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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kribensis on April 14, 2014, at 21:27:22
I have been trying rhodiola.
I was recently on Effexor. I was on it for 7 days then came off to try Manerix. Waited 4 days before trying manerix. Took manerix only one day (felt really bad but now I think it might be effexor withdrawal even though I was only on it for 1 week). Took effexor again for one week after manerix.
Read about Rhodiola and decided that even though effexor tends to work for me (took it years ago) I didn't want to deal with the side effects.
The first day I took rhodiola (in the am) I was basically manic for half of the day. Actually in a sort of good way as I tend to be really low energy depressive. Wore off by about noon but I had high hopes for it. Next couple of days taking it I felt really off, my head felt really weird. I actually thought it was the withdrawal effects of effexor. I had been taking 75mg per day for 8 days and I know that even taking it for that short time can produce withdrawal effects.
Stuck with Rhodiola but on Saturday felt terrible, tired, etc. Decided to not take it Sunday (yesterday). Felt good yesterday. Still chalked it up to effexor withdrawal.
Took rhodiola again this morning. It is now 12 hours later since I took it. About 4 hours ago I started to feel crappy so 8 hours after taking it.
Dosage is: 100mg Rhodiola and 100mg Panax ginseng (AOR brand), take one per day.
I did have a lot of chocolate today (milk) as I was working. Had more than intended to but I've done that before without feeling ill. Started to feel a slight increase in heart rate 8 hours after (nothing major and it's down now) but started to feel anxious, weird head feeling (dizzy a bit maybe) and my legs were killing me, knees and quads sore and achy even though I didn't do any physical work to do that. I feel a bit sick to my stomach like I could throw up but don't think I will.
It has been about 5 days since starting Rhodiola and 7 days since being off effexor (but again, only took effexor for 8 days although you could count it as 2 weeks but had a break of 6 days in-between).
Any suggestions as to what is going on? I am obviously not going to take the Rhodiola and see how I feel tomorrow but the legs pains and off stomach are making me feel really anxious. Is this an adverse reaction or is it because I recently took effexor? I didn't think that would be a problem as I know some people take low dose rhodiola along with an anti-depressant. I am not so bad that I think I should go to the ER but bad enough that I feel like crap and am worried.
Posted by Chris O on May 3, 2014, at 3:07:56
In reply to Rhodiola - weird reaction?, posted by kribensis on April 14, 2014, at 21:27:22
If I had to guess, I would say it's withdrawals from the Effexor. I have taken Effexor for a short period like you and had fairly obnoxious withdrawals: muscle aches, confusion, brain zaps, nausea, and the worst migraine headache of my life. (I've never had a migraine headache before.) I wondered if I was having a stroke.
I have also taken rhodiola many times. It has never done much of anything for me. (I know others here have had more profound experiences with this herb.) However, it is activating and I can see it along with ginseng and Effexor withdrawals creating a feeling of "crappy" on some level. (Anxious would be my "crappy.")
Anyway, I hope you're feeling better now. Effexor withdrawals can really mess with your mind.
Posted by kribensis on May 3, 2014, at 19:45:11
In reply to Re: Rhodiola - weird reaction? » kribensis, posted by Chris O on May 3, 2014, at 3:07:56
> If I had to guess, I would say it's withdrawals from the Effexor. I have taken Effexor for a short period like you and had fairly obnoxious withdrawals: muscle aches, confusion, brain zaps, nausea, and the worst migraine headache of my life. (I've never had a migraine headache before.) I wondered if I was having a stroke.
>
> I have also taken rhodiola many times. It has never done much of anything for me. (I know others here have had more profound experiences with this herb.) However, it is activating and I can see it along with ginseng and Effexor withdrawals creating a feeling of "crappy" on some level. (Anxious would be my "crappy.")
>
> Anyway, I hope you're feeling better now. Effexor withdrawals can really mess with your mind.Thanks Chris. You're right it was the effexor withdrawals! Unfortunately, I tried the rhodiola again after being off the effexor longer and it did nothing for me.
Posted by Chris O on May 4, 2014, at 0:12:16
In reply to Re: Rhodiola - weird reaction?, posted by kribensis on May 3, 2014, at 19:45:11
Glad you're feeling better. I'm doing a Brintellix trial right now (around 5th week of 20-30mg/day), and it's doing something, but not enough. You ever had success with any herbal or nutritional treatments for your mental health issues? I've tried them all (you name it, I've tried it) in large doses, and nothing (except swigging tens of grams of fish oil at a time) has done much of anything for me. (Even the 15-20 grams of fish oil is pretty minor in its antidepressant effects for me.) Wish it were not so, but it is for me.
Posted by kribensis on May 4, 2014, at 13:49:36
In reply to Re: Rhodiola - weird reaction? » kribensis, posted by Chris O on May 4, 2014, at 0:12:16
Hi Chris,
I've tried EVERYTHING nutritionally and the only thing that has made a longer lasting difference is the nutrition program I am on. It involves many different things (detox, eating plan, supplements, meditation). I have only been on it for about six months and in that time have noticed really positive changes but it doesn't seem to be quite enough to get rid of this depression (yet). Also, this is the worst time of year for me (Spring). I actually think that there are so many causes of depression and they still know so little about how the body works that they aren't yet able to pinpoint exact causes in most people but I know there is a reason.
All of the females in my family have an issue with anxiety or depression or both. I actually think that for whatever reason, my neurotransmitters just don't function like they should (genetically).
I am now trying moclobemide. Not great reviews on here but am hoping it works due to lack of side effects. Am on about day 12, think I notice a difference at times but not a major one (yet). Am hoping that with more time the nutrition program will keep making more of a difference. Or that at least if moclobemide takes off the edge for a bit that the two together will be what I need. If you want more info about that, my practitioner is great and works with clients all over the world. I am not sure if I can post links here so will break up the website: www (dot) avivaallergy (dot) com
Posted by Chris O on May 4, 2014, at 23:21:16
In reply to Re: Rhodiola - weird reaction?, posted by kribensis on May 4, 2014, at 13:49:36
Glad to hear that something is working for you. I've pretty much given up on nutritional approaches to my condition. I do believe I have some type of permanent neurotransmitter/brain damage and the only hope I have is in pharmaceuticals.
I don't know anything about Moclobemide (but I gather from your website referral that you are in Canada?). It sounds like an interesting drug. Nice to get the benefits of an MAOI inhibitor without the dietary restrictions. Hopefully, it works some magic. I will likely move on to a TCA or Nardil if my current Brintellix trial falls short (and it is falling short at this point).
Good luck!
Chris
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