Effexor withdrawl and symptoms, please help _{Page 119 of 140}

Hello Mikemo,
I am taking the 37.5 capsules.

bernadette,

You need to practice splitting the capsules. I outline a way of using a creased piece of paper in another post. You can find it here:

http://www.abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/102450/

Read both pages so you can have a good understanding. Those 37.5mg capsules are pretty tiny! Get some empty gelcaps from the healthfood store. They make them a little bigger to make it easy to pour the beads in from the creased paper.

If I were you, I'd use a line 3.75 inches long and pour TWO casules onto the paper. That way, you have 75mg on the paper, and each 1/4 inch equals 5mg. (If that doesn't make sense, go read the link I gave you. It goes ad nauseum in there!)

So heres a schedule you can try:

1 10
2 30
3 25
4 25
7 25
8 25
9 25
10 10
11 20
12 20
13 20
14 20
15 5
16 15
17 15
18 15
19 15
20 15
21 5
22 10
23 10
24 10
25 10
26 2.5
27 5
28 5
29 2.5
30 2.5
31 0

The important thing to remember is not to take a spike drop until you feel you can handle it. In other words, sometimes you have to repeat 25mg for longer than just the 5 days if the drop is a tough one. Only you can decide.

One month to go!

(PS----I'm not a doctor. Always check with your doctor before making any changes to your prescription intakes)

In that last post of mine, the first number is the day, the second number is the dose. It is a 30 day schedule.

Mikemo,
Thank you for responding to my questions. I will let you know how things are going.

Bernadette

1.5 months off effexor and I have developed vision problems. There are best described as floaters.... transparent small shapes that pass in front of your field of view. I was doing some research and was surprised to find that anti-depressants and venlafaxine are known to cause eye damage. This was never an issue while I was taking effexor , only after I discontinued the drug completely. Has anyone else experienced visual disturbances ?

Hello Royalflush,
This is not surprising as all as Antidepressants affect the Pineal Gland in one way or the other...like I said in a previous post...Your Pineal Gland is in bad shape right now and it is also responsible for many people to be able to see beyond the normal physical world and coincides with normal vision at times...I would strongly suggest going to a very well experienced naturopath to check it out and see if it is out of balance...which it sounds like it definitely is and all antidepressants are famous for 'Calcifying' your Pineal Gland...which inhibits its 'normal' production of Melatonin and Seratonin (ie. Melatonin for the ability to sleep normally and seratonin for balancing mood)...you might want to try 5-HTP now that you are off of the junk ...as it will temporarily shore you up for the time being until you can treat it with Homeopathics...If you have a strong aversion to Sun Light or even Bright lights at your workplace as well...this is a very strong indication that your Pineal Gland is 'out of whack' so to speak...

Thank you for the reply 5-HTP MAN. Will 5-htp assist with my fatigue as well? or does it have a sedating effect?

Hello Royalflush,

'Some people do fine taking a 5-HTP supplement during the day if they feel very tense, while others may find 5-HTP sedating. The ideal time to take 5-HTP and the ideal 5 HTP dosage depend on your personal requirements. For some, the ideal 5-HTP dosage could be as low as 10 to 25 mg, while for others, the ideal 5-HTP dosage may be up to 200 mg a day. Daytime 5 HTP supplement use may sometimes lead to grogginess, although there is a wide variation in individual response, including feeling 'balanced.' Some people report better results if they open the 5-HTP capsule and take half or 3/4 of the contents in water or juice rather than a full capsule.'

I myself did not get that 'Sedating' effect when I was taking upwards of 600mg/day while coming off the effexor...and I had no withdrawals whatsoever...this is because I went to a very knowledgeable NaturoPath to strengthen and rebalance everything 'PRIOR' to attempting getting off of this very nasty drug...

everybody is different and their Pineal Gland health is at varying degrees...

Another Alternative that may work is St. Johns Wort as they both work on Mood Stabilization...and hopefully this will help with your vision spells...like I said...focus on the Pineal Gland and do as much research you can on it...a very experienced Naturopath will know how to correct your vision problems which are primarily coming from your Pineal Gland...sounds weird I know...all this talk about the Pineal Gland...but it is a fundamental Gland for your overall Emotional well being and can affect 'normal' vision when damaged...after all...it is our 'Third Eye'....

SEEING THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL: (PART 1)

I am seeing a lot of posts about coming off of the Effexor XR slowly...which is a good thing...
but we are not looking at the 'Original Culprit' that made us turn to these 'Anti-Depressant/Anti-Anxiety' drugs in the first place....

We all had a 'Chemical Imbalance' as the 'Pharmaceutical Industry/BIG PHARMA' likes to call it...and in a greater sense...they are absolutely correct...!!!

What is this Chemical Imbalance?...where did it come from?...How did we 'Catch' this Chemical Imbalance?...most importantly…How do we fix it?....

These were all questions I began to ask myself...while I was on Effexor...it worked wonderfully and my mood had never been better in my entire life...was this the Panacea I had been searching for all of my life?....It definitely appeared so...I was confident...I could go anywhere without fear...All of my Anxieties were utterly gone…my thoughts of Suicide were nothing but a distant memory…Bright Lights no longer bothered me...I was an aficionado of effective communication…I felt like a King...awaiting my Queen...so that we could live happily ever after....

But....

What did this Magical Drug Effexor do?...how did it work?...How did it make me feel so good and so at ease and so confident to deal with everyday Stresses in Life?...

Will I have to live with this drug for the rest of my life?...I am in constant 'FEAR' now...of not having that drug when I need it everyday...I must go to the Doctor to get a refill before I run out...I must never be away from this drug for too long...or I will go crazy...I will get 'BRAINZAPS' and I will no longer be able to function...What if I freak out at work or in public when I forget to take 'MY MEDS'...If Effexor has “CURED ME”…why am I still so reliant upon it?....

After being on this drug for 5 years…why has my sexual drive/potency gone down to “virtually ZERO”…why can’t I fall asleep at night?…why do I now drink 10 beers or more per night before going to sleep?...why has my blood pressure skyrocketed to an astonishing 194/120…why do I not care about the cleanliness of my surroundings…why do I procrastinate with all things to with “Household Chores”…why do I let almost everything slide and not even care about it any more?...

These things were troubling me...

I know that some, or all of you, have experienced/thought at least one or more of the things that I have mentioned above…

So let’s take a closer look at some of the questions above…

1. If Effexor has “CURED ME”…why am I still so reliant upon it?....
a. This is a very important question that really needs to be asked by your “Inner Truth” as I like to call it…

SEND ME A POST IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE ANY FURTHER...

if not...best wishes to all...Love and Light...The Universal Consciousness...

Hi Mikemo

This is Bernadette and I just wanted to say Thank you for responding to my posts. I am so happy I came across your pill splitting method. I am on the 11th day and so far all is going well. I have had probably only about 3 days of dizziness and some anxiety including today, but it is tolerable and does not last all day. It comes and goes but I just remind myself that others have done it and I can too. So far I have stuck to the schedule and am looking forward to being done. I just wanted to let you know how things are going. I hope things are going well for you and your family and will let you know when I am done with effexor. THANK YOU!!!

Bernadette

Hooray! Thanks for the update! Keep your chin up at all times sweetie!

Mike

As a medical assistant in a naturopath clinic, I understand that there are detox programs from drugs like this. You can research Naturopath clinics and inquire also about vitamin drips and supplements to help.

hi Mikemo
new person to this forum.
i have only been on effexor for a month and a half taking 150mg once at night.
i started your reduction process last night after i read all the withdrawal concerns.
my question is; because i have only been on this a short while can i start with a quicker come down otherwise i'll be on this evil thing for another few months using your process and i don't want to be on this anymore than i have to.
i took 130mgs last night i'm due to go up 15 tomorrow but i'm thinking of cutting my 150 straight to 75mgs. help beccause i don't want to be on it. i'm scared and want to get off it quick. buffey

I really can't answer that from what you wrote. First off, 150mg is a high dose to start off with. Why would your doctor prescribe so much right off the bat?

Have you been on other anti-depressants? WHats your history? WHy did you start it? Are you over the issues that prompted your doc to prescribe 150mg?

Now, please keep those questions in mind. Dropping to 75 directly may be a tough week for you. I would suggest using the method, but with larger steps at the beginning. Something like this

day----dose
-----------
1...75
2...100
3...90
4...90
5...90
6...90
7...50
8...75
9...65
10..65
11..65
12..65

That may be too fast....You really need to judge for yourself what to do. I'm not a doctor, but I firmly beleive in the spike drop taper mathod. You need those big drops to trigger your body to CHANGE. Then, you need those 4 day constant waiting doses (slightly higher than the big drop) to give your body a CHANCE. How big each step, and how long each waiting period is depends on YOU.

It's a two step process, repeated over and over:

1. Make your body change.
2. Give your body a chance.

New person to the forum. And, I must admit, if I could cry, I would create a river right now. I can't believe wht I have been reading. I'm scared to death to try and get off this crap. I take 300mg a day. And, the first thing I think of when packing for a trip of any kind.. do I have my effexor.
Today has been one of those days that if I could just cry, I could get out all the tension within. So, as I am still awake, I find this website.
The last time I came off anti-depressants, most likely faster that I should have, I ended up with Rheumatoid Arthritis. And, I don't care what anyone says, I blame the withdrawl symptoms that sent me over the top.

So now.. I'm going to have brain jolts? What the hell are these?

So what can I do to get off this? I don't care how long it takes.. I just want to be able to cry at a funeral, to feel normal again.

Hi mikemo, thank you for your reply.
i only went on this drug becase my husband walked out on me after 26 yrs of marriage leaving me and his two beautifull daughter aged 18 and 20 and from this well you can only image how low i went to go to the doctors to seek help. Who prescribed E saying it was good and non addictive etc.
i must admit after a few days i started to feel better. This is the first time i have been prescribed anti's so i was not sure what to expect, hence the research and finding this web site. Great site by the way, everyone. When i discovered from all your writings on how difficult it was to come off E i started to get fearfull. After posting my first email to you. I went to the chemist where i had only just brought a new box the day before and i started to ask questions. I gained more insight into how i could start to reduce the dose and get off quickly.
This is what i was advised to do. Split my capsal and take 37.5 out over the next 5 days, and continue with minusing 37.5 every five days till i get to 37.5 and then stop completely.(i used your rulering process and split my capsal). If i find it difficult, i should go back up one dose for a day or spread it over 6 to 7 days depending on how i'm managing. I have done this over 2 days and i have had my first brain freez to day.
Killer, 'just like eating a very cold ice scream' but last for ages. I took some panadol also advised and i came good an hour later. none since 11am today.
The vision is ok, my sleeping has improved. i'm still contispated. i have had a feeling of being sick in the stomache and felt some tremors. All manageable about from the freeze. I have also got some detox tea from the health food shop. I have a womans multi vitamin, b6, b12, Zinc, Fish oil, every day and fresh lemon ginger and honey in hot water instead of tea and coffee. I have put myself on a health kick and so far apart from feeling a little edgie i'm managing with it and coping at work. I'm hoping i don't get any worse and i don't experience mood swings in 2 months like my doctors said i would because i'm coming off before the 6 months. To answer your question about my change in life now from the past month and a half is yes i'm travelling better and feeling confidence with my new life, hence the reason to get off E before i they take over me and my withdrawal symptoms get any worse. This is my opinion and not my doctors.
I have noted your plan of action should all this fail, i will keep in touch so you can track my progress and learn from my experience.
Much love Buffey (Australia).
I really thank this site for advice and a place to be heard because i don't know where i would of been with out it. Buffey.

Hi Mikemo,
This is Bernadette and I just wanted to let you know how things are going. I have two more days to go until I drop to 0mg of Effexor xr. I occassionally have dizziness. I sometimes have little black dot that floats around in front of my right eye only. I don't know if this is because lowering effexor or not. I have been taking fish oil, B-50 and Vitamin E all of these I have read help with the withdrawl from effexor. I was wondering what if any withdrawl symptoms your wife had when she finally completely tapered off and how long they lasted. I would also like to say thank you for always answering my posts.

Bernadette

SHe had a 'lingering' feeling of anxiety and depression for about a month. She said it wasn't anything like the feeling she had before she started, but more of an 'artificial' feeling of anxiety. That makes it easier to cope with, because she said she could kinda look at that feeling from the outside looking in, and know it was just withdrawl related, and not true depression or anxiety.

I hope that makes sense to you. After about a month of highs and lows with this lingering feeling, she started to fell 'really really normal again'.

Just remind yourself that it will all pass, and there is no need to go back on, even for a single night.

Great to hear from you! Keep us posted!

Buffy, good luck with it all! It sounds like you've got it under control!

Just remember that there is no point in going faster than you can handle. But once you are completely free, there is no point of every going back on.

Keep us posted!

Sunharra,

Calm down, it's not the nightmare that we all make it out to be.

I suppose it COULD be a nightmare, if you do it wrong, like quitting cold turkey. But you're not gonna do that!

In my opinion (and I'm not a doctor)300mg is an irresponsible dose to prescribe. What is your history of anti-D's brands? How long have you been on 300mg of Effexor? What dose did your doctor start you at and how long did it take to build up the dose to 300mg? Why did he boost up the dose to 300mg?

That's a lot of important questions that need to be answered before you can change your dose at this stage.


Brain Jolts 101
Also known as 'the zaps'
-----------------------------

Have you ever pulled a vacumm cleaner plug out of the wall while the vacuum was still on and you saw a little spark of electricity? That's called an 'arc'. The electricity arcs across the air since the connection is broken, yet the electricity wants to flow so badly (because the machine is 'on').

A brain jolt is the same thing.

Seretonin is a neurotransmitter that is like the copper wire that electricity flows through. When there is enough in your brain, all the cool stuff you brain does happens very easily because there is plenty of copper wires for the electrons to flow through.

Scientists have linked lower levels of seretonin with depression and anxiety. So Effexor takes the little seretonin you DO have, and concentrates it in the brain, where it is most needed for stopping the depression.

When you STOP taking effexor cold turkey, the seretonin floods throughout your whole body, leaving your brain pretty much empty. No copper wires to transmit all the electricty you brain uses to do all the cool stuff that brains do.

So, you get these little 'arcs' of electricity jumping through the gaps in your brain so they can do what they need to do. You feel it. People call them brain jolts. If it WASN'T for those jolts, then REALLY wierd things would start happening. They are natures solution to keeping you functional even though there isn't any seretonin in your brain to carry the electricity.

Now, if you DON'T quit cold turkey, and instead slowly decrease the effexor, you can avoid letting your brain seretonin flood out of the brain. It is like SLOWLY opening the valve. You can avoid the jolts pretty well with the spike drop method. it is outlined here:

http://www.abchomeopathy.com/forum2.php/102450/

Read all of that thread because there are more analogies to help you understand what's going on in your body. Knowing what's happening helps you understand what to do and when to do it when you are trying to wean off.

Good luck, calm down, and keep us posted!

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum in terms of posting but I have been reading it over the past few days as I have recently come off of Effexor XR as well. My last dose was Monday. Since then, I have experienced all of the symptoms mentioned here. Thankfully I feel like they are not extreme, but still they are not pleasant. I have started taking the Omega-3 and am looking into the 5HPT to further minimize the effects. I was wondering if anyone has had any side effects on those. My nausea has been at a high this morning and I am not sure if it is from withdrawal or just starting the Omega-3. I tend to have a sensitive stomach. Like many of you, I would never have gotten on this medication had I known the long-term and troubling effects it would have. I was on 75mgs for over a year, recently stepped down to 37.5 and tapered from there. Thank you for all of your helpful information on this site.

Hi everyone, Just to let you know how i'm going, i'm down to 37.5 second day only 3 days to go to 0, i have had a couple of days of feeling low but i think this was due to some personal thoughts i was having and not the medication.(not completely sure)
Still managing at work and the side effects have been minimum. Moving my head to quickly gives me a little feeling of dizziness and the first few days of being on 75mg i lacked focus. found it hard to concentrate at times but i put stratagies inplace to over come this by keeping notes. i also have a little poping noise in my right ear and that has been constant through out the day and evening. its happening now. I'm adjusting to it but i don't like it being there. it's sort of like a pulse, hard to discribe because it's not one pulse somtimes it a few one after the other at differents strengths. i have no idea when i get to 0 what withdrawal symptoms i'm going to have but the journey so far has not been so bad. i am really glad that there are people like mikemo out there because following his process in decreasing the meds even though i went a little fast helped a lot. thanks mikemo.
Good luck to you all, i hope someone in the medical rearch feild finds this site and takes some action to better research this medication. what people do need to remember and understand when reading my notes, is that i have only been on this medication for 2 months and it was my first time of taking anti's. All the best...BUFFEY

Hey everybody, I'm glad I luckily came across this forum during what might be the most hellish week of my 28 years.

I have been on Effexor 225mg (gradually stepped up from 37.5, as it became less useful) for almost 15 months. During the last month, I tapered back down to 150 because the sexual side effects were getting to be too much for me to accept (anorgasmia, no sensation), along wth the brain zaps which have pretty much occured throughout the time I was on Effexor. I kept stepping down to 113.5, then 75, then finally 37.5 for a day. As of last Thursday, I got furious at this drug, threw them all away, and have been off of Effexor completely.

Needless to say, withdrawal has been all but unbearable. Absolutely constant brain zaps (like, every 3-5 seconds), nausea after every meal, premature ejaculation to an absurd extent, chills, then hot-flashes and sweating... the list goes on and on. I am a college language teacher, and the new semester starts in 2 days. How the hell am I going to be able to teach like this?!

I just started taking fish oil (3000mg daily) along with a multivitamin that has lots of Vit. E. today. So far, not much difference, but I'm hoping that in the next few I feel better.'

Tomorrow evening will be 6 full days off this evil, toxic drug. I only hope that there is a special place in the afterlife for the makers of this poison - maybe something involving electric 'zaps'.

Considering you are in a rush with the new semester coming, I would suggest St. Johns Wort. But if you do use it, don't use 5-HTP at the same time. You can find dosing ideas here:
http://gnc.webmd.com/st-johns-wort

The St. Johns Wort will take the place of the Effexor pretty quickly if you go with 300mg, 3 times a day. It is kind of a natural effexor. Much easier to taper off of after you level back out.

If you are taking other meds, you should read this:
'In regard to other medications, St. John's wort is known to increase the effectiveness of some and decrease it in others. Considering this, it is often deemed vital that potential users consult a medical professional before adding St. John's wort to their daily routine. Some of the most noted medications St. John's wort interferes with include medications for HIV treatment, cancer treatment, birth control pills, antidepressants and more. It has a known interaction with anticoagulants and some of the drugs used for organ transplant patients. It is recommended that pregnant and nursing women avoid taking St. John's wort.' (cited from lifescript.com)

Hang in there!

HERE IS A LIST OF SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE RECOMMENDED BY THE WEBSITE 'AVIVA.CA' FOR ANXIETY ONLY. 5-HTP WORKED FOR ME WHILE GETTING OFF OF THE EFFEXOR....ALTHOUGH...I LIVE IN CANADA AND DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO 'KAVA KAVA' (SEE THE END OF THIS LIST), WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN MY FIRST PICK...HOPE THE LIST BELOW HELPS SOMEONE...

GABA - GABA, or 'gamma amino butyric acid,' has been the subject of numerous studies on panic disorder as well as other psychiatric disorders and substance abuse conditions. Scientists believe that GABA, a brain chemical, works by limiting the nerve cell activity in areas of the brain associated with anxiety. GABA is an amino acid produced in the brain that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

It has been hypothesized that people with anxiety disorders have increased cell activity in these areas. Another theory, is that people with anxiety and/or panic disordesr have abnormally low levels of GABA. For fast relief of chronic anxiety, I recommend 750-1000 mg, 3X per day of standard USP, or 25 mg of “Pharma GABA,” a new, more potent, more natural form of GABA, combined with P5P, the active, coenzyme form of Vitamin B6.

Pharma GABA is a natural source form produced from sugarcane by bacterial fermentation that is much more highly concentrated, requiring much smaller dosages than the commonly produced synthetic form of GABA. Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), which is the active form of Vitamin B6, plays an important role in helping to regulate GABA levels in the body. GABA with P5P inhibits the transmission of stress-related nerve impulses in the brain, which helps to gently ease feelings of nervousness and anxiety. GABA with P5P brings excellent results and is usually my first recommendation for those looking for a natural approach to alleviating anxiety.


L-Theanine – Abundant in green tea, L-theanine has a significant effect on the release or reduction of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, resulting in improved memory and learning ability. L-Theanine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, nervousness, sleep disturbances, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and ADD/ADHD. L-Theanine increases brain GABA and dopamine levels, and does not produce drowsiness at normal dosages of 100 to 200 mg per day.


Holy Basil (tulsi) - An important herb that has been used for over 3000 years as part of the rich Ayurvedic tradition of natural healing, many recent studies have proven the remarkable benefits of Holy Basil, for stress and anxiety. Products including Supercritical Holy Basil, by New Chapter, and Holy Basil Plus, by Sewanti, have been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety. Other benefits of Holy Basil include support for blood sugar and insulin metabolism, helping to counteract the effects of cortisol (the stress hormone), while elevating the spirit. Holy Basil has the unique ability to bring balance and calm.


Magnesium - 300-600 mg/day. Anecdotal evidence has shown low levels of magnesium to be a factor in anxiety, but magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Aviva recommends Magnesium Taurate for anxiety, as magnesium that has been “reacted” with taurine has been shown to be more effective than other forms of magnesium. Other forms of magnesium that are effective in helping to reduce anxiety include Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Aspartate or Asporotate. A very successful product is “Natural Calm,” a flavored, powdered magnesium supplement that has worked well for many with anxiety. Aviva also has similar and even more effective products from Metabolic Maintenance (In-Gear), and Easy Magnesium by Global Botanical.

Carlson Mellow Mood is an excellent natural “anxiolytic,” containing Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, L-Theanine, and GABA.


5-HTP – Studies using L-tryptophan or 5-HTP, which increase serotonin activity, suggest that these amino acids may also be effective anxiety – reducing agents. Recommended dosage, 5-HTP, 100mg, three times a day with or without food. L-Tryptophan is not available in Canada without a prescription, although you can buy it for your pet. Carlson Laboratories produces an excellent chewable 5-HTP product. Preferred Nutrition feels that the effects of 5-HTP are enhanced if the supplement bypasses the stomach, so they have enteric coated their product, called Happy Sense.


L-Tryptophan – As mentioned above, L-Tryptophan is not available in Canada without a prescription. L-Tryptophan, when taken alone, when vitamin B3 and B6 are also included, converts to serotonin, the “feel good” brain chemical during daylight, and to melatonin, under complete darkness. L-Tryptophan is available only for pets in Canada. A good alternative is 5-HTP, or supplements made from gourd seeds (i.e. Zenbev), one of nature’s richest natural sources of L-Tryptophan. For L-Tryptophan to be effective, it can not be taken with other proteins. In addition, the inclusion of a carbohydrate (even a simple sugar) is critical for pushing the L-Tryptophan across the blood brain barrier, a requirement for the conversion of L-Tryptophan to serotonin and melotonin.


Zenbev – Source of natural L-Tryptophan derived from pumpkin seeds. Zenbev functions as a sleep aid at night, and as a treatment for anxiety during the daytime. Zenbev only needs to be taken three or four days out of seven days, as it has a cumulative effect. Zenbev is often prescribed for insomnia and sleep disorders. While Zenbev was formulated for anxiety, it has become extremely popular for treating fibromyalgia. L-Tryptophan is a precursor for melatonin in the evening, and serotonin (the feel good brain chemical) during daylight. Remember to recommend a good B Vitamin (or multi with all the B-Vitamins), a light, low protein, predominantly carbohydrate dinner (other proteins/amino acids compete with L-Tryptophan and lessen the benefit), and eye shades, as complete darkness is a prerequisite for a good night sleep. Lack of sleep is also a contributing factor for those with anxiety disorders.


Niacin/Niacinamide - Start with 50 mg of niacin, taken with food, and gradually, over the period of two weeks increase to two 500 mg tablets, three times a day. If you don’t want the flushing, niacinamide can be substituted, 500 mg, at least four times per day. Recent research has shown niacinamide to be as effective as benzodiazepines for reducing anxiety. Niacin also has the side benefit of increasing HDL (the good) cholesterol, while reducing LDL (the bad) cholesterol. Niacinamide has also been shown to be effective for treating osteo-arthritis. Dr. Jonathan Prousky, a well known Naturopath in Toronto has had excellent results in treating anxiety with niacinamide.


Sensoril - Sensoril is a proprietary extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda). Well known as an Ayurvedic herbal treatment for stress and anxiety (see Ortho Adapt and other Adaptogenic Herbal Formulas), Sensoril has been shown to (1) increase energy, (2) reduce fatigue, improve sleep, lessen irritability, bring greater levels of concentration/focus, reduce stress symptoms, and increase general feeling of overall wellbeing.

Sensoril has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (up to 26%), fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol (LDL,VLDL, and triglycerides), while increasing HDL and DHEA (the counter balance to cortisol, the stress hormone).


Relora - Relora or relora containing supplements, including Cortisol Control, by Complementary Prescriptions. Relora is an exciting new natural anti-anxiety and stress relief ingredient used to control stress-related eating and drinking that has the added value of being non-sedating with potential anti-depressant properties. Relora helps reduce anxiety by acting as a “precursor” to DHEA, the hormone that helps counteract the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol. DHEA is not available in Canada, making Relora, or Relora containing supplements an excellent alternative.

Relora was developed to improve mood, help stressed individuals relax, and to normalize the hormones related to stress-induced eating. Eighty percent (80%) of stressed adults studied feel more relaxed with Relora. Relora has also been shown in a pilot study to normalize cortisol levels in stressed individuals. Preliminary findings suggest that Relora can decrease the cravings for high fat, high sugar foods in stressed individuals, most likely due to its ability to normalize stress hormone levels that cause these cravings.


Chinese Red Date, Red Jujube - Used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia, you can find Red Jujube in Chinese markets, and also as an ingredient in many natural anxiolytic preparations.

Chill Pills, by New Roots Herbals is a creative combination of L-Theanine, Magnolia and Phellodendron (Relora), Ashwaganda (Sensoril), Inositol, Red Jujube, Passion Flower, and a full complement of B-Complex vitamins. Chill Pills may be effective for stress, insomnia and anxiety.


Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine, or P-5P) - 100 mg, 3X per day, or 50mg of P-5-P Daily.

The use of vitamin B6 in the body has many influences, including the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin. Research in animals has proven that deficiency of vitamin b6 can affect many of the central nervous system functions. The GABA and serotonin neurotransmitters are known to affect the level of depression as well as anxiety in humans. Vitamin b6 has already been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular health, and it is believed to have added benefits in aiding to manage depression and anxiety. Supplementation with vitamin b6 can be useful in regulating anxiety and depression levels, and is a cost effective way to help control these in humans.


Calcium – 600-1200 mg per day. Anecdotal evidence has shown low levels of calcium to be a factor. Aviva recommends Chelated Calcium (especially glycinates combined with Vitamin B6), MCHC (Microcrystalline Hydroxy Apatite), and Calcium Carbonate, contrary to popular opinion, is effective and well absorbed if taken with food. Calcium Citrate is recommended if taken without food (on an empty stomach).


Vitamin B-Complex (high potency) - Aviva recommends products from New Roots, New Chapter, Solaray, and Now Foods. Every quality multi vitamin carried by Aviva hs the full complement of B Complex vitamins, with the highest potency in the Douglas Laboratories product line. The many complex enzymatic reactions that convert the amino acid L-Tryptophan to serotonin and (3 chemical steps later) melatonin require vitamin B3 (niacin) and Vitamin B6. A quality multi vitamin with all the required B-Vitamins must be part of an overall comprehensive nutritional approach to anxiety. It is possible that anxiety can be caused by a lack of critical B-Vitamins, which prevent the important biochemical and enzymatic reactions necessary for conversion of important brain chemicals into serotonin.


Vitamin B12 – 2-4 mg per day, as Dibencozide, Hydroxycobalamin, or Methyl Cobalamin, sublingual tablets or liquid.


Inositol – In a double blind trial, supplementation with 12 grams/day of inositol significantly reduced the frequency and severity of panic attacks and the severity of agoraphobia.


Passionflower Extract - 45 drops per day for 4 weeks, was as effective as 30mg/day of oxazepam (double-blind trial) and significantly better tolerated. Improvement was seen within 7 days. Passionflower is also found in Sleep Relax (Natural Factors), and Anti-Stress Factors (Solaray).


Valerian - In addition to promoting sound sleep, valerian has a reputation for easing anxiety and relaxing tense muscles. Valerian is thought to lessen anxiety because in blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain. Many have taken valerian for occasional sleeplessness, often with inconsistent results. For valerian to be effective for anxiety or sleep, it needs to be taken daily, with results usually within two to three weeks of continued use.


L-Tyrosine - Promotes healthy thyroid, adrenal and pituitary function. Suppresses appetite and helps reduce body fat. Research indicates tyrosine may help chronic fatigue, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, allergies, headaches, and Parkinson's disease.


Adaptogens - Many adaptogens have been shown to be helpful for anxiety, including Rhodiola and Ashwaganda. Aviva recommends Ortho Adapt, by Advanced Orthomolecular Research.


True Calm - An impressive combination of amino acids, vitamins and botanicals, that work synergistically for a wonderful effect. This formula includes niacinamide, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, GABA, Taurine, Inositol and Valerian.


Melissa (Lemon Balm) - Melissa Officinalis is often used as a general nervous system restorative, digestive calmative and to reduce blood pressure. Its active ingredients include volatile oil, tannins, flavinoids, tocopherols and choline.


Kava Kava - One of the most impressive herbs for anxiety and sleep, Kava was removed from the Canadian market, as the herb was thought to increase risk of liver disease, based on reports of liver toxicity in Germany. Further research has proven the safety of the herb. Kava induces a wonderful and natural state of relaxation without a “drugged” feeling. Kava helps reduce muscle tension, and encourages a more peaceful and content mental state. Other benefits include helping people become more sociable, although high doses may induce withdrawal. Kava does not affect mental alertness, but does encourage drowsiness, which is why it helps so many with sleep disorders.

Kava was having a major impact on sales of popular pharmaceutical antidepressants, including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Luvox, Serzone and Effexor, of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) family. Unfortunately, the strength of “big pharma,” large pharmaceutical drug companies who have very deep financial pockets, can often influence the “experts” to indicate that a natural product (in this case an herb that has a tradition going back three millennia and has never been known to cause serious health problems) should be removed from the market. This is why Kava is unavailable in Canada and some European countries. There is a growing movement to lift the ban.

Well, tomorrow night will mark 1 full week without Effexor. Today I felt probably 50-70% better than yesterday, which i think had a LOT to do with the fish oil capsules! I've been taking 4000mg daily (4g) and usually within 2 hours of taking a capsule my brain zaps and chills are reduced by a huge amount. I think I will be able to handle teaching after all on Thursday. The only problem is that I am still not sleeping well, diarrhea/unsatisfying BMs every 2 hours or so, and I am feeling very CLUMSY - in the last day i have accidentally broken a dish, a glass, and scratched my computer monitor!

Anyway, if anyone is curious about fish oil- TRY IT! I could not believe how fast my symptoms improved. For reference, I am taking the 'health From the Sea' brand PFO with lipase.

Mark