Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted May 4, 2012 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 4, 2012 Here's a list and descriptions of supplements that can interfere with prescription meds, antidepressants among them: http://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-04-2012/hidden-dangers-of-supplements-slideshow.html It looks like Melatonin and Ginseng are to be avoided when tapering, along with a third supplement I've already forgotten. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 4, 2012 Administrator Share Posted May 4, 2012 From the (very slow-loading) slideshow: Melatonin Used for insomnia, it can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressant, antianxiety and blood pressure meds. It can increase bleeding risk if you’re on a blood-thinner. I'll be danged if I know what this means re antidepressants. I don't believe there's a problem taking small amounts of melatonin during tapering. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nikki Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Thanks for the link....good to know Intro: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1902-nikki-hi-my-rundown-with-ads/ Paxil 1997-2004 Crossed over to Lexapro Paxil not available at Pharmacies GSK halted deliveries Lexapro 40mgs Lexapro taper (2years) Imipramine Imipramine and Celexa Now Nefazadone/Imipramine 50mgs. each 45mgs. Serzone 50mgs. Imipramine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted May 5, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 5, 2012 From the (very slow-loading) slideshow: Melatonin Used for insomnia, it can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressant, antianxiety and blood pressure meds. It can increase bleeding risk if you’re on a blood-thinner. I'll be danged if I know what this means re antidepressants. I don't believe there's a problem taking small amounts of melatonin during tapering. I think it means, if you're tapering, that Melatonin will lessen the effect of the antidepressant: therefore, more of a taper than one had planned, at least temporarily. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 5, 2012 Administrator Share Posted May 5, 2012 No, I don't believe that's so. The slide is saying melatonin interferes with the antidepressant effect of antidepressants. Probably referring to depressive symptoms if you take too much melatonin -- which we all know not to do! But we don't know exactly what the heck they're talking about because they simply do not give enough information. Melatonin is very helpful in counteracting the sleeplessness caused by withdrawal. I've personally had excellent results with it, for several years. It's long been known and recommended in discussions about withdrawal syndrome. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexjuice Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Well, I took a look at the page and it's from AARP, which may be a terrific organization dont get me wrong, but has a broad charter. It's not a scientific or medical authority. Maybe, I dunno. Maybe, they simply extrapolated from the metabolism of serotonin from tryptophan, also the precursor for melatonin as I nderstand it, and came up with this precaution based on a guess that supplemental melatonin would result in greater 5-ht production. I dunno. I'm not a doctor or scientist. Of course things that interfere with any psych med do not necessarily affect its w/d process, especially long after last dose. And vice-versa. IMO. Alex "Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me. Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there Everybody's got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow Things should start to get interesting right about now." - Zimmerman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Does anyone know if rhodiola interacts with ADs. My naturopath recommended I take it but not sure if it might be the cause of the terrible headaches I have been getting lately. Thanks, Rosie 2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats. Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexjuice Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 I do not know. But someone else may be familiar with it? Did you try the Univ Maryland alt health website? "Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me. Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there Everybody's got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow Things should start to get interesting right about now." - Zimmerman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexjuice Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Central nervous system (CNS) activity of R. rosea has been reported. 12 Earlier studies found that low to medium doses of the plant had stimulatory effects while larger doses had sedative effects. 2 In lower doses, R. rosea stimulated norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and nicotinic cholinergic systems in the CNS. R. rosea also appears to increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to precursors of dopamine and serotonin 36 , 37 , 38 and also appears to improve cerebral circulation. 39 http://www.drugs.com/npp/rhodiola.html Since this herb may affect quantities of serotonin (and other hormones) in the brain I would advise caution. I don't give medical advice, I'm not a doctor, but I would definitely raise this concern with a licensed health professional. Alex "Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me. Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there Everybody's got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow Things should start to get interesting right about now." - Zimmerman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 6, 2012 Administrator Share Posted May 6, 2012 Rosie, rhodiola can be activating, particularly at low doses. I had a terrible reaction to it. Naturopaths don't know any more than doctors about how to deal with ADs or withdrawal. Please stop taking preparations that are supposed to fix you. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted May 6, 2012 Share Posted May 6, 2012 Thank you Alex and Alto! I will stop taking it. Rosie 2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats. Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 Alto, I am curious, what was your reaction to rhodiola? Also, is chlorella ok to take or is this too stimulating. Hugs, Rosie 2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats. Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 7, 2012 Administrator Share Posted May 7, 2012 Terrible anxiety surges and blood pressure spikes, Rosie. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted May 7, 2012 Share Posted May 7, 2012 thanks. What do you know about chlorella? 2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats. Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted May 8, 2012 Administrator Share Posted May 8, 2012 I just Googled it. You can eat green foods, spirulina, etc. if you want. It may or may not be good for you. I've never heard it helping withdrawal symptoms per se. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 thanks Alto, I was more interested in taking it for energy. 2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats. Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Jemima Posted May 8, 2012 Author Moderator Emeritus Share Posted May 8, 2012 To my knowledge, chlorella is used for removing toxic metals from the body, which wouldn't be of help in withdrawal. I've never heard that it causes an increase in energy, but if it does, it may be over-stimulating. I'd avoid it for now. Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's RazorIntroduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/ Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moses Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 ok; thanks Jemima! 2009 Efexor 75mg tapered twice November 2011 Pristiq 50 mg January 2012 Pristiq 100 mg, became very dizzy and anxious with a lot negative thinking! Ear aches, eye pain, headaches, bruxism, night sweats. Currently on 30 mg of compounded Pristiq Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted June 12, 2015 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted June 12, 2015 Studies have shown that the weight loss supplement garcinia cambogia increases serotonin levels, acting like a mild SSRI, so this should not be taken while using an SSRI or while tapering. Various in vivo studies have contributed to the understanding of the anti-obesity effects of Garcinia/hydroxycitric acid via regulation of serotonin level and glucose uptake. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3748738/ ...studies on people and animals have shown that Garcinia cambogia may, indeed, increase serotonin levels. And taking the supplement in combination with antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which also cause serotonin levels to rise, could lead to serotonin toxicity, said Hendrickson, a toxicologist at the Department of Emergency Medicine of Oregon Health and Sciences University. http://www.livescience.com/45146-garcinia-cambogia-serotonin-toxicity.html I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts