Posted by laurie_lu on January 18, 2006, at 9:16:46
In reply to Re: 5-HTP IS AS BAD AS BENZOS » davpet, posted by blueberry on January 17, 2006, at 21:45:53
When I was diagnosed with dysthymia a couple years ago, my doc put me on Effexor XR. It was great in the beginning but eventually pooped out at the dosage of 150mg. I didn't want to increase the dose due to bothersome side effects I was experiencing. I tapered off Effexor carefully and my depression/anxiety was worse than before being on the drug.
I then began taking 5-HTP. 5-HTP was great for the first couple months but after one year it pooped out as well. Now my depression was back in full force. I tapered off the 5-HTP and began St. Johns Wort. Like the other things, SJW was helpful for about 3 months but after that, I was feeling so tired and depressed.
I've come to the conclusion, I was better off before ever being prescribed the Effexor and am worse now. I wonder if all the things I've tried to help my brain chemistry has had a harmful effect in the long run. Have I damaged my brain?? Now I'm flying solo on just vitamins and fish oil. I feel like crap and not sure where to go from here. I might take the suggestion and begin some Magnesium glycinate supplements and see what happens. I really don't think I should try any mind altering herbal things in the future. These are just my own personal observations.
Laurie
poster:laurie_lu
thread:600069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051208/msgs/600278.html