Antidepressants/head meds

You don't mention depression as one of the things you're trying to help - if you're not depressed, taking an antidepressant might not be what you need. Have you tried other things like breathing, meditation, yoga, walking? Any of those or a combo may help. Anxiety and stress can often be helped by (even low dose) lorazepam, which has very few side effects, if the doc's into prescribing something like that. 

I would hope the doc isn't offended if you decline an Rx, after all it's your body/psyche and he needs to work with you. I hope you find something that works.

And some cannabis strains can be pretty helpful, too. I don’t know that you would need to involve your doctor about that - Maybe that depends on where you live.

For anxiety, have you tried things like kava or Passion flower? They work really well. HerbPharm has tinctures of both. They also have an Anxiety Relief tincture that’s great. Irwin has a product called Stress Relief, and it’s great.

For pharmies, look into Buspar. It has low side effects and isn’t addictive. That’s the downside  to benzos, and even standard anti depressants require weaning.

Minor anxiety /nervousness.... . 

There are a number of non pharmaceutical options. 

Eliminate caffeine and sugar . 

Exercise 30 minutes a day.  

Mindfulness practice /meditation .

Cognitive behavioral therapy . 

Pet a dog. Lots of good boys out there. 

All pharmies have side effects. 

Good luck.

Also I'm pretty sure pure CBD oil is legal and available nationwide  

Google CW Extracts. 

You could also grow a couple of high-CBD plants in your closet.

Have you looked into how serotonin works?

Do you excercise regularly and eat healthy?

Friend told me about the amount of serotonin in your gut (95%) a couple weeks ago.

She's having similar issues.

Think Twice: How the Gut's "Second Brain" Influences Mood and Well-Being.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/

Once you start with these drugs, apparently it's very difficult to quit. Proceed with caution and with an exit plan:

>...The drugs initially were approved for short-term use, following studies typically lasting about two months. Even today, there is little data about their effects on people taking them for years, although there are now millions of such users.

Expanding use of antidepressants is not just an issue in the United States. Across much of the developed world, long-term prescriptions are on the rise. Prescription rates have doubled over the past decade in Britain, where health officials in January began a nationwide review of prescription drug dependence and withdrawal.

In New Zealand, where prescriptions are also at historic highs, a surveyof long-term users found that withdrawal was the most common complaint, cited by three-quarters of long-term users.

Yet the medical profession has no good answer for people struggling to stop taking the drugs — no scientifically backed guidelines, no means to determine who’s at highest risk, no way to tailor appropriate strategies to individuals.

“Some people are essentially being parked on these drugs for convenience’s sake because it’s difficult to tackle the issue of taking them off,” said Dr. Anthony Kendrick, a professor of primary care at the University of Southampton in Britain.

With government funding, he is developing online and telephone support to help practitioners and patients. “Should we really be putting so many people on antidepressants long-term when we don’t know if it’s good for them, or whether they’ll be able to come off?” he said.

Antidepressants were originally considered a short-term treatment for episodic mood problems, to be taken for six to nine months: enough to get through a crisis, and no more.

Later studies suggested that “maintenance therapy” — longer-term and often open-ended use — could prevent a return of depression in some patients, but those trials very rarely lasted more than two years.

Once a drug is approved, physicians in the United States have wide latitude to prescribe it as they see fit. The lack of long-term data did not prevent doctors from placing tens of millions of Americans on antidepressants indefinitely.

“Most people are put on these drugs in primary care, after a very brief visit and without clear symptoms of clinical depression,” said Dr. Allen Frances, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University. “Usually there’s improvement, and often it’s based on the passage of time or placebo effect..

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/07/health/antidepressants-withdrawal-pro...

You want to try Wellbutrin. Don't go down the benzo route. My wife is an addiction specialist and in her experience it is the most painful habit to break. Way worse than opioids. 

Has anxiety

Lives in Kentuky

You could also grow a couple of high-CBD plants in your closet. >>>>>>>>>

That wont put him over the edge

Hey Philnweird,

This may seem obvious, but if you have any relatives who take mood medication, you may want to have frank convo's with them about what has worked for them.

I've gained valuable info from my Mom and Aunt: we have an easily seen ancestral line of anxiety/depression (not to mention Diabetes, high cholesterol) and their wisdom has been helpful for how I understand what has been handed down to me.

Best of outcomes,

John

Hi Philnweird,

First off, hats off to you for facing your issues of anxiety and being open to battle it with professional care. 

My first piece of very important advice for you is to please schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist. General practitioners may have good intentions, but they are not completely on the up and up of the psychiatry field and the proper medications. GP's are quick to prescribe Lexapro and other antidepressants. Those are to be used with caution, however. Taking an antidepressant without the proper diagnosis can push you into a bipolar state which can easily lead to hospitalization.

Also, be cautious with benzodiazepines as they can cause dementia and even addiction. A good medication for anxiety which does not cause those two concerns is Clonidine (brand name Catapres). It is actually a blood pressure pill and usually prescribed at a low dose of .1 mg for acute anxiety and works with much success.

Again, I need to stress the importance of seeking out the proper mental health care with a psychiatrist and therapist if need be. 

I hope this is helpful, and I wish you the best. Anxiety is a valid health concern which can be disabling if not treated.

Hey there, you have received a lot of good info here. One thing you might want to read up on is the length of time Lexapro and other SSRI's take to be clinically effective. Its usually about a month.  The side effects can show up before the anxiety/depression subside but they can often go away as well. The mind is powerful.  Of course everyones brain and body chemistry are different. Before going back to your PC doc, prepare for her/him to say "give it a little more time".  The benzos (ativan, valium, xanax etc.) freakin work but are super addictive and withdrawal can be dangerous and very unpleasant. My doc said after control of opiods, they are coming for the benzos next. be well, don't dwell.  peace

i'd try exercise and herbs before any pill man. hope you don't have to go down that road.

breathing exercises?

Speaking of breathing exercises: the 4-7-8 method is a good one for putting oneself in Zen mode. Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds, hold breath for 7 seconds, and then exhale for eight seconds. A cycle of around 3-4 times at least once a day may help as well.

NNNNOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! ON THE MEDS.   Lots of good alternatives.  Have you tried smoking a CBD dominant strain?

Meditate and find a new doctor. 

No offense to some of you guys, but smoking weed isn't the solution for everything.

I will apologize in advance, but please do not take the stance of being anti-medication or being swayed by others who are thumbs down on meds.Mental illnesses, anxiety included, are like any other physical disease. A medication for acute anxiety like the Clonidine I mentioned above will not hurt you, make you have an addiction, or make you weird at all. It addresses and lowers the anxiety which overtakes rational thinking. Medication has not only improved the lives of mental health patients, but has also saved lives. Speak to a mental health professional and have a conversation with him or her. You both can discuss what is best for you. Medication may not even be necessary, but you need a proper evaluation. Just my two cents.

Exactly, JR. 

No offense to some of you guys, but eating a pill isn't the solution for everything.

Doctors and big pharma created the opioid crisis. 

Well, mental illnesses aren't treated with opioids. If you're speaking of benzodiazepines, yes, they can be addictive. Patients and their families need to educate themselves on medications and any potential side effects without the self-diagnosing crap on Web-MD and the opinions of others who are not in the field. 

It's like having cancer or any other disease... would you tell a patient not to see a doctor or take medicine which may potentially cure them or significantly improve their life?

What Turtle and Mark D Suggest !

true as well JR

That's unfortunately a common point of view, PLF. The mental health crisis will continue to rise with that kind of thinking. Those types of comments put shame on the individual and they in turn do not reach out for help or discontinue treatment. It's not helpful information. Booze and pot are not cure-alls.

Double post. Whoops.

Basically, I'm just wondering if anyone here has any experience with antidepressants or benzos and what I should tell my doctor. Again, I'm past the point of my life where I'm going to get high off pills, but I want something that'll help with anxiety, without the shitty side effects.

You should tell your doctor, without holding back anything, exactly what your concerns are. Often it is helpful to write down every question you have. If the doctor will not take the time to address each question, get another doctor. If possible, include a health advocate in the conversations. It could be a spouse, friend, relative, etc. Often someone somewhat on the outside of the issues will think of the best questions or alert you to blind spots that you may have. 

My first piece of very important advice for you is to please schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist. General practitioners may have good intentions, but they are not completely on the up and up of the psychiatry field and the proper medications. GP's are quick to prescribe Lexapro and other antidepressants. Those are to be used with caution, however. Taking an antidepressant without the proper diagnosis can push you into a bipolar state which can easily lead to hospitalization.

Also, be cautious with benzodiazepines as they can cause dementia and even addiction. A good medication for anxiety which does not cause those two concerns is Clonidine (brand name Catapres). It is actually a blood pressure pill and usually prescribed at a low dose of .1 mg for acute anxiety and works with much success.

Again, I need to stress the importance of seeking out the proper mental health care with a psychiatrist and therapist if need be. 

Wise advise. 

No offense to some of you guys, but smoking weed isn't the solution for everything.

In most mental health situations, the taking of anything (weed or any other drug) alone rarely is the solution. Find a doctor that you trust and continue to ask questions and listen to what they suggest as treatment. Self-medication is folly. When it goes wrong, and it usually does, you won't be able to see the bad effects. Even cannabis use, when it comes to someone whose brain chemistry is off, can have mortal consequences. 

Please don't address me nugs. Thx

Booze and pot are not cure-alls. <<

I agree ! i DO NOT Know What all The Fix Alls Are ? - Just Get through This Damning Life at times and Be as Comfortable as Can Be

I’ll give my experience:

About 10 years ago I had some freak medical thing that landed me in the hospital. I’ve since had what would be called PTSD, and it flares when I get pins and needles in the hands or feet. I can literally feel my brain flooding with serotonin.

I generally manage it through diet, exercise herbals and meditation. However, in the last year I just wasn’t feeling “right” too much of the time, and those floods of brain produced chemicals were increasing in intensity and frequency. The attacks manifested themselves through physical symptoms, which caused a vicious cycle. All those other coping techniques weren’t quite working well anymore.

I did all sorts of research, went to the doc and advocated for Buspar. It regulates serotonin, but it’s not an SSRI. It’s low on side effects, non addictive and doesn’t require 6 months of weaning like other SSRIs. Plus, the user can regulate their own doses. A therapeutic dose starts at 20 mg / day. I take 10-15, and it has definitely regulated things. I no longer get those floods of chemicals coursing through my brain, at least not very often or as intensely. 

For me, it was time to try something to regulate the floods of chemicals. I don’t love taking something every day, but I take vitamins. It has been a great decision for me.

The only side effect is that i no longer get tweaky after my first bowl of the day.

If you're speaking of benzodiazepines, yes, they can be addictive.<<<

Not only can they be addictive, but something such as xanax can invoke a harsh "rebound period" after it leaves your system that can make you seriously cranky ... so, you're effectively trading a few hours of anxiety here for a few hours of crankiness there.   Then the question becomes whether you just keep taking pills all the time so you're never feeling bad, but tolerance builds ... and you'll eventually have to pay.  Lorazepam might have a more "stable curve" vs. xanax, but you'd still essentially be on the same ride ... just not with the high peaks or low valleys.  But still there nonetheless.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine_withdrawal_syndrome#Signs_a...

Hi. My son and I both are taking these 2 super foods from Highland Pharms twice daily and they are helping us very much.

I highly recommend Moringa and Shilajit from Highland Pharms. The Shilajit is actually from Lotus Blooming Herbs but sold through Highland Pharms. 

My son stopped taking an antidepressant and is doing fine taking these 2 products instead. And they boost your libido not decrease it.

Superfood = Super Nutrition. :) I just purchased 4 bottles of Moringa & one container of Shilalit for $125 this morning. The give you a discount for quantity purchases. They also sell full spectrum CBD oils & topical lotions. My Mom uses the CBD lotion for knee problems where she is bone to bone on her left knee and the topical CBD lotion decreases her pain. I dissolve the Shilalit in hot boiling water, add organic honey for sweetness and also make a green tea in the same water and drink it down. My son dissolves his in hot coffee straight out of the Keurig machine. I felt a big mental difference after taking 10 Moringa pills over 2.5 days. 

My best to you in alleviating your symptoms. 

https://highlandpharms.com/benefits-of-moringa/

Moringa has 92 known nutrients.  The next closest single food item has 28.  This is staggering!  It has 46 antioxidants alone!  It has 36 compounds that are known anti-inflammatory compounds.  It has all the amino acids.  The amount of vitamins and nutrients are equally staggering.

Dried Moringa Leaves Have:

10 times the Vitamin A of Carrots

1/2 the Vitamin C of Oranges

17 times the Calcium of Milk

15 times the Potassium of Bananas

25 times the Iron of Spinach!

9 times the Protein of Yogurt

12 times the Vitamin E of Almonds

https://highlandpharms.com/product/l-authentic-shilajit-resin-from-lotus...

BENEFITS OF SHILAJIT*:

Delivers 85+ Minerals & Trace Elements Directly to the Body’s Cells

Maintains the Body’s Optimum Metabolic Rate thru Balancing Electrolyte Levels and Burning Excess Fat

Considered as Ayurvedic Medicine to Increase the Body’s Central Energy which is Responsible for Sexual and Spiritual Power

Traditionally been Consumed to Raise Immunity, Strength, Stamina and Endurance

Traditionally used to Reduce Inflammatory Conditions like Arthritis & Speed Healing and Recovery Time of Tendons and Muscles

Been Effective in Reducing or Relieving Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Mental Agitation

Possesses Ability to Enhance Effectiveness of Other Herbs

Provides Natural and Organic Way to Enhance Health and Athletic Performance

Just A note Hemp Cbd Is  Not The Same ! As cannabis-derived cbd .That's the reason they can do mail order .

Actually the chemicals are the same. It has to do with the other cannabinoids, Terpenes, flavinoids and such that are present in Full Extract Cannabis Oil. It is called the entourage effect. Hemp CBD has it's limited uses, but should be mixed with some FECO to fully utilize it. 

Anyone check on Rr6 lately?

>>>Please don't address me nugs. Thx

I didn't.

What's JR short for Jurassic re re!

Meditation twice a day, 20 minutes each session.

Works wonders.