![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 17:47:32
Wanted to know if some of you have opinions or have done research about AP's/Benzos. 17 months off all drugs and I still have moderate to severe anxiety. Granted, I would say out of a month, I experience this maybe 5-8 days per month. When I first came off the drugs, it was 24/7. I am scared if I need future procedures and they give me meds what this will do to my CNS. I know people can go into protracted w/d which lasts for years and I hope I am not one. What natural methods can I do to make myself better. I am also pregnant.
Thanks,
JACJ
Posted by willyee on August 16, 2005, at 18:46:09
In reply to Permanent Anxiety, posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 17:47:32
> Wanted to know if some of you have opinions or have done research about AP's/Benzos. 17 months off all drugs and I still have moderate to severe anxiety. Granted, I would say out of a month, I experience this maybe 5-8 days per month. When I first came off the drugs, it was 24/7. I am scared if I need future procedures and they give me meds what this will do to my CNS. I know people can go into protracted w/d which lasts for years and I hope I am not one. What natural methods can I do to make myself better. I am also pregnant.
>
> Thanks,
> JACJ
There are TONS of natural remedies for anxiety,as to how well they work,well that is a strong question,some swear on it,others consider anything natural snake oil,my personal exper is theres truth to both opinions.
Thing to consider for anxiety :
L-theanine affects gaba/dopamine blood levels and also aplha calming waves in the brain.L-Taurine, affects gaba levels,acts like a mood stablizer,stablizes nerve activity in the spine and brain.
Kava Kava , hits 15 sites in the brain,including gaba recpetors and can be a BIG help to some.
L Glycine, is a inhibitory amino and can produce calming effects.
Picamilion, A natural product that effects gaba and i believe also stimulates,so its used as anxiety//depression.
5htp affects serotionion,if u did well on ssris this might be a way to shoot.
St. johns wort.......eh love it or hate it.
Valerian root, Very popular for sleep,affects gaba,MIGHT carry over the next day with anti anxiety effects.
There are prob more,but this is the major jiff,DR bob will prob re direct this to babble ALTERNATIVE where people will gladly answer this question for u,many people dabble only in NATRUAL methods.
Posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 18:56:17
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety, posted by willyee on August 16, 2005, at 18:46:09
Thanks Wil for all the great info. I was going to go to the alternative and post a question about what to do but my question lies more for research of AP's and Benzos and whether they are linked to permanent anxiety. Why is my anxiety worse than pre-drugs and I have been off for a long time.
Posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 19:19:41
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety, posted by willyee on August 16, 2005, at 18:46:09
Hi again,
I am guessing you would get these natural products at a health food store. Any sites I can research them? I am just really scare to try any natural substances. I can't now cause I am pregnant but definately will look into it.Thanks,
JACJ
Posted by med_empowered on August 16, 2005, at 21:28:32
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety..willyee, posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 19:19:41
hey! Sometimes, anxiety might seem even worse (or be even worse) when you stop taking benzos..sometimes, they help people adapt for a while and formulate better strategies for dealing with anxiety (thats what they did for me). So then, when you stop taking them, withdrawal sucks but your newly developed skills help you handle anxiety without more meds. In your case, I think the antipsychotics might have something to do with this painful drug-free period; although docs don't discuss it much, antipsychotics do have their own "withdrawal syndrome" (at least the old ones) that were noted in non-psychotic patients who stopped taking them (like people who took Stelazine for anxiety, Haldol for mania, kids given Thorazine for "conduct disorders"). For the first couple months after I stopped taking my antipsychotic, my anxiety seemed a lot worse, but it gradually went down to where it now--at most, mild.
Posted by willyee on August 16, 2005, at 22:32:24
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety, posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 18:56:17
> Thanks Wil for all the great info. I was going to go to the alternative and post a question about what to do but my question lies more for research of AP's and Benzos and whether they are linked to permanent anxiety. Why is my anxiety worse than pre-drugs and I have been off for a long time.
Why,well i think MANY people tend to forget WHY they were willing to take a anti-anxiety med in the first place,because they were exper anxiety.Lets not forget of the orignal NON medication involved orignal anxiety that brings us to drugs in the first place.
Your orignal anxiety is now free and loose,it went from being partialy subsided by medication,to now totaly free.
Like a crimnal in jail,behind bars he is still a criminal and no better a person,but hes contained,should he escape his frist few weeks out of jail he will be wild from being locked up so long!
Your orignal anxiety could be more robust now that its finaly not being subdued.If this is the case it might make sense to stay on medication to treat ur CLINICAL anxiety for a very long time.
Perhaps there is some medication that is least likly to interfere with a preganancy,that i dont know,but a person with anxiety usualy isnt CURED by medication,they are TREATED,so when meds r removed its very very likly the oringal anxiety/depression will quickly rear its ugly head now that its "free" again to reak havoc,.
I wish u the best of luck
Posted by spriggy on August 17, 2005, at 13:10:38
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety, posted by willyee on August 16, 2005, at 18:46:09
I wonder if also your pregnancy could be related to your anxiety levels.
I know when I was pregnant, I felt so different than normal- the hormones are changing and doing so many things.
It could be a combination of the withdrawal and the hormonal changes.
Posted by JACJ on August 17, 2005, at 14:54:56
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety, posted by spriggy on August 17, 2005, at 13:10:38
I am thinking the same thing too Spriggy. How was your anxiety after the baby came? I am nervous about post partum depression that may come but don't want to worry too much. Are you off all drugs now? What did you do to control your anxiety besides drugs?
Willyee and Med Powered, I plan to repsond to your posts but time hasn't been my friend. Will post once I have some free time.
JACJ
Posted by JACJ on August 18, 2005, at 21:08:29
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety..willyee, posted by med_empowered on August 16, 2005, at 21:28:32
> hey! Sometimes, anxiety might seem even worse (or be even worse) when you stop taking benzos..sometimes, they help people adapt for a while and formulate better strategies for dealing with anxiety (thats what they did for me). So then, when you stop taking them, withdrawal sucks but your newly developed skills help you handle anxiety without more meds. In your case, I think the antipsychotics might have something to do with this painful drug-free period; although docs don't discuss it much, antipsychotics do have their own "withdrawal syndrome" (at least the old ones) that were noted in non-psychotic patients who stopped taking them (like people who took Stelazine for anxiety, Haldol for mania, kids given Thorazine for "conduct disorders"). For the first couple months after I stopped taking my antipsychotic, my anxiety seemed a lot worse, but it gradually went down to where it now--at most, mild.
Hi Med,
I read that your emotions are covered by the drugs and you become tolerant and don't leanr any skills but can you tell me more about why AP's are harder to w/d from. I thought they weren't as bad as the benzos. I am learning alot about these poisons ( this is what I call them). My life is in ruins b/c of them. My anxiety and worries are 10 times worse than pre-meds. I worry about things and have symptoms I have never had before. I can go into detail if you wanted to know more. You seem very knowledgeable about AP's and would love to learn more. I am off all drugs for 17 months now and I am so much better but have a ways to go.I worry about protracted w/d. I just need support.
JACJ
Posted by JACJ on August 18, 2005, at 21:13:16
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety, posted by willyee on August 16, 2005, at 22:32:24
> > Thanks Wil for all the great info. I was going to go to the alternative and post a question about what to do but my question lies more for research of AP's and Benzos and whether they are linked to permanent anxiety. Why is my anxiety worse than pre-drugs and I have been off for a long time.
>
> Why,well i think MANY people tend to forget WHY they were willing to take a anti-anxiety med in the first place,because they were exper anxiety.Lets not forget of the orignal NON medication involved orignal anxiety that brings us to drugs in the first place.
>
> Your orignal anxiety is now free and loose,it went from being partialy subsided by medication,to now totaly free.
>
> Like a crimnal in jail,behind bars he is still a criminal and no better a person,but hes contained,should he escape his frist few weeks out of jail he will be wild from being locked up so long!
>
> Your orignal anxiety could be more robust now that its finaly not being subdued.If this is the case it might make sense to stay on medication to treat ur CLINICAL anxiety for a very long time.
>
> Perhaps there is some medication that is least likly to interfere with a preganancy,that i dont know,but a person with anxiety usualy isnt CURED by medication,they are TREATED,so when meds r removed its very very likly the oringal anxiety/depression will quickly rear its ugly head now that its "free" again to reak havoc,.
>
> I wish u the best of luck
>
>
Hi Wil
These drugs have ruined my life. I had very mild anxiety and mild depression and b/c I went on one drug that started this mess over 5 years ago. I had a pyshcotic reaction from Wellbutrin and then they started the hard hitting drugs. My anxiety and problems now are so much worse than the pre-drug days. It has been 17 months and worry about protracted w/d. I never want to even be in the same room as psychotropic drugs. I respect those who chose the path of medication but I am extreme in my views about them.I am hoping to find other ways to overcome this. Thanks for your input and I wish you the best of luck
JACJ
Posted by willyee on August 19, 2005, at 15:46:01
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety For Willyee, posted by JACJ on August 18, 2005, at 21:13:16
Oh dont get me wrong,i agree drugs havent helped much at all for myself.
Unfortunalty my underlying condition would be hard enough to bere with the addition of W/D.
i applaud you though for having the guts to get off,many people including myself are not that brave at the exact moment.
Posted by Declan on August 19, 2005, at 20:28:48
In reply to Permanent Anxiety, posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 17:47:32
Hi JACJ
My feeling with benzos is once you've been on them a while and tried to give them up, your previous problems will seem quite easy to handle by comparison.
This is your feeling too?
It's a little like 'the only cure for emotional suffering is physical pain'. (Marx, I think)
Declan
Posted by Declan on August 19, 2005, at 20:43:50
In reply to Permanent Anxiety, posted by JACJ on August 16, 2005, at 17:47:32
Some women feel very contented when pregnant. Progesterone flood? I'd be nervous about post-partum depression too. Sounds scary.
In the first 3 months it is normally recommended to avoid all herbs.
I did find a reference to the use of Lime Flowers in pregnancy. It says that Lime contains traces of benzodiazepine-like compounds. And there are flavanoids that improve circulation, which might be good for varicose veins.
Declan
Posted by LyndaK on August 21, 2005, at 3:02:57
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety For Willyee, posted by JACJ on August 18, 2005, at 21:13:16
JACJ,
First I wanted to tell you that my experiences with being pregnant were such that the first trimester was always very difficult to get through emotionally -- the first trimester was always the hardest . . . so don't discount the pregnancy itself, although withdrawal may also be an issue.
Second, since you are definitely looking for an alternative to drugs, and one that is safe during pregnancy, I wanted to mention one that I didn't see listed on the "alternatives" board (though I didn't search it thoroughly). It's a nutrituional supplement (not an herb) . . . a glyconutritional supplement. I won't go into detail (too long). I'll just point you to some websites. The first is www.Glycoscience.org There is also a canadian doctor who talks about these supplements and has quite a story of his own to tell -- Dr. Alex Omelchuck -- you can just do a search with his name. A company that sells these is Mannatech -- their website is www.mannatech.com. I don't have a testimonial of my own yet. I've started taking the products and have been on them 3 or 4 weeks now. I can't say what it is or is not doing for my anxiety because I am still taking my medication for that and won't attempt any changes until I've been on the nutritionals for at least 4 to 6 months. What I can say is that they have definitely contributed to good, consistent sleep, more energy during the day, reduced craving of caffein and junk food, and a stronger immune system. If those websites aren't helpful let me know and I'll see what else I can come up with.
Lynda
> Hi Wil
> These drugs have ruined my life. I had very mild anxiety and mild depression and b/c I went on one drug that started this mess over 5 years ago. I had a pyshcotic reaction from Wellbutrin and then they started the hard hitting drugs. My anxiety and problems now are so much worse than the pre-drug days. It has been 17 months and worry about protracted w/d. I never want to even be in the same room as psychotropic drugs. I respect those who chose the path of medication but I am extreme in my views about them.
>
> I am hoping to find other ways to overcome this. Thanks for your input and I wish you the best of luck
>
> JACJ
>
Posted by JACJ on August 22, 2005, at 17:57:20
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety For Willyee » JACJ, posted by LyndaK on August 21, 2005, at 3:02:57
> JACJ,
>
> First I wanted to tell you that my experiences with being pregnant were such that the first trimester was always very difficult to get through emotionally -- the first trimester was always the hardest . . . so don't discount the pregnancy itself, although withdrawal may also be an issue.
>
> Second, since you are definitely looking for an alternative to drugs, and one that is safe during pregnancy, I wanted to mention one that I didn't see listed on the "alternatives" board (though I didn't search it thoroughly). It's a nutrituional supplement (not an herb) . . . a glyconutritional supplement. I won't go into detail (too long). I'll just point you to some websites. The first is www.Glycoscience.org There is also a canadian doctor who talks about these supplements and has quite a story of his own to tell -- Dr. Alex Omelchuck -- you can just do a search with his name. A company that sells these is Mannatech -- their website is www.mannatech.com. I don't have a testimonial of my own yet. I've started taking the products and have been on them 3 or 4 weeks now. I can't say what it is or is not doing for my anxiety because I am still taking my medication for that and won't attempt any changes until I've been on the nutritionals for at least 4 to 6 months. What I can say is that they have definitely contributed to good, consistent sleep, more energy during the day, reduced craving of caffein and junk food, and a stronger immune system. If those websites aren't helpful let me know and I'll see what else I can come up with.
>
> Lynda
>
> > Hi Wil
> > These drugs have ruined my life. I had very mild anxiety and mild depression and b/c I went on one drug that started this mess over 5 years ago. I had a pyshcotic reaction from Wellbutrin and then they started the hard hitting drugs. My anxiety and problems now are so much worse than the pre-drug days. It has been 17 months and worry about protracted w/d. I never want to even be in the same room as psychotropic drugs. I respect those who chose the path of medication but I am extreme in my views about them.
> >
> > I am hoping to find other ways to overcome this. Thanks for your input and I wish you the best of luck
> >
> > JACJ
> >
>
> Thanks Lynda for that info. I will look into it more and let you know what I find out. I don't really want to go on anything until I am done delivery and breastfeeding. I am so senstive to chemicals that even good ones set me off. I am trying to let me CNS heal even though it may take years to feel completely normal. I wish you luck.JACJ :)
Posted by JACJ on August 22, 2005, at 17:58:22
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety For Willyee, posted by JACJ on August 22, 2005, at 17:57:20
Forgot to change the Subject line.
Posted by LyndaK on August 26, 2005, at 2:36:02
In reply to Re: Permanent Anxiety For Willyee, posted by JACJ on August 22, 2005, at 17:57:20
JACJ,
Sorry for the delay in my response. Usually I get notified by email, but I must have forgotten to check the box.
I understand your need to be cautious . . . that's a good thing to be when you're pregnant. Women have gone on this glyconutritional supplement during pregnancy and reported an improved course of pregnancy (less nausea, fatigue, etc.), labor and delivery, and very healthy babies. Of the websites I mentioned, the www.glycoscience.org would be the best to address your concerns.
One more thing . . . I did supportive couseling with a psychologist during the first trimester with my first baby and it really helped a lot. I didn't do it with my second and I didn't do as well. You might want to consider it.
Good luck with everything.
Lynda> > JACJ,
> >
> > First I wanted to tell you that my experiences with being pregnant were such that the first trimester was always very difficult to get through emotionally -- the first trimester was always the hardest . . . so don't discount the pregnancy itself, although withdrawal may also be an issue.
> >
> > Second, since you are definitely looking for an alternative to drugs, and one that is safe during pregnancy, I wanted to mention one that I didn't see listed on the "alternatives" board (though I didn't search it thoroughly). It's a nutrituional supplement (not an herb) . . . a glyconutritional supplement. I won't go into detail (too long). I'll just point you to some websites. The first is www.Glycoscience.org There is also a canadian doctor who talks about these supplements and has quite a story of his own to tell -- Dr. Alex Omelchuck -- you can just do a search with his name. A company that sells these is Mannatech -- their website is www.mannatech.com. I don't have a testimonial of my own yet. I've started taking the products and have been on them 3 or 4 weeks now. I can't say what it is or is not doing for my anxiety because I am still taking my medication for that and won't attempt any changes until I've been on the nutritionals for at least 4 to 6 months. What I can say is that they have definitely contributed to good, consistent sleep, more energy during the day, reduced craving of caffein and junk food, and a stronger immune system. If those websites aren't helpful let me know and I'll see what else I can come up with.
> >
> > Lynda
> >
> > > Hi Wil
> > > These drugs have ruined my life. I had very mild anxiety and mild depression and b/c I went on one drug that started this mess over 5 years ago. I had a pyshcotic reaction from Wellbutrin and then they started the hard hitting drugs. My anxiety and problems now are so much worse than the pre-drug days. It has been 17 months and worry about protracted w/d. I never want to even be in the same room as psychotropic drugs. I respect those who chose the path of medication but I am extreme in my views about them.
> > >
> > > I am hoping to find other ways to overcome this. Thanks for your input and I wish you the best of luck
> > >
> > > JACJ
> > >
> >
> > Thanks Lynda for that info. I will look into it more and let you know what I find out. I don't really want to go on anything until I am done delivery and breastfeeding. I am so senstive to chemicals that even good ones set me off. I am trying to let me CNS heal even though it may take years to feel completely normal. I wish you luck.
>
> JACJ :)
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
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.