Post Benzo Freedom Withdrawal Support Group

[[ch...]]

hi virtigo    thanks for the info you sent me.i will just have to sit it out and see what happen.

 

[[ve...]]

Quick update.  I decided that after taking 1000MG of L-Tryptophan last night (instead of 500MG by mistake) that it might be a good idea to take another 500MG after lunch today to maybe jump start the serotonin production (if I might be low on it).  So I took 500MG after lunch today (1 tablet).  I also decided to take a brief nap for 30 minutes around 2:00PM as I'm working from home today.  My plan is to take 500MG of L-Tryptophan this evening around 10:45PM and go to sleep around 11-11:15PM, hopefully will sleep at least seven hours and wake up rested tomorrow .  We shall see.

 

I've read that 500 to 1000MG of L-Tryptophan in a day or at once is not excessive.  Since I slept slightly better than usual last night, I will try it again this evening before making a final assessment.  I personally avoided supplements for the first year after tapering off valium.  Each individual can make their own choice as to what is best for them.  In my case, I did mention to my doctor that I might eventually try St. John's Wort or Tyrosine and he indicated that neither would be harmful based on my current health.  I've decided to try the L-Tryptophan before the Tyrosine and to skip the St. John's Wort since I am not depressed.  For me it's mostly the afternoon fatigue. I think the fatigue in the afternoon is at least in part due to not getting the steady seven to eight hours of sleep so hopefully the Tryptophan will help with that .  Some people take Tyrosine in the morning to increase energy and L-Tryptophan in the evening to help with sleep.  I'll play it by ear.  As Mimi indicated, it may be best to add one supplement at a time.

 

(Just a caution that adding L-Tryptophan, Tyrosine or any supplement/amino acid if one is already taking an antidepressant, SSRI, MAO inhibitor, should be done in close consult with your doctor. Also, the books I've been reading suggest caution in adding supplements particularly if one has low or high blood pressure, systemic illnesses like Lupus, kidney or liver problems, ulcers, overactive thyroid,  bipolar, schizophrenia, pregnant or nursing, and/or have other health issues.  Bottom line.  Check with your doctors peoples

 

Best,

 

Vertigo

[[ve...]]

hi virtigo    thanks for the info you sent me.i will just have to sit it out and see what happen.

 

You're welcome Chrissy.

 

Good luck with your taper,

 

Vertigo

[[ve...]]

...The dog - well I am so lucky - it was a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack but I have actually found a care home close to all of us in London, in the countryside, small with only 16 dementia residents which is prepared to take Mum's small dog.  She says the dog can sleep in Mum's room.  The owner is going to visit Mum in the next 10 days to see if she is suitable for the home and vice versa so I am praying that works out, then we can bring her down which is a challenge in itself, but one step at a time.  I hope the lady will accept Mum.  If she doesn't we will have to think again because it is really unlikely I will find another suitable carehome who will accept the dog.  Thank you so very much Verti - I don't know you but I feel I do and I LOVE YA!

Angel xx

 

Hi Angel.  Any updates on your mother and her dog?  Has the owner had a chance to visit your mother or schedule a date to visit yet?  What happens in the meantime?  Can she be left alone? 

 

By the way, in an earlier post, you had asked about what natural remedies could possibly help reduce your morning anxiety.  While it is possible that L-Tryptophan could help with it, Dr. Teitelbaum does also mention Suntheanine (Pure L-theanine) in his book as something that could be taken in the day as well as before bed for sleep aid and/or calming anxiety in the day. He suggests 50 to 200mg up to a couple times a day as needed.

 

He also mentions in the book that 1/3 milligram of melatonin is enough to restore levels to normal and that doses of 3mg as sold in stores is ten times the level he recommends.  He suggests that he has concerns about toxicity when people take more than the body would normally make.  He also seems to have a philosophy of taking small doses of several sleep aids rather than a single larger dose of  one.  He also mentions some other herbs like valerian, Jamaican Dogwood, Passionflower, 5-HTP (with the caution that one check with the doctor if already on an a/d, ssri or St. John's Wort...).  As I noted, I don't like the fact that he does include klonopin and ambien on his list of prescription sleep aids, although he does refer to the addictive nature and the lack of deep rem sleep of benzos... I've also read that Kava is an herb that might diminish anxiety if feeling particularly stressed, but probably best to consult with a naturopath or your doctor.

 

 

Best ,

 

Vertigo

[[An...]]

Hi Verti

 

I bought some of that L-Tryptothan (sorry if I misspelt it) and got it today.  Then I read the pamphlet which says you can't take it if you are on anti-depressants which I am. So that was a waste of money.  Actually I do have some of that L-theanine but am not sure what I bought it for. I think I bought it for insomnia once but it didn't help. Anyway am sleeping okay with Melatonin.

 

Re: the dog and my Mum.  Am going to see another home tomorrow which sounds nicer than the first one then will decide which one to go for. The lady is happy to have the dog but she cannot accommodate Mum for 2 months which is a bit of a problem as she is having an annexe with 9 extra rooms built.  But if it a nicer place we will wait.  I will keep you posted.  In that case I will go back to Spain shortly till we go to get her as I was planning to hang around in London for another month or so till she moved into the first one which would be in 2 weeks. So stressful in London, tho' I love it here too.  But am definitely suffering here with the anxiety hike.

 

Thanks for asking.  I hope all is well with you - tyou are my inspiration!

 

Angel xx

[[An...]]

Verti

 

I just read your info on the melatonin.  I wonder what adverse effects it could have if I take 5mg. They are hard to break up though.

 

The health shop who sells it says I could take 10mg (??!) a night and it is safe.  I just don't know who to believe.

 

Angel

[[ve...]]

Hi Verti I bought some of that L-Tryptothan (sorry if I misspelt it) and got it today.  Then I read the pamphlet which says you can't take it if you are on anti-depressants which I am. So that was a waste of money.  Actually I do have some of that L-theanine but am not sure what I bought it for. I think I bought it for insomnia once but it didn't help. Anyway am sleeping okay with Melatonin. Re: the dog and my Mum.  Am going to see another home tomorrow which sounds nicer than the first one then will decide which one to go for. The lady is happy to have the dog but she cannot accommodate Mum for 2 months which is a bit of a problem as she is having an annexe with 9 extra rooms built.  But if it a nicer place we will wait.  I will keep you posted.  In that case I will go back to Spain shortly till we go to get her as I was planning to hang around in London for another month or so till she moved into the first one which would be in 2 weeks. So stressful in London, tho' I love it here too.  But am definitely suffering here with the anxiety hike. Thanks for asking.  I hope all is well with you - tyou are my inspiration!

Angel xx

 

Hi Angel.  I read in several places that if the a/d dose is not full dose, it may be possible to add L-Tryptophan in small dose, i.e., 500MG.  You might check with your doctor, particularly if you are not taking a large dose of the a/d.  In some studies, the a/d was shown to work better by adding L-Tryptophan, particularly as tolerance built up, rather than increasing the a/d dose if that becomes a factor down the road.  As far as Theanine, I've never taken it, just saw it in the book as a possible sleep aid and/or of potential to reduce anxiety during the day.  I personally would prefer other methods like meditation and mindfulness to taking a pill for anxiety.  You might check with your doctor about the L-Tryptophan though, although if you are sleeping great, maybe there is no need.  Sorry the situation continues to be uncertain about your mother, but you seem to have found some good options, allbeit some with a wait. 

 

Hang in there,

 

V

[[ve...]]

Verti

I just read your info on the melatonin.  I wonder what adverse effects it could have if I take 5mg. They are hard to break up though. The health shop who sells it says I could take 10mg (??!) a night and it is safe.  I just don't know who to believe.

Angel

 

Dr. Teitelbaum is just one doctor who I came across who writes about melatonin.  I have not thoroughly researched melatonin.  His philosophy is to take several low doses of multiple sleep aids rather than one large dose of a single one.  Is 5mg a large dose?  I don't know.  My father was just told by his gerontologist to take 3mg melatonin before bed but he also takes  .5 ativan .  I suppose each is case by case.

 

If your doctor says it is safe to take L-Tryptophan even though you take an a/d, maybe you could lower the melatonin to 2-3mg and add the Tryptophan or something else so as to not reach a toxicity with melatonin?  Do you take the a/d at night also?  Maybe you have more options if you take the a/d (low dose) in the morning and a supplement at night?  I think I read where some who take St. John's Wort in the morning, can take L-Tryptophan in the evening, can't remember where I read that.  Of course some people may experience an interaction with any combination of medications/supplements.  In any case, it might be worth exploring to make sure what is the safe dose of melatonin to take.  I wonder if you took less melatonin if your anxiety might lessen.  Dr. Sahelian in his book "Mind Boosters" suggests limiting melatonin dose between 1/3 to 1mg.  Possible side effects he mentions are vivid dreams, nightmares, morning grogginess, temporary loss of sexual interest and low mood.  He suggests that melatonin not be used more than two to three nights per week and that it can be combined with other sleep aids such as valerian. Also, that one give some breaks during the week and not use it.

 

Vertigo

[[mt...]]

Hi Angel and Verti

I tried but unfortunately could not handle Melatonin....gave me horrific dreams and panic attacks in the night.  Its interesting that

L tryptophan converts to serotonin and then to melatonin.  So you NEED L tryptophan to manufacture melatonin.  Julia Ross author of the book The Cure Zone uses L tryptophan to help people wean off of A/D's with no side effects.  Check with your physician to make sure but again L tryptophan is used to "enhance" A/d's.  I am sure they want you to cautious when adding another serotonin "booster" as there is such a thing as serotonin syndrome where you can have TOO much serotonin. 

 

As I understand it Ad/s trap existing serotonin so it is available to the brain only (serotonin is used for other body functions).  Over time given stress, diet and genetics even these "trapped" reservoirs can run low (need to increase Ad dose).  By using aminos acids like L Tryptophan you can begin to fill up the reservoirs once again. 

 

Here is a youtube video of the author and an interesting audio of her speaking about using amino acids to restore neurotransmitters.

http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/shownotes/310/nutritional-psychologist-julia-ross-on-curing-carb-addiction-episode-266/

 

 

  There are a few videos of her speech which may be helpful to watch.

 

It may be too much for those still tapering but once we are done and off for a while it may be helpful to look at other options to restore the health of our brain chemistry.

 

For me adding the L tryptophan has made a HUGE shift in my overall sense of well being.  Yippee finally!

 

Mimi

 

 

 

 

 

[[ve...]]

Hi Angel and Verti

I tried but unfortunately could not handle Melatonin....gave me horrific dreams and panic attacks in the night.  Its interesting that  L tryptophan converts to serotonin and then to melatonin.  So you NEED L tryptophan to manufacture melatonin.  Julia Ross author of the book The Cure Zone uses L tryptophan to help people wean off of A/D's with no side effects.  Check with your physician to make sure but again L tryptophan is used to "enhance" A/d's.  I am sure they want you to cautious when adding another serotonin "booster" as there is such a thing as serotonin syndrome where you can have TOO much serotonin.  As I understand it Ad/s trap existing serotonin so it is available to the brain only (serotonin is used for other body functions).  Over time given stress, diet and genetics even these "trapped" reservoirs can run low (need to increase Ad dose).  By using aminos acids like L Tryptophan you can begin to fill up the reservoirs once again. 

Here is a youtube video of the author and an interesting audio of her speaking about using amino acids to restore neurotransmitters.

http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/shownotes/310/nutritional-psychologist-julia-ross-on-curing-carb-addiction-episode-266/

  There are a few videos of her speech which may be helpful to watch. It may be too much for those still tapering but once we are done and off for a while it may be helpful to look at other options to restore the health of our brain chemistry.  For me adding the L tryptophan has made a HUGE shift in my overall sense of well being.  Yippee finally!

Mimi

 

Hi Mimi.  Thanks for the videos which I will check out shortly .  In "The Mood Cure" book, I believe the author does make reference to a patient who was addicted to xanax who she successfully tapered off of using amino acids, but I think it was with GABA and some other ones, not L-Tryptophan.  I am always suspect about such stories but I have no reason to believe it is not true. Yes, one has to be careful about seratonergic syndrome (sp?) in terms of taking on too much serotonin if  using an a/d already.  People have different sensitivities but if one checks with one's doctor, I think one may be able to add some amino acids, based on a variety of health factors and partly based on how large a dose of the a/d one is already taking.  I also read where L-Tryptophan was used as one tapered off some a/ds and I believe I read that she had posted a study (or might have been another book I read) where some psychiatrists were pleasantly surprised that in some patients who had become tolerant to the a/d they were on  that adding L-Tryptophan seemed to jump start the patient in a positive way. Again, best to consider supplements in conjunction with your doctor.

 

As for melatonin, I tried it once and it didn't seem to help me when I was having a bad bout of jet lag while traveling, maybe I didn't take enough.  My plan the next time I change time zones and have jet lag, will be to double the L-Tryptophan and have some melatonin (no more than 1mg, on hand).  I think the difference between the two, as I understand it, is that by taking melatonin, you are giving your body the fish but by taking something like L-Tryptophan, you are teaching your body/brain to make more melatonin/fish  .  Also, I think for jet lag, the author recommends taking some L-Tryptophan earlier than normal and then some more before bed (to combat jet lag).  Apparently it may give the body a chance to start making melatonin gradually by dividing the dose into one before bed and one some hours before.  Also, I will be sure to get some sunlight in the afternoon when I arrive, which can be helpful in adjusting to a time change.  My next scheduled flight will be next month so we'll see how it goes.

 

I took 500MG  of L-Tryptophan last night and I slept very well from a little after 11PM to 6:00AM.  I think I may have briefly woken up at 5AM but fell back asleep.  I still feel like 8 hours would be ideal, but will continue on 500MG each night through the weekend and see what happens.  I think I could have fallen back asleep at 6AM this morning, but didn't try since my normal wake up is around 6:45AM.  I have slightly less anxiety this morning than I typically do.  A year ago, my anxiety was off the charts (had just gotten a puppy and was back to the 3AM wake ups to house break our new puppy,  plus I  had lost 30 pounds (the previous three months)  too quickly, sending me into some sort of adrenal fatigue.  Nowadays, after breakfast, I have a mild amount of anxiety, maybe a 3 out of 10 scale, whereas a year ago, it was about a 9.  Before I took that first valium in 2008, I was probably at about a 4 to 5 in the mornings so things have improved, although not quite feeling 100%.  I will hope to sleep in tomorow .

 

Vertigo

[[An...]]

I feel very fatigued every day and I am wondering if it is the melatonin.  I am groggy and anxious and the past few days have been feeling inexplicably terrible, just awful.

I am going to try and do without tonight.

 

In fact at the supermarket today I felt so nervy and bad I stopped at the pharmacy to get my blood pressure measured.  It was fine.  The pharmacist told me it was probably benzo w/d coupled with anxiety and I must try to deal with it.  She gave me some breathing exercises and recommended yoga.

 

Where is the old me?  The one with endless energy and motivation?  Every day I drag myself out of bed to face another day like this. Yet am trying to live a normal life and socialise but it's difficult.

 

I can't believe a few weeks ago I thought I was almost healed.

 

Do you really think this is benzo w/ds?

 

Mimi how do you feel on a day-to-day basis?  You are a little ahead of me.

 

Angel

[[ro...]]

Hi Angel, V, Mimi and other post beeps:

 

Angel; I have discovered that the melatonin was contributing bigtime to my overall insomnia nites, fatigue, akathisia, and feeling like crud the next day.  I dropped the melatonin the first of January, and sleep and mood have been much better.  I do think I was experiencing mild serotonin toxicity -- OTC meds, ADs and other opiates can create too much serotonin.  I had posted a few links to this information on a few others blogs.  Hopefully, you will feel much better without the melatonin.  I think our serotonin synthesis does balance out after the benzo taper, and we might not need any serotonin boosts to the system.  It's an individual trial and error thing. 

 

Mimi; it does not surprise me that you had the awful dreams and mini panics after taking melatonin.  I did have horrific dreams too besides the agitation, heatups, then shivers, etc.  I'm glad you are finding L-Tryptophan much better on your system. 

 

I've been rereading through "Secrets of Serotonin" by Dr. Carol Hart.  I've been trying to heed her advice on how to create natural serotonin boosts through meal and snack timing.  I had a great nite of sleep last night.  She advises having a high carb only snack following the protein/carb combo dinner about 2 hours after the dinner.  Using my interpretation from the book, the converted protein tryptophan can then hop aboard the glucose/carb train which allows the bigger molecules through the blood brain barrier.  She suggests changing the meal or snack you consume at the low point of your day.  Select a pure, relatively unprocessed carb (like crackers or fruit).  This should improve our moods about 1-2 hrs after consumption.  Lots of good info on a carb breakfast without too much protein to start the day with a lifted mood too. 

 

V; Last year, your weight loss may explain why you were feeling kind of punk -- maybe you dropped too many carbs from your diet?  Carbs well timed after protein consumption can create the natural serotonin boost that makes us feel calm. 

 

Hope we will prevail through to complete healing and sleeping.

 

Best regards,

Rocko

 

 

[[ro...]]

Hi all:

 

I have read Julia Ross' book "Mood Cure" about a year ago.  She and her group have done some interesting research with amino acids. 

 

I bought the Pink Method diet/nutrition/exercise DVDs after watching Dr. Phil's recommendation for the program.  It does have some good dieting methods without giving up the feel good carbs.  I'm only on the first phase exercise DVD, but it is excellent.  (I used to teach aerobics and weight training).  I want to take off the extra 5 lbs. or so I gained from the past year of benzo tapering. 

 

I want to get back into good shape for the summer activities.

 

Cheers,

Rocko

[[...]]

buds if anyone can take the time to give me a little encouragement i'd be so thankful - had a really tough week; in my 8th month  off and month 7 was better than 6 but this slam seems unrelentless.  i have the dr/dp so much i am really scared at time.  crying for no apparent reason; and depressed darn it all.  i always worry how i tapered; so quick; and then those years of psych meds.  i just am scared i guess; and weary

a science teacher told me how melatonin is known for nightmares and she said it is a pretty strong item.  it did give me nightmares.

i just feel bad that i am this bad off at almost 8 months; but i sure do know it takes what it takes.

i wish i was better at not getting so scared by it

thanks for being there. 

and i can't handle seratonin at all - ssri's made me nuts. just a fyi  thannk you; thank you

[[mt...]]

HI Pan

I am SO Sorry you are feeling so bad these days.  Hang in there we are all thinking of you and sending you our support in continued healing.  Have you tried the L Tryptophan?  I am finding great relief in adding 500mg to my daily regime.   

 

Angel I am feeling so well and I am so thankful.  Initially I was wiped out (good wiped out) from the L tryptophan but after a week my sleep is still good but I am not so knocked out. The best news is that during the day I have more energy and focus that I have had in years.  Today I was thinking to myself that I am feeling as well if not better than pre benzo.  I will cross the finish line once I can make it to the gym and exercise a few times a week with no symptoms.  Previously I get very emotional and flulike feeling if I work out too much.  Research points to Adrenal burnout...so after I try the aminos to get brain chemistry back in order I am taking a thorough look at my thyroid and adrenals.  Check with your Dr and see if you can try 500mg of the L tryptophan.  You get 500mg from 1/2 pound of turkey ( like a good size turkey burger) so its not a huge amount.    I feel much more relaxed since I began taking it.

 

Verti I am so glad you are feeling a bit more relaxed from the L tryptophan.  I may take earlier and increase it to 1000mg a day.  I will keep you informed on how I fare on the L tyrosine and DPA.  You may want to check out her book The Diet Cure as well.  I think it is actually a bit better organized and easier to read.  I also read the part in Mood Cure about her working with someone on a benzo etc. and had my doubts.  When I spoke to her she said to give GABA a try and see if it helped but said I was doing the best thing by tapering slowly. She was very nice and did not push at all.  I think I will call her again and go check it all out. 

 

Oh and the best thing...I HAVE NO CRAVINGS and my appetite is unbelievably low.  I am actually having to REMIND myself to eat!

 

Will keep you all posted...who knows in benzoworld?!

Happy Friday!

Mimi

[[ib...]]

Hi Mimi,Vertigo, Rocko and all BB's buddies,

 

 

Well things had been going pretty well, until today.  I went for my 6-month dental cleaning on Monday, after which I started experiencing some pain in one of the molars, which had a root canal 13 years ago.  :'(  I thought this irritation was just due to the cleaning and was trying to get by with taking ibuprofen to control the discomfort, but as each day passed the pain continued to increase so back to the dentist today….long story short it appears I may need to retreat this tooth, but in the meantime I was prescribed vicodine for the pain….big mistake!  I took just one dosage and have been feeling horrible ever since, very nervous, dizzy, and nauseous and my tinnitus has returned. I know I should have known better but the pain is so annoying, I thought I would give it try.  So here I sit 1:30 a.m. feeling horrible and hoping all this passes soon. 

 

Hoping all the BB's are having wonderful dreams this evening!

 

ibmom

 

 

[[gi...]]

Wow, ibmom, that is just terrible! Hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it.  Try not to beat yourself up about it (although I still  beat myself up over the decision to take hydrocodone and oxycodone March 2010). 

 

How's your tooth doing now? Still painful?

 

 

[[ve...]]

Hi Mimi,Vertigo, Rocko and all BB's buddies,  Well things had been going pretty well, until today.  I went for my 6-month dental cleaning on Monday, after which I started experiencing some pain in one of the molars, which had a root canal 13 years ago.  :'(  I thought this irritation was just due to the cleaning and was trying to get by with taking ibuprofen to control the discomfort, but as each day passed the pain continued to increase so back to the dentist today….long story short it appears I may need to retreat this tooth, but in the meantime I was prescribed vicodine for the pain….big mistake!  I took just one dosage and have been feeling horrible ever since, very nervous, dizzy, and nauseous and my tinnitus has returned. I know I should have known better but the pain is so annoying, I thought I would give it try.  So here I sit 1:30 a.m. feeling horrible and hoping all this passes soon.  Hoping all the BB's are having wonderful dreams this evening!

ibmom

 

Sorry to read about your dental problem and reaction to the vicodin, Ibmom.  The brain can be sensitive to strong pain killers, steroids and/or certain antibiotics and for some, even some over the counter medications which might be considered fairly mild.  By and large, many find that it only takes a few days to a week for the brain to recover from some sensitivity. Hope this will only be a brief setback, Ibmom. I've had one root canal, about six years ago and I know they are not fun.  I remember vividly how the pain got worse and worse starting on a Friday night and by Sunday, I was downing shots of whiskey .  Surprisingly, the actual root canal procedure on Monday morning was not painful and they sent me home with very strong Ibuprofin pills which are not available over the counter.  I don't think I ever took any other pain medications.  About ten years ago, I did have to take vicodin after sinus surgery but that was pre benzo.  Anyway, hope your pain starts to lessen over the weekend.

 

Vertigo

[[ib...]]

Hi Ginger,

 

Yes the tooth is still hurting, but I will not take another one of the pills. How foolish on my part   I have been up pretty much the entire night, slept about an hour, and not because of pain but because of the reaction to the medication.  I just can not believe how bad I feel.  Still experiencing the dizziness, but at least the nausea and tinnitus seems to have let up some. I am hoping to get some sleep later this morning as we have plans to go out this evening with family and friends.

 

Thanks  for checking in and have a wonderful day

 

ibmom

[[ve...]]

Verti I am so glad you are feeling a bit more relaxed from the L tryptophan.  I may take earlier and increase it to 1000mg a day.  I will keep you informed on how I fare on the L tyrosine and DPA.  You may want to check out her book The Diet Cure as well.  I think it is actually a bit better organized and easier to read.  I also read the part in Mood Cure about her working with someone on a benzo etc. and had my doubts.  When I spoke to her she said to give GABA a try and see if it helped but said I was doing the best thing by tapering slowly. She was very nice and did not push at all.  I think I will call her again and go check it all out.  Oh and the best thing...I HAVE NO CRAVINGS and my appetite is unbelievably low.  I am actually having to REMIND myself to eat! Will keep you all posted...who knows in benzoworld?!

Happy Friday!

Mimi

 

Hi Mimi.  Well, I took 500MG of L-Tryptophan around 10:30 last night and fell asleep by 11PM.  I was having some nice dreams when the freaking dog started barking at 4:50AM this morning to go out (he was put on a new medication to fight off a worm he apparently got in the kennel the last time we were out of town ).  I was awakened from a deep sleep.  I tried to go back to sleep but never really got back to sleep.  I tried some mindfulness exercises and became more relaxed and was in a very relaxed state despite the frustration and a little anger with the situation.  I actually feel pretty rested this morning, but I guess it's back to the drawing board this evening.  We're going out with some friends this evening and I'm debating whether or not to have a glass of wine with dinner, since that could impact this week's experiment with L-Tryptophan.  Ok post benzo peoples.  I will update you tomorrow morning.

 

V

[[ib...]]

 

Sorry to read about your dental problem and reaction to the vicodin, Ibmom.  The brain can be sensitive to strong pain killers, steroids and/or certain antibiotics and for some, even some over the counter medications which might be considered fairly mild.  By and large, many find that it only takes a few days to a week for the brain to recover from some sensitivity. Hope this will only be a brief setback, Ibmom.

 

Vertigo

 

Hi Vertigo,

 

Very foolish on my part.  I was feeling so well, s/x pretty much settled down and now I do this.....

 

Hoping things settle down soon...

 

Take care,

ibmom

[[ve...]]

I feel very fatigued every day and I am wondering if it is the melatonin.  I am groggy and anxious and the past few days have been feeling inexplicably terrible, just awful. I am going to try and do without tonight.In fact at the supermarket today I felt so nervy and bad I stopped at the pharmacy to get my blood pressure measured.  It was fine.  The pharmacist told me it was probably benzo w/d coupled with anxiety and I must try to deal with it.  She gave me some breathing exercises and recommended yoga. Where is the old me?  The one with endless energy and motivation?  Every day I drag myself out of bed to face another day like this. Yet am trying to live a normal life and socialise but it's difficult. I can't believe a few weeks ago I thought I was almost healed. Do you really think this is benzo w/ds? Mimi how do you feel on a day-to-day basis?  You are a little ahead of me.

Angel

 

Hi Angel.  I think it might be a good idea to try a lesser dose of melatonin at some point, but check with your doctor.  I don't know if stopping it suddenly, other than for a day, would be the best idea.  You could probably lower the dose and perhaps add  one or two small doses of some other supplements that have been mentioned in the books by Dr. Teitlebaum, The Mood Cure or others like it, if your doctor agrees, considering the medication you already take as well. 

 

If you are in your first 18 months off, I absolutely believe this could be "benzo related" in the sense that the brain is sensitive to medications, stress and various challenges in life perhaps a little more than usual in the first 6-18 months off a benzo.  You are going through a very stressful situation with having to help your elderly mother get settled in a home with caretakers.  This would stress anyone out regardless of past benzo addiction.

 

I've posted several times on this thread about the concept of "the old me".  I think it is a loss that one has to process and realize that there really is no turning the clocks back.  You can only do your best to redefine yourself moving forward.  Maybe this is a transition period for you, where you are trying the a/d and melatonin to help get you through this first year off the benzo.  Eventually, you might feel better after tapering off some of those medications as Dr. Ashton and others have written about.  An a/d sometimes stops working after a period of time (like the benzo)and that could also be a factor in terms of tolerance.  You could discuss a game plan with your doctor to eventually taper off melatonin and the a/d and perhaps replace with amino acids like the L-Tryptophan or others.  Given the extraordinary circumstances with your mother and being out of town right now, I would personally recommend not making big changes that might impact your sleep or your ability to stay fairly stable at present.

 

Best,

 

Vertigo

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Hi Angel, V, Mimi and other post beeps: I've been rereading through "Secrets of Serotonin" by Dr. Carol Hart.  I've been trying to heed her advice on how to create natural serotonin boosts through meal and snack timing.  I had a great nite of sleep last night.  She advises having a high carb only snack following the protein/carb combo dinner about 2 hours after the dinner.  Using my interpretation from the book, the converted protein tryptophan can then hop aboard the glucose/carb train which allows the bigger molecules through the blood brain barrier.  She suggests changing the meal or snack you consume at the low point of your day.  Select a pure, relatively unprocessed carb (like crackers or fruit).  This should improve our moods about 1-2 hrs after consumption.  Lots of good info on a carb breakfast without too much protein to start the day with a lifted mood too. 

 

V; Last year, your weight loss may explain why you were feeling kind of punk -- maybe you dropped too many carbs from your diet?  Carbs well timed after protein consumption can create the natural serotonin boost that makes us feel calm. 

Hope we will prevail through to complete healing and sleeping.

Best regards,

Rocko

 

Hey Rockster.  Good to hear from you.  I like the plan to use natural foods to heal yourself and possible suspected deficits in serotonin.  As you know, over the last year, I've tried the intense lower carb diet, as you recall, but I also added back a fair amount of so called "good carbs" too for a while,  but didn't feel "fantastic" though I did feel markedly better at times.  I was even able to write that success story at 18 months once I added back more carbs and stopped the low carb diet.  I've pretty much gone down hill with the sweets and treats since last Thanksgiving though, gained back over 10lbs and don't feel my best, although I don't have post benzo withdrawals thankfully, more of a blah feeling that I've had before benzos when I don't eat right.  Back to the drawing board.  Gotta get back to gradual moderate levels of exercise and more sensible eating.  I did find that a snack of some small amount of  turkey and whole wheat crackers about two hours before bed seemed to help my sweet cravings as well as sleep.  It may not have been all carb like your book suggested but maybe the tryptophan in the turkey helped, at least with craving sweets.  I also found that small amount of baked potato with the skin and a little turkey an hour before bed helped my sleep about a year ago (as per the author of Potatoes, NOT Prozac book).  I think the L-Tryptophan supplement may also be helpful, will let you know in the coming days and weeks.  Glad you are finding some ways to feel better too .

 

Vertigo

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buds if anyone can take the time to give me a little encouragement i'd be so thankful - had a really tough week; in my 8th month  off and month 7 was better than 6 but this slam seems unrelentless.  i have the dr/dp so much i am really scared at time.  crying for no apparent reason; and depressed darn it all.  i always worry how i tapered; so quick; and then those years of psych meds.  i just am scared i guess; and weary a science teacher told me how melatonin is known for nightmares and she said it is a pretty strong item.  it did give me nightmares.  i just feel bad that i am this bad off at almost 8 months; but i sure do know it takes what it takes.  i wish i was better at not getting so scared by it

thanks for being there.  and i can't handle seratonin at all - ssri's made me nuts. just a fyi  thannk you; thank you

 

Hi Pan.  Sorry to read about your recent wave.  You might be having some seasonal blues  right now. Are you getting plenty of sunlight and some exercise?  As for the rapid taper and other medications, it is possible you might have a slight chemical imbalance, not uncommon for it to take some time for neurotransmitters to rebalance after being on various medications for a period of time.  Although you aid that you can not handle serotonin by taking an a/d, some of the amino acid supplements as I understand it, do not give you artificial serotonin like the antidepressants.  I think they aid your own body and brain to manufacture it as needed. That being said, if you are tired and depressed, perhaps Tyrosine rather than L-Tryptophan could be helpful.  I believe Tyrosine helps with the manufacture of dopamine and norepinephrine.  Are you feeling more depressed or anxious?  Tyrosine would probably not be recommended if you are very anxious.  This is all pretty new to me so maybe it would be best to consult a neuropath or at least read a few books like "The Mood Cure" mentioned earlier in this thread.

 

Do you have a good holistic doctor down there in Florida?  There might be other things you could try such as acupuncture... if you do not wish to try the amino acids or something else.  How is your nutrition by the way?  Do you consume a lot of sugar to offset down feelings?  Sometimes getting off sugar and better nutrition might be all you need, as Rocko mentioned in her earlier post.  Anyway, hang in there Pan.  It's still early in your recovery and you will start to feel much better as you did last month.  I had waves at 9 and 14 months.  By summer, I would hope you reward yourself with a nice vacation to celebrate your successes as I'm sure you will be feeling much better, if not sooner.

 

Best,

 

Vertigo

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VertiI just read your info on the melatonin.  I wonder what adverse effects it could have if I take 5mg. They are hard to break up though. The health shop who sells it says I could take 10mg (??!) a night and it is safe.  I just don't know who to believe.

Angel

 

Hi Angel.  I looked at a couple of websites on melatonin including Mayo Clinic and others.  Most of the sites suggest that 1-5mg of melatonin would be an appropriate dose.  However, several sites indicate that 1mg or less might be sufficient and that it might be best taken for some weeks and then take a break.  Based on the few articles I read, 10mg is probably not a good idea.  Some possible side effects are headaches, morning grogginess, dizziness, nightmares or vivid dreams, abdominal discomfort, mild anxiety and/or irritability, sleep walking (the last few are less common)  and there are possible interactions with other medications.  One article does suggest consulting your doctor if you are taking MAO inhibitors or other antidepressants.  Several articles suggest taking the synthetic kind only, that the ones made from animal pineal gland can carry virus contamination.  The Mayo Clinic article suggested using for short term use, up to  two months and taking a break.