Stress Center Peer Support

Hi everyone,

I feel awkward posting here, since it's been such a very long time since i said "hi" to any of my friends at the Forum. But i must toss aside my pride and make contact, cause i'm feeling kinda desperate.

Without going into any details at all about what is happening in my life, i want to begin by asking a question: Does anyone here, who has/had extreme panic symptoms and/or agoraphobia ~ found any substantial help from using high doses of 5HTP or AMORYN. For myself, none of the anti-depressants (of any type) have helped in this way. And i won't ever return to medication such as valium.

I feel at my wit's end regarding this condition i have had for soooo long and with almost every facet of my life right now. It's really hard for me to write this, as i find it embarrassing to be stuck and still struggling so......lately i feel very frightened of going on with my life feeling as i do. No, i wouldn't DO anything....no worries there. Just finding life hard to bear at this time.

Any info. on the above (5HTP and/or AMORYN) would be so appreciated.

Sending special LOVE to Grateful and Susan and to all those i have known in the past.

Linda

Hi Linda!!!!

So good to hear from you!! How have you been doing ??

We talked alot about supplements over the months. Grateful began a discussion on a book we did together called "Breaking the grip of dangerous emotions" by Janet Maccaro Phd, CNC and it's loaded with alot of good info on supplements such as GABA ( gamma amino butyric acid), L-Theanine and herbs such as passion flower, St. John's Wort, SAM-e and others....
It's in the Lesson 14 Folder. So I encourage you to check there for some helpful information.

I haven't heard anyone using 5HTP for agoraphobia or panic, mostly for depression. SAM-e ( which you can buy at Walmart) has been used for panic and so has L-Theanine and GABA.
But perhaps there is someone here that can give you some personal experience with this specific supplement.

I hope you are doing well Linda and that you've been able to take some small steps to encourage yourself. I was thinking of you the other day and here you are!!

Take Care and keep in touch!!
~~Susan~~

Hi Susan!

So good to hear from you! Funny how you were thinking of me. I too think of you often and of 'Grateful' ~ you have both been such good and loving friends. And i all but disappeared.

I will take a look at the Folder you mentioned when i am next at the local library. This old computer of mine is even slower than it used to be. And at the library, i can take my time.
Surprised to read that nobody has used 5HTP for panic. It's documented that large doses really do help....who knows. I will definately look into the SAM-e. GABA cannot be bought in Canada though.

I hope i can convince myself to get back to participating on the Forum. I've been so resistant.

God bless,
Love Linda

Lindi:
Here is what I know about L-5-hydroxytryptophan (or 5HTP). It is important information to know when making a decision on taking 5-HTP.

"Amino acids are the individual constituent parts of proteins. Consumption of foods containing intact proteins ordinarily provides sufficient amounts of the nine amino acids needed for growth and development in children and for maintenance of health of adults. The safety of amino acids in this form is generally not a concern. When marketed as dietary supplements, amino acids are sold as single compounds, in combinations of two or more amino acids, as components of protein powders, as chelated single compounds, or in chelated mixtures. Amino acids are promoted for a variety of uses, including body-building. Some are promoted for claimed pharmacologic effects.

The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) recently conducted an exhaustive search of available data on amino acids and concluded that there was insufficient information to establish a safe intake level for any amino acids in dietary supplements, and that their safety should not be assumed. FASEB warned that consuming amino acids in dietary supplement form posed potential risks for several subgroups of the general population, including women of childbearing age (especially if pregnant or nursing), infants, children, adolescents, the elderly, individuals with inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism, and individuals with certain diseases.

At least two of the amino acids consumed in dietary supplements have also been associated with serious injuries in healthy adults.

A. L-tryptophan
L-tryptophan is associated with the most serious recent outbreak of illness and death known to be due to consumption of dietary supplements. In 1989, public health officials realized that an epidemic of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) was associated with the ingestion of L-tryptophan in a dietary supplement. EMS is a systemic connective tissue disease characterized by severe muscle pain, an increase in white blood cells, and certain skin and neuromuscular manifestations.

More than 1,500 cases of L-tryptophan-related EMS have been reported to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 38 patients are known to have died. The true incidence of L-tryptophan-related EMS is thought to be much higher. Some of the individuals suffering from L-tryptophan-related EMS have recovered, while other individuals' illnesses have persisted or worsened over time.

Although initial epidemiologic studies suggested that the illnesses might be due to impurities in an L-tryptophan product from a single Japanese manufacturer, this hypothesis has not been verified, and additional evidence suggests that L-tryptophan itself may cause or contribute to development of EMS. Cases of EMS and related disorders have been found to be associated with ingestion of L-tryptophan from other batches or sources of L-tryptophan. These illnesses have also been associated with the use of L-5-hydroxytryptophan, a compound that is closely related to L-tryptophan, but is not produced using the manufacturing process that created the impurities in the particular Japanese product." ( <A HREF="http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-ill.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-ill.html</A> )

Additional information on 5HTP:

<A HREF="http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articl ... tid=257800" TARGET=_blank>http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articl ... =257800</A> (clickon the "Free Full Text" button to download the article)

<A HREF="http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-tryp1.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-tryp1.html</A>

<A HREF="http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00891.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00891.html</A>

Hi Amethyst,

Good God!!! The amount of information you have!!! I will keep on hand everything you've written and will certainly consider it. Thank you!

I was aware of that nasty batch, which caused so many to fall ill. I had thought it was a single case....not enough cause to deter one from taking 5HTP. I haven't done a quarter of the research you have done though!

I'm looking for something to REALLY help substantially lessen the severe physical panic symptoms i have had for a very long time, and i have had such nightmarish experiences with pharmaceuticals. So, i've been looking into 'natural' compounds,etc.. and do know that these too can have nasty side effects. So, i'm careful. Right now i feel i have to find SOMETHING!

Thank's again for taking the time to reply.

Take good care,
Linda

Hi Lindi,

I just wanted to pop in and say HELLO! I havent been here much lately. I been feeling ok and have been visiting a friends board alot. TAke care and I hope you find what you are looking for.

Hugs, Reena

hi
just wanted to drop a line and say that i have found the L theanine to help me soooooo much with my agoraphobia..i actually was able to stop taking ativan when i started using it although i dont take the whole capsule(200mg) i open it and take out like half the powder and put it into a hot cup of tea, being it is drived from tea didnt think it would matter :p lol hope this helps ya out some talk toya later take care

Hi all. I, who am afraid to take anything pill wise, started taking Subligual B-12 by Trivita. It also contains some folic acid & B-6. You lets it disolve under your tounge, because it goes into the blood stream better that way. I have been taking it almost a year now. It most definatly has slowed my panic attacks down & gives a sense of well being. You can check it out at Trivita.com . Hope this was helpful. Take care, Thelmama

For all those who wrote to me,

Thank you very much for your replies. I am sorry i didn't get back to all of you individually. To be absolutely honest, i have been struggling with such depression and it takes alot to do just the smallest things right now. Never, ever thought i'd arrive at 'this place' ever again. I only wanted to say "thank you".

All the best,
Linda

thelma,

I heard Trivita vitamins are excellent and the subligual B's are awsome. I thought about checking them out myself because B vitamins DO make a difference no matter what negative things people have to say. "The proof is in the pudding"....

Linda,
Don't allow yourself to wallow in your depression too long. There is no reward for doing this. I'm sure you know this already. I wish you lived nearby; we could have tea or something ! L-Theanine does work. Perhaps this is a safer alternative than tryptophan (??)
Is it available in Canada ? Certainly there must be something to help you move forward.
I wouldn't be too overly concerned about the negativity shared here about the 1989 problem with L-tryptophan either. That was many years ago and since then there are many more reputable companies that put out pure products. Just be sure to do your investigation on your supplement before you take it. I wouldn't recommend taking something made overseas either. <A HREF="http://painstresscenter.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://painstresscenter.com/</A> has been in business for 21 years and hasn't had anything bad happen with their products. They are guaranteed pure. If you have any questions, you could always email them psctr@painstresscenter.com I wish you well Linda as you move forward. Keep in touch !!!