.75 liters; the jars I'm not sure about -- you may already have some, but if you have to buy them, they're a great investment, since they can be used over and over again in preparing all sorts of herbal remedies; the dropper and amber bottle should be easy enough to find -- just buy a commerically made herbal extract at the store that comes in a one ounce amber bottle (the cheapest one you can find) and discard the contents. You may even want to buy several so that you have more for storing other tinctures in.

2. Using either a mortar and pestel (mucho elbow grease) or coffee grinder (less-o elbow grease :-), pulverize all your herbs as finely as you can, preferably to a powder. In order to get the roots (valerian and kava kava) to powder, you'll pretty much have to use a coffee grinder.

3. Place each herb in a separate Mason jar (or whatever you're using) and cover with the vodka completely, also leaving a layer of vodka that extends about one inch over the top of the herb. Don't forget to label them!!

4. Place the lids on the jars, and shake each one well. Place in a warm, dark place. This process of the active chemicals being extracted into the solvent over time is called maceration.

5. Every day, take out each jar and shake it vigorously for just a few seconds.

6. After 4-6 weeks (depending on how strong you want the extract to be), it's time to strain the spent plant matter from the liquid. A tea strainer works well for the first pass, but to get out the smaller particles, coffee filters work very well. Just make sure that you squeeze every last drop of liquid that you can out of the herb.

7. Rinse each jar well, then place each extract back into its respective container.

8. Now the easy part -- you're just going to combine the extracts to form the tincture. In the one ounce (1oz. = 30ml) amber bottle, using the dropper put 4ml of each extract into the bottle, then cap it and shake well. Also make sure you shake it before every use. Tinctures will last at least 3-5 years without losing any potency.

9. And now the even easier part -- taking the tincture. :-) Just put 40 drops in a glass of spring water and drink on an empty stomach. You'll definitely feel some effect from this, but if it's not enough after 20 minutes, try another 40 drops. The maximum for anyone over 12 years of age is 120 drops per dose; for children over six years of age, the maximum is 60 drops per dose; ages 2-6, max of 20 drops per dose. This particular tincture is not recommended for infants, though a plain California poppy tincture has been used on infants by Native Americans for centuries to calm their nerves and aid their sleep -- the dose is 2-4 drops directly in the mouth or mixed with their milk/formula.

Now that that's done, I should tell you that there *are* ways to prepare herbal extracts that are non-alcoholic, which makes them more appropriate for giving to children or former alcoholics.

One way, as mentioned above, is in the form of a glycerite. The preparation is almost exactly the same -- just substitute a 60% glycerine/40% rose water solution (available at most pharmacies) for vodka, and allow it to macerate for at least 8 weeks. Glycerites are generally less preferred though because glycerine extracts fewer of the the active constituents of the plant matter than alcohol, and also because they don't last quite as long -- they begin to degrade after about two years.

The least preferred way of making an extract is to use apple cider vinegar instead of vodka or glycerine and to let it macerate at least 12 weeks. The only real disadvantages of vinegar extracts though are:

1.) They degrade rapidly, lasting about six months.
2.) They, like glycerine, aren't as effective as alcohol at extracting active chemicals.
3.) The maceration process takes so long.

Finally, there *is* a way to "de-alcoholize" a tincture. Simply put the appropriate number of drops of tincture into an empty cup, then add a bit of near boiling water. This will evaporate most of the alcohol, but still keeps the good stuff intact. Then you just add water and drink it as usual.

Well, I enjoyed writing this -- I've been meaning to write something on preparing herbal extracts, as I always save these types of posts as sort of "essays" that I've written. If you have any questions, ask away -- I'm an herbalist, so any health issue you have, I can recommend something that will surely help. Best of luck!

 

Re: Valerian... » Ame Sans Vie

Posted by zenhussy on August 8, 2003, at 12:10:32

In reply to Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 11:58:35

.....If you have any questions, ask away -- I'm an herbalist, so any health issue you have, I can recommend something that will surely help. Best of luck!

What sort of training have you had to earn the title of herbalist Ame?

Gaia is a great company and nice to see someone referring to their non alcoholic tinctures as well.

zenhussy

 

Re: Valerian... » zenhussy

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 14:46:33

In reply to Re: Valerian... » Ame Sans Vie, posted by zenhussy on August 8, 2003, at 12:10:32

> What sort of training have you had to earn the title of herbalist Ame?

Well, first of all, I've practiced paganism most of my life, so I've studied herbs since I was about seven years old. I also worked in a large health food store for a while as the herb specialist and during that time had several dozen people under my care.

Next, I plan on going for my designation as Master Herbalist through Trinity College.

 

certification » Ame Sans Vie

Posted by zenhussy on August 8, 2003, at 14:48:12

In reply to Re: Valerian... » zenhussy, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 14:46:33

> > What sort of training have you had to earn the title of herbalist Ame?
>
> Well, first of all, I've practiced paganism most of my life, so I've studied herbs since I was about seven years old. I also worked in a large health food store for a while as the herb specialist and during that time had several dozen people under my care.
>
> Next, I plan on going for my designation as Master Herbalist through Trinity College.
>
>

Congratulations on the MH program through Trinity. I hope it will bring all your knowledge together and expand your horizons.

zh

 

Thanks so much Bill :-) Very nice of you!!!!! (nm) » Bill L

Posted by galkeepinon on August 8, 2003, at 15:24:39

In reply to Valerian, posted by Bill L on August 8, 2003, at 8:37:46

 

Thank you 2:-) Very smart people here :-) (nm) » Ame Sans Vie

Posted by galkeepinon on August 8, 2003, at 15:27:32

In reply to Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 11:58:35

 

Re: these types of posts » Ame Sans Vie

Posted by Dr. Bob on August 9, 2003, at 21:15:29

In reply to Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 11:58:35

> I enjoyed writing this -- I've been meaning to write something on preparing herbal extracts, as I always save these types of posts as sort of "essays" that I've written.

Hmm, would you be interested in putting together a folder of herbal links for Psycho-Babble Tips?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psycho-babble-tips/links

Bob

 

Re: these types of posts » Dr. Bob

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 9, 2003, at 22:14:35

In reply to Re: these types of posts » Ame Sans Vie, posted by Dr. Bob on August 9, 2003, at 21:15:29

Sure Bob, I'd be glad to. :-)

What exactly would you be looking for? I assume information on herbal treatments for psychiatric disorders, but should I also include links to information about herbs used to counterract side effects? Or for other things that posters may find useful (e.g. migraines, IBS, CFS)?

 

Redirect: these types of posts

Posted by Dr. Bob on August 10, 2003, at 9:08:55

In reply to Re: these types of posts » Dr. Bob, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 9, 2003, at 22:14:35

> What exactly would you be looking for?

I've redirected this, see:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030808/msgs/249757.html

Bob

 

Ame, Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts

Posted by McPac on August 10, 2003, at 22:37:57

In reply to Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts, posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 8, 2003, at 11:58:35

Hi Ame,

Regarding the product that you mentioned ("a glycerite made by Gaia Herbs called "Valerian Poppy Supreme")......would that product be okay to take with other meds and supplements (would it diminish the effects of other meds/supps)?
Also, I recently tried the "Calms Forte" sleep aid product---it had NO effect at all, lol, I need a "knockout" formula....so this Valerian Poppy Supreme product really worked for you huh...cool....I'd like to try it. Also (and VERY importantly) is there an herbal formula that you could recommend that could "mellow out" periodic temper? Lastly, do you have a link for an herbal product that might work really well for depression? THANKS!!! LOVE reading your herbal ideas!

 

Re: Ame, Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts » McPac

Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 11, 2003, at 1:21:18

In reply to Ame, Valerian/Other Remedies/DIY Herbal Extracts, posted by McPac on August 10, 2003, at 22:37:57

> Regarding the product that you mentioned ("a glycerite made by Gaia Herbs called "Valerian Poppy Supreme")......would that product be okay to take with other meds and supplements (would it diminish the effects of other meds/supps)?

The only potential interaction that I can see with this product would be added sedation if taken with other CNS depressants. However, I'm not sure which metabolic pathways each of these herbs uses, so there is a chance that one or more of them could increase or decrease the effects of certain drugs. I'll have to look into this for you.

> Also, I recently tried the "Calms Forte" sleep aid product---it had NO effect at all, lol,...

lol, I tried that stuff too... got fed up one night and tried 30 tablets -- all I got from that was a little nausea.

> ...I need a "knockout" formula....so this Valerian Poppy Supreme product really worked for you huh...cool....I'd like to try it. Also (and VERY importantly) is there an herbal formula that you could recommend that could "mellow out" periodic temper?

Nymphaea caerulea (aka the Sacred Blue Lily of the Nile; blue lotus) is great for this. It's mildly inebriating, somewhat like a mild cannabis high together with some carisoprodol, and its main historical use (other than as an intoxicant in higher doses) is to manage anger. Its active phytochemicals are believed to be apomorphine and nuciferine. About a teaspoon of the crushed leaves and flowers brewed into a tea works extremely well. I have found this site to consistently carry the highest quality blue lotus for the least money:

http://www.mazatecgarden.com/products/Sacred_blue_lily.htm

That same site offers a crystal resin extract that is 15x more potent by weight than the plant itself. The site touts its benefits when one prefers to smoke blue lotus, but I've found the extract to work quite well when soaked in red wine (the raw plant material can also be used this way -- just make sure to only use half as much as usual, i.e. 1/2 tsp, because even quite small amounts of alcohol seem to have a very synergistic effect with the lotus).

> Lastly, do you have a link for an herbal product that might work really well for depression?

There are two commercially available products that I've seen some great results with for even severe depression, especially when both are used in combination. Eight of the dozen people I advised who used these remedies together achieved complete remission, three achieved partial remission, and one had to discontinue due to oversedation. She did find relief using some other products I then suggested for her, however. The two products I employ most are:

"Good Mood Tonic", manufactured by Herb Pharm
Purpose: mood-elevating, tranquilizing, adaptogenic
Ingredients: skullcap flowering herb, St. John's wort flower and bud, ashwagandha root, and prickly ash bark
Dose: 20 drops in water, three times daily
Available at: http://www.herbal-remedies.com/shop/xq/asp/ptid.32406/qx/productDetail.htm -- 1oz. for $7.15

"Master Formula", manufactured by Hidden River Farm
Purpose: adaptogenic, eugeroic
Ingredients: American ginseng, rehmannia root, asparagus root, astragalus root, solomonseal rhizome, wolfberry fruit, and cistanche
Dose: 1ml in water, twice daily
Available at: http://www.hiddenriverfarm.com/shop/products.asp?id=2 -- 2oz. for $15

I also recommended that one cup of tea made with 1/4 tsp rosemary and 1/2 tsp Rhodiola rosea be drunk four times daily. A good source of Rhodiola is http://www.nutricentre.com/store/naturalelixirstore/longevity/18.htm, where you can get 20g of root for $9. I'm sure I don't need to advise you as to where to get rosemary. :-)

Some good augmentors, in the case of a partial response, are reishi extract (http://www.wildroots.com/product_info.php/products_id/3357 -- 1oz. for $13.95) and homeopathic remedies (if you're interested in homeopathy, I'd need your exact symptoms to suggest the correct remedy -- the remedies are very highly specialized).

> THANKS!!! LOVE reading your herbal ideas!

You're very welcome, glad I can help. :-)


Go forward in thread:


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.