ringer
07-11-2002, 12:44 AM
Has anyone been on a prescribed anti-depressant like Paxil or Zoloft, that worked well for you, but as with many others, you gained weight on these, even while dieting and exercising?
And......have you switched to an alternative like
"SAM-e" ? Did the SAM-e work well for treating your symptoms, but without the weight gain?
Would like to hear from anyone regarding the above, before I wean off Zoloft and try the natural brand called "SAM-e". Thanks a bunch.
And......have you switched to an alternative like
"SAM-e" ? Did the SAM-e work well for treating your symptoms, but without the weight gain?
Would like to hear from anyone regarding the above, before I wean off Zoloft and try the natural brand called "SAM-e". Thanks a bunch.
Sponsor
Nancy S+13
07-11-2002, 03:14 AM
I went from Prozac to St. John's Wort and never went back. It worked great. I didn't gain weight with Prozac, but being on Zoloft I'm sure you know about the other icky side-effects. That's what I hated about it. Plus, being tied to seeing a doctor at $60 a pop and all he did was say, "How are you doing?" and then write me a new prescription.
BetaChiAngel
07-27-2002, 04:07 PM
I'm on zoloft for mild depression and moderate anxiety, and also interested in switching to a natural/herbal remedy. Are SAM-e and St. Johns Wort effective in treating anxiety or just depression? I've done a little research and have only found information for their treatment of depression. I currently take xanax for anxiety on an as-needed basis and it's been a wonder drug for me, but I'd prefer to take a natural suppliment that is not addictive.
ringer
07-28-2002, 12:34 AM
Hello in New York. I've been doing quite a bit of research too, like you. Found a good product, plus the SAM-e I'd like to try. This is supposed to treat both anxiety and depression. It's called "Anxiety Control." by Pain and Stress Center. ALso another product is called, "Mood Sync" which contains both St. Johns wort and HTP-5.
I like you take a Zanox about 2-3 times a month for minor anxiety. Is a real life saver,,,to have on hand. All I can say is, do the research and experiment. That's what I'm going to do once I'm off the Zoloft. I'm taking 6 weeks to slowly wean off Zoloft to avoid the side effects. Than I'm starting on Mood Sync and Anxiety Control, or SAM-e or both.
May I ask, if you have gained any unwanted weight on the Zoloft? Take care. Good luck. PAR
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 08-06-2002).]
I like you take a Zanox about 2-3 times a month for minor anxiety. Is a real life saver,,,to have on hand. All I can say is, do the research and experiment. That's what I'm going to do once I'm off the Zoloft. I'm taking 6 weeks to slowly wean off Zoloft to avoid the side effects. Than I'm starting on Mood Sync and Anxiety Control, or SAM-e or both.
May I ask, if you have gained any unwanted weight on the Zoloft? Take care. Good luck. PAR
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 08-06-2002).]
BetaChiAngel
07-29-2002, 09:41 PM
Hi Ringer,
Thanks for the response. I checked out the link you gave and I am definitely interested. I have already started weaning off the zoloft- hopefully it won't be too difficult, I am only taking 50mg and it's only been about 4 1/2 months since I started taking it. As far as weight gain on the zoloft- actually I experienced the exact opposite. The first week or 2 my appetite decreased significantly and I lost between 5-10 lbs. The zoloft certainly has not been helping with anxiety, so I'm hoping a natural aproach will work. Good luck and keep me updated on your situation ;)
Thanks for the response. I checked out the link you gave and I am definitely interested. I have already started weaning off the zoloft- hopefully it won't be too difficult, I am only taking 50mg and it's only been about 4 1/2 months since I started taking it. As far as weight gain on the zoloft- actually I experienced the exact opposite. The first week or 2 my appetite decreased significantly and I lost between 5-10 lbs. The zoloft certainly has not been helping with anxiety, so I'm hoping a natural aproach will work. Good luck and keep me updated on your situation ;)
swiggs
08-06-2002, 02:17 PM
Beta and Ringer,
I also am in the process of weening off of Effexor, and also have a mild anxiety and depression. I did alot of research on the 5-HTP. I took my last dosage of effexor last night, and did an overlap of the 5-HTP. There are supposed to be horrible withdrawal with effexor, so I hope this will curb them.
The 5-HTP is also supposed to be used for treating obesity, and should cut down cravings, especially carbs, and help you to feel full quicker. I also am taking a B complex vitamin at night to help with the anxiety/depression and absorbtion of the 5 htp. Your not supposed to take them at the sametime of the day, but should both be taken.
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Swiggs
I also am in the process of weening off of Effexor, and also have a mild anxiety and depression. I did alot of research on the 5-HTP. I took my last dosage of effexor last night, and did an overlap of the 5-HTP. There are supposed to be horrible withdrawal with effexor, so I hope this will curb them.
The 5-HTP is also supposed to be used for treating obesity, and should cut down cravings, especially carbs, and help you to feel full quicker. I also am taking a B complex vitamin at night to help with the anxiety/depression and absorbtion of the 5 htp. Your not supposed to take them at the sametime of the day, but should both be taken.
Good luck and let me know how it goes.
Swiggs
swiggs
08-07-2002, 11:10 AM
Ringer,
Did you start the SAM-e yet? Just wondering what research you found about it.
Good LUck,
Swiggs
Did you start the SAM-e yet? Just wondering what research you found about it.
Good LUck,
Swiggs
Jay Tor
08-07-2002, 06:13 PM
Most med/sci literature says that because this compound is unstable, you must be extremely careful about which brand you buy. Similar cautions from various consumer groups that have performed quality control tests on the brands available in the U.S. - the MAJORITY of U.S. brands failed these tests.
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 08-08-2002).]
[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 08-08-2002).]
ringer
08-07-2002, 07:38 PM
Let me know how you do weaning off the Zoloft. I've been slowly cutting my tablet smaller over the past 3 weeks and am now starting to experience withdrawel effects of nausia, some diarrea, headache and some depression and anxiety. I've heard many others having these symptoms too coming off Zoloft. But the slower you come off the less severe the side effects. I can't believe doctors can say this stuff isn't addictive, when coming off this is just as bad a coming off cocaine for a cocaine addict (I've never tried the stuff, but can imagine). Keep in touch. It's going to be a rough ride from here in, than I'm starting on SAM-e right away. Originally posted by BetaChiAngel:
Hi Ringer,
Thanks for the response. I checked out the link you gave and I am definitely interested. I have already started weaning off the zoloft- hopefully it won't be too difficult, I am only taking 50mg and it's only been about 4 1/2 months since I started taking it. As far as weight gain on the zoloft- actually I experienced the exact opposite. The first week or 2 my appetite decreased significantly and I lost between 5-10 lbs. The zoloft certainly has not been helping with anxiety, so I'm hoping a natural aproach will work. Good luck and keep me updated on your situation ;)
Hi Ringer,
Thanks for the response. I checked out the link you gave and I am definitely interested. I have already started weaning off the zoloft- hopefully it won't be too difficult, I am only taking 50mg and it's only been about 4 1/2 months since I started taking it. As far as weight gain on the zoloft- actually I experienced the exact opposite. The first week or 2 my appetite decreased significantly and I lost between 5-10 lbs. The zoloft certainly has not been helping with anxiety, so I'm hoping a natural aproach will work. Good luck and keep me updated on your situation ;)
ringer
08-07-2002, 07:43 PM
When you came off Prozac, what side effects did you experience. I've been tapering down as of 3 weeks ago and am now feeling some slight nausia, headache, depression, lightheadedness and anxiety. Guess this is to be expected for withdrawal, huh? Did you have any of these symptoms? And did you wait till you were Prozac free before starting the St. Johns wort? and how long did it take for you to feel better on this?
Thanks. PAR
Originally posted by Nancy S+13:
I went from Prozac to St. John's Wort and never went back. It worked great. I didn't gain weight with Prozac, but being on Zoloft I'm sure you know about the other icky side-effects. That's what I hated about it. Plus, being tied to seeing a doctor at $60 a pop and all he did was say, "How are you doing?" and then write me a new prescription.
Thanks. PAR
Originally posted by Nancy S+13:
I went from Prozac to St. John's Wort and never went back. It worked great. I didn't gain weight with Prozac, but being on Zoloft I'm sure you know about the other icky side-effects. That's what I hated about it. Plus, being tied to seeing a doctor at $60 a pop and all he did was say, "How are you doing?" and then write me a new prescription.
ringer
08-07-2002, 11:56 PM
Hello. How did you do coming off the Prozac? Any side effects, withdrawl symptoms? How long of a period did you take to come off Prozac and when did you start the St. Johns wort? I've been slowly weaning off Zoloft (on 3rd week now) and am must now starting to feel more anxiety, depression, headaches and some nausia. QUOTE]Originally posted by Nancy S+13:
I went from Prozac to St. John's Wort and never went back. It worked great. I didn't gain weight with Prozac, but being on Zoloft I'm sure you know about the other icky side-effects. That's what I hated about it. Plus, being tied to seeing a doctor at $60 a pop and all he did was say, "How are you doing?" and then write me a new prescription.[/QUOTE]
I went from Prozac to St. John's Wort and never went back. It worked great. I didn't gain weight with Prozac, but being on Zoloft I'm sure you know about the other icky side-effects. That's what I hated about it. Plus, being tied to seeing a doctor at $60 a pop and all he did was say, "How are you doing?" and then write me a new prescription.[/QUOTE]
swiggs
08-08-2002, 10:54 AM
Hello all,
this is my third day off the effexor, and I feel horrible. I upped the 5-htp to 100mg and hope it will take the edge off. I am dizzy, feel like there are electric shocks in my brain, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom. I feel like I just want to go to bed, and worst of all I feel so sad. I hope the saddness is just a side effect.
Swiggs
this is my third day off the effexor, and I feel horrible. I upped the 5-htp to 100mg and hope it will take the edge off. I am dizzy, feel like there are electric shocks in my brain, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom. I feel like I just want to go to bed, and worst of all I feel so sad. I hope the saddness is just a side effect.
Swiggs
ringer
08-08-2002, 02:52 PM
so sorry your feeling so yucky. Apparently these are all common withdrawl symptoms and they should pass in a week or two. I read of 2 people who were experiencing this when coming off SSRI's and they took "Benadryl" (cold-allergy remedy) and helped ease the withdrawl symptoms. It seemed to work for her. Go ahead and try it. She used the recommended dose for 1 week, even though it made her tired. Let me know how it works. Originally posted by swiggs:
Hello all,
this is my third day off the effexor, and I feel horrible. I upped the 5-htp to 100mg and hope it will take the edge off. I am dizzy, feel like there are electric shocks in my brain, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom. I feel like I just want to go to bed, and worst of all I feel so sad. I hope the saddness is just a side effect.
Swiggs
Hello all,
this is my third day off the effexor, and I feel horrible. I upped the 5-htp to 100mg and hope it will take the edge off. I am dizzy, feel like there are electric shocks in my brain, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom. I feel like I just want to go to bed, and worst of all I feel so sad. I hope the saddness is just a side effect.
Swiggs
ringer
08-08-2002, 02:56 PM
Swiggs: No, not yet...haven't started SAM-e. I'm having a hard time weaning off the Zoloft. I was planning on coming off this stuff in about 3 weeks and I think I may have to do it in 2 months. I've heart others taking this much time to come off SSRI's. The slower the better....but I still know what others have gone through with withdrawl symptoms and I'm not looking forward to this. Originally posted by swiggs:
Ringer,
Did you start the SAM-e yet? Just wondering what research you found about it.
Good LUck,
Swiggs
Ringer,
Did you start the SAM-e yet? Just wondering what research you found about it.
Good LUck,
Swiggs
swiggs
08-09-2002, 09:14 AM
Ringer,
Believe it or not, but I actually feel better. I upped my 5-htp to 1oomg 3xdaily, and can actually feel a difference when it wears off. I felt horrible yesterday, and by the end of the day, I went running, and feel very good. Today, I could actually get up in the morning and go running. I havent been able to do that since starting the effexor. I truly believe the 5-htp has helped. I still am feeling the electric shocks to the brain and heart palpitations, but they have decreased since yesterday. Thanks for the replies and hope you have an easy time with your weening. Please look into the 5-htp. It is worth the time to research.
Swiggs
Believe it or not, but I actually feel better. I upped my 5-htp to 1oomg 3xdaily, and can actually feel a difference when it wears off. I felt horrible yesterday, and by the end of the day, I went running, and feel very good. Today, I could actually get up in the morning and go running. I havent been able to do that since starting the effexor. I truly believe the 5-htp has helped. I still am feeling the electric shocks to the brain and heart palpitations, but they have decreased since yesterday. Thanks for the replies and hope you have an easy time with your weening. Please look into the 5-htp. It is worth the time to research.
Swiggs
ringer
08-09-2002, 02:43 PM
That's wonderful. Glad you're doing well on the HTP-5. Which brand are you taking? Originally posted by swiggs:
Ringer,
Believe it or not, but I actually feel better. I upped my 5-htp to 1oomg 3xdaily, and can actually feel a difference when it wears off. I felt horrible yesterday, and by the end of the day, I went running, and feel very good. Today, I could actually get up in the morning and go running. I havent been able to do that since starting the effexor. I truly believe the 5-htp has helped. I still am feeling the electric shocks to the brain and heart palpitations, but they have decreased since yesterday. Thanks for the replies and hope you have an easy time with your weening. Please look into the 5-htp. It is worth the time to research.
Swiggs
Ringer,
Believe it or not, but I actually feel better. I upped my 5-htp to 1oomg 3xdaily, and can actually feel a difference when it wears off. I felt horrible yesterday, and by the end of the day, I went running, and feel very good. Today, I could actually get up in the morning and go running. I havent been able to do that since starting the effexor. I truly believe the 5-htp has helped. I still am feeling the electric shocks to the brain and heart palpitations, but they have decreased since yesterday. Thanks for the replies and hope you have an easy time with your weening. Please look into the 5-htp. It is worth the time to research.
Swiggs
BetaChiAngel
08-11-2002, 04:24 PM
Hi Ringer,
How are you feeling? What was your highest dosage and how much are you taking now? Well I've been taking 25mg of zoloft for a few weeks now (down from 50) and its going ok. I tried taking 25mg every other day but got terrible headaches, lightheadedness, and I was always tired, so I went back to taking it every day. In about 2 weeks I plan on cutting 25mg pills in half and taking those for a few weeks if I feel ok. It sounds kind of ridiculous to take such a low dose, but I really don't wanna mess with this stuff. Swiggs I'm glad to hear that you are feeling well. Keep us updated.
How are you feeling? What was your highest dosage and how much are you taking now? Well I've been taking 25mg of zoloft for a few weeks now (down from 50) and its going ok. I tried taking 25mg every other day but got terrible headaches, lightheadedness, and I was always tired, so I went back to taking it every day. In about 2 weeks I plan on cutting 25mg pills in half and taking those for a few weeks if I feel ok. It sounds kind of ridiculous to take such a low dose, but I really don't wanna mess with this stuff. Swiggs I'm glad to hear that you are feeling well. Keep us updated.
swiggs
08-12-2002, 11:57 AM
Ringer and Beta,
Hope you both had a good weekend. I did alot of research on the htp, and especially the highest grade. I was told by a doc that Natrol and NSI
Nutraceutical Sciences Institute were the better grades. I have upped my dose again to 200mg 3xdaily, and feel very good. Not to mention my appetite has decreased significantly, and I have lost 5 lbs. I did have a lot of trouble sleeping last night, but did not take any htp before I went to bed. I may try 50-100 mg tonight. I know that insomnia is a withdrawal of effexor, and the symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. At least Im not sick anymore.
Hope you both are doing well. Definitely ween slowly.
Good luck and let me know how you are both doing.
Swiggs.
Hope you both had a good weekend. I did alot of research on the htp, and especially the highest grade. I was told by a doc that Natrol and NSI
Nutraceutical Sciences Institute were the better grades. I have upped my dose again to 200mg 3xdaily, and feel very good. Not to mention my appetite has decreased significantly, and I have lost 5 lbs. I did have a lot of trouble sleeping last night, but did not take any htp before I went to bed. I may try 50-100 mg tonight. I know that insomnia is a withdrawal of effexor, and the symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. At least Im not sick anymore.
Hope you both are doing well. Definitely ween slowly.
Good luck and let me know how you are both doing.
Swiggs.
canyonspirit72
08-16-2002, 11:23 AM
I have had bipolar for years and asked a health food store if sam-e was good she saied no.....5htp and st.john's wort is used for depression but it doesn't work for everyone and they can also give you side effects. I go to a naturopathic doctor who told me it doesn't work for some people. There are drugs for anxiety such as valerian and kava kava but some of the herbs can interact with the prescriptions you are already taking. Therei s some research that fish oil has alot of omega 3 which make up to 70% of your brain and Lecthin also is useful, if pregnant women do not getlecthin their babies have underdeveloped nervous systems.....