Can herbs be addictive, dependency forming? - General Health Message Board

genxsis · 04-22-2007, 12:30 PM

I had been taking Saw Palmetto for problems that may have been related to my prostate (urinating problems; stream keeps stopping while bladder is still full, etc.). But when the problem seemed to be resolved, I stopped taking it. Almost as soon as I stopped, I began to have problems with sleep. I keep waking up after only a couple hours, fall asleep again, wake up an hour or two later, then lay awake the rest of the night.

Sleeping pills haven't helped. They just make me more tired, but don't cause me to sleep any more.

So I got the idea of starting to take Saw Palmetto again to see if my discontinuation of it before caused my insomnia. It's been 2 nights now, and I've been sleeping somewhat better. I feel that I may have formed a dependency on the Saw Palmetto. But is that possible? Can an herb be addictive?

gooby · 04-22-2007, 03:12 PM

anything can be habit forming and most things can be addictive whether it be physical or mental addiction.

There could very well be chemical within saw palmetto that are addictive.

if you are having prostate problems, I have to ask, have you been to the doctor about this? sometimes it is nothing, sometimes it is something yet not a big deal, sometimes it is a very big deal.

You should get checked by a doc.

Nyxie63 · 04-22-2007, 04:46 PM

Saw palmetto contains substances called steroidal saponins. These steroidal saponins are similar to the substances that are made into sex hormones. Basically, what you're experiencing is hormone withdrawl (not exactly, but close enough). Your body has become accustomed to having those levels and is now stressed because the hormone levels are lower.

It probably would have been better to taper off over a matter of weeks, rather than cold turkey. Your withdrawl problems should clear up in a couple of weeks or you can go back on at a lower dose and start tapering off.

genxsis · 04-23-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nyxie63

Saw palmetto contains substances called steroidal saponins. These steroidal saponins are similar to the substances that are made into sex hormones. Basically, what you're experiencing is hormone withdrawl (not exactly, but close enough). Your body has become accustomed to having those levels and is now stressed because the hormone levels are lower.

It probably would have been better to taper off over a matter of weeks, rather than cold turkey. Your withdrawl problems should clear up in a couple of weeks or you can go back on at a lower dose and start tapering off.

Wow! Thank you! This is the first time I've heard about why my sleeping problems exist! I will take your advice and try to wean myself off those pills gradually. I had no idea they could have these kinds of side affects.

Gooby:
I actually have been to my doctor in the past about my problem. He gave me a rectal exam and said I didn't have an enlarged prostate, but I gave the Saw Palmetto pills a try anyway because I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. They worked, I guess. I just hope that problem doesn't return, 'cuz I don't want to go through the whole process of "can't pee, then can't sleep" again.