scared of meds try going to see a herbalist

LilyFlower23 · Post by **LilyFlower23** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 6:45 pm

ive been on lexapro for about 2 months i was scared to death to take meds but my anxiety and panic attacks got so chronic i had no choice. Anyways my good friend been seeing a herbalist and it has helped her tremendously. If taking meds and are scared about the withdrawals im thinking about going to go see a herbalist because she knows a lady that was on meds for 20 years and had bad withdrawals and she went to see a herbalist now shes meds free. i wish i couldve known this before taking meds i only take 5 mlg of lexapro and i take calcium and magnesium supplements and b-complex with vitamin c has helped me very much i dont need to up my meds !! and doc said that valerian root is a natural herb that can make you sleep at night.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:47 pm

I am going to see an herbalist this Friday. I am very excited about it. I do not take any SSRI's but I do take Ativan. I have lowered it to 0.25 only at night to help me sleep. I am weaning off of it though. This week and next week are .25 at night and the next 2 weeks are 0.25 every other night. I will let my herbalist know about this. Hopefully he will give me something that helps for my anxiety/depression/pms. He does it in tea form is all I know. I'll let you know how it turns out on Friday. I don't think you have much to lose by seeing an herbalist though. Good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:23 pm

thanks !! please let me know how it goes i definetely gonna go see one to. good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:03 am

Is the Lexapro working for you? Dont feel ashamed or scared of these meds, they can help improve the quality of your life greatly. Take to an herbalist as well. But if the Lex is working I would stick with it because if you have a chemical iimbalance than the Lex will help even that out over the year.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:33 am

I completely support alternative therapies. I've started using herbs/vitamin supplements and seeing an acupressurist regularly. I'm gradually (and comfortably) tapering off all meds and HAVEN'T FELT THIS GOOD IN YEARS!!! However, I do think it's important to talk to someone (my pharmacist knows EVERYTHING-she rocks!) about potential drug interactions if you are still on ANY meds at all.

I live in a pretty conserative and secluded area (traditional medicine is the end all and be all- UGH!), so I'm really interested in hearing what herbs/vitamins others take. Everything I know is from research.

I know I've posted this a bazillion times before, but Prescription for Natural Cures is an incrediable reference. This book has it all- herbs, vitamins, Bach Flower Remedies, diet suggestions, aromatherapy, progressive muscle relaxation, reflexology, acupressure/acupuncture... It's really good- and it's written by an M.D. and an N.D., so it's reputable, too. There is a companion book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing, but I don't have it.

I really hope those who are using alternative methods will post their suggestions.
fischee

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:36 am

Hi Emily:
I always watch for your posts because you have a lot of valuable information for me. I am beginning to use natural herbs and they are helping me to reduce my prescription med. And I 'm feeling better too. (I think).
I would like to get the book that you just mentioned. Will I find it at the vitamin store?
I've learned most all I know about the herbs from this forum. Now I have Bach's Rescue Remedy and some tablets called Calm U Nat. (these tablets help me sleep. I've had insomnia
for years. I take 2 of these at bedtime. I got these at the GNC Vitamin store))
And I also have 5-htp capsules. I'm just trying these and am hopeful about these but don't have first hand information yet on them as I just got them. I'm very hopeful about these.
I have experienced no side effects.
On prescription meds , I always have side effects. Bad side effects.
I am so glad I found this forum because I have learned so much from all of you.

Your writing is very good, Emily. I read on one of your posts on another thread that you are critical of your writing. Well, it is very informative and interesting. And very understandable. So certainly do not stop writing. (I know you won't).

Now if anyone can come up with a solution for me that will keep me off the computer more and into my chores more, I will appreciate it. LOL

Mary Jane

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 8:09 am

Hi Mary Jane,
I watch for your posts too! ;*) So how do you like Rescue Remedy? I've not tried it, but have been to a suggested website and looked. I read somewhere that sniffing Frankincense during a panic attack is supposed to be helpful, so I ordered the essential oil but never felt anything. Plus, it really reeks, but maybe it's just me... after all, it was good enough for baby Jesus (or maybe the Wisemen brought it for Mary? ha!).

I'm also interested in 5-htp, as I'm almost off zoloft. Please keep us posted. I just looked up anxiety in that book and it recommends 500mgs. of GABA 2-3x daily. Has anyone heard of this? Evidently, it's an amino acid that has a claming effect.

Oh, the book is available at Barnes and Noble and can probably be ordered from Amazon at a discounted price- mine is listed at $24.95.

Sorry I can't help you with the computer bit, since I seem to have the same condition

. If anyone has a solution- do share!
Hugs,
Emily

(Thank-you for the compliments... you made my day- and motivated me to log off and start on some much-overdue academic writing!)