Posted by Ron Hill on March 12, 2002, at 12:44:03
In reply to Re: Sam-e in conjunction with AD » Ron Hill, posted by Lizzy G on March 12, 2002, at 9:20:22
Lizzy,
> So far the SAM-e seems to be working pretty well, but this depressive episode is different from my history.
I'm glad to hear that you are finding some benefit from SAM-e. Please continue to post periodically regarding the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the SAM-e.
> However, this time, the depression has been triggered by an external event (bereavement) and is not as severe as previously.I am very sorry for your loss. Do you think it might help if you met with a counselor (psychologist)?
> Do you have any experience/views about augmenting the SAM-e with 5-HTP?
No, I've never tried 5-HTP nor have I read anything regarding this combination. I might try it when I wean myself off of my small Zoloft dose (my daily meds; 600 mg Lithobid, 12.5 mg Zoloft, 200 mg SAM-e). One thing that SAM-e and 5-HTP have in common is that they are both expensive supplements!
>Also, have you ever tried an alternative remedy for anxiety, such as kava kava?
I have very little experience with kava kava. I used it a couple of times as a sleep-aid and I felt a slight "hangover" the next day. However, your mileage may vary. What are your anxiety symptoms? Is it an irritable rage thing or a fear and hiding thing?
>I have a supply of Oxazepam in my armoury, but haven't taken any since being on the SAM-e, and wondered if you could recommend anything other than the benzos.
For quite sometime I have been considering adding a small amount of gabapentin (Neurontin) to my Lithobid. As you know, Neurontin is an anti-epileptic drug (AED) used also as a mood stabilizer. It has some anti-anxiety features. Does the addictive potential of the benzos concern you?
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:95968
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97633.html