18 replies to this topic

[Jillybeans]

I have a question on these supplements, this is all food or plant based, I would like to know if this would be good for me to try as I combat these side effects of discontinuation withdrawal symptoms. I am on Day 3 on 5mgs, tomorrow I start on 10mgs for 3 days. I try to remember when it started these symptoms, I looked at my calendar, looks like it was about 2 weeks ago or maybe 2 and a half weeks ago. It's awful trying to remember.

 

Today I been sweating a lot, appetite is so so but I made sure I hydrate a lot. I feel like I have to drink gallons of it. I felt so strange going back on Facebook to try to get back into things, I felt out of place trying to read the posts, as my brain feels scrambled. This is kind of scaring me making feel like what if I'm brain damaged. It's been almost a month I haven't been on Facebook, or get back into my usual routine, I been housebound in a way since my appt at the counseling place Wednesday.

 

I do know I have to keep hanging in there, I just hope there's no damage to my nerves from this malady and need encouragement that it will go away in time. I think it will take longer than weeks, won't know yet as I reached to 20mgs on the Prozac then let that kick in to combat this. I just hope it will work. Earlier this afternoon I was searching for detox places here, I don't know if that will help but I guess I'm desperate to get better. I think I'm starting to get the emotions as Fishinghat had mentioned in my other post. The symptoms I been having is still there, it makes me mad or frustrated.

 

While my brain feels scrambled, been reading some posts as I can try to comprehend, this must be my brain is rewiring slowly - this site is incredible supportative and well explained, this is quite a group that I am glad I joined here. Thank you for letting me ask questions, the support and for being there for me.

 

 

Vitamins for 55plus (even though I'm 53, this has no iron)

https://www.amazon.c...ltivitamin&th=1

 

Balanced B complex

https://www.amazon.c...ltivitamin&th=1

 

For Sleep

https://www.amazon.c...ltivitamin&th=1

[fishinghat]

By the way, the brain being scrambled is very typical and with time the cognitive abilities will return. The Omega 3 usually helps with that as well.
 
The "Vitamins for 55plus" seems like a good choice to compliment your other supplements. The only thing that concerns me is the green tea extract which normally contains caffeine. And they make the comment about "Feel the energy" which makes me think it could make anxiety/nervousness worse. Otherwise it looks great.

Balanced B complex - A good basic B complex. Looks good.

"for sleep"

Of course this would have to replace your magnesium supplement you are already taking.
It also contains Valerian root. A caution for those who use or are considering using valerian root. It greatly slows down the bodies ability to process and eliminate benzos. This allows the benzos to build to very high values in the body. Caution should be used when taking the two at the same time.

A comment from FiveNotions (member) - FN - Ditto to the valerian caution.....I tried it as tea....wasn't using benzos, but it whacked me out somehow....a tip I got from Fishinghat is to start whatever it is you're trying....amino, herb, etc....in very small amounts/does....and work up gradually....

It also contains ashwagandha. Seriously, most of this sounds promising BUT the plant contains fairly high level of steroids and long term testing would be wise.

https://www.webmd.co...ngredientid=953
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=24458838
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=24497737
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=24431513
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=24330893
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=23439798
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=22546655
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=19363747
https://www.ncbi.nlm.../?term=11194174
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC3252722/
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC3573577/
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC3487234/
https://www.ncbi.nlm...les/PMC2958355/

I would really like to thank you for bringing this plant to our attention. It sound like it has good potential.

It has been shown to lower BP, interfere with sugar metabolism in diabetics, irritate the gi system as well as possibly causing ulcers, increase thyroid hormone levels and increase immune system function which can be detrimental for aids, multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

Having said that it should be noted that these effects are limited and this product is comparative to lorazepam in its ability to control anxiety. That is impressive.

I am not suggesting in any way that this product does not have advantages. In fact it sounds like it has great potentials for many ailments. I did a search on European and Russian medical abstracts and sincerely found NO long term safety studies.

California poppy appears to be safe for most people when taken appropriately by mouth for three months or less. There isn't enough information to know if California poppy is safe for longer term use.

Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with CALIFORNIA POPPY
California poppy might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking California poppy along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some of these sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/27054913
This data suggests that EtOH extract of E. californica and its major alkaloids have a potential of causing interactions with drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450s, while the tea seems to be safer.

A 70% ethanolic extract of California Poppy (1.82% alkaloids) was able to bind to both 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors in vitro at 100mcg/mL.[4] Specifically, when the 70% ethanolic extract was incubated at 9mcg/mL, it showed inhibition of 64 +/-4% of 5-HT1A receptors and inhibition of 76 +/-1% of 5-HT7 receptors. Binding on the 5-HT1A was mostly due to N-methyllaurotetanine since it alone showed an EC50 of 160+/-10nM and a Ki of 0.085 ± 0.001uM in preventing binding of 8-OH-DPAT to this receptor.[4]

Highly potent interactions at the level of the receptor with the ethanolic extract, but it is not known whether this is an agonist (activator) or antagonist (inactivator), or whether it is biologically relevant. This medicine may contribute to serotonin syndrome and should be used with caution with any other drug linked to serotonin syndrome like ssri and snri.

Some beta-blocking potential exists, with this extract inhibiting 32 +/-3% of binding to Beta-1-Adrenergic receptors, but underperformed relative to the active control of Propanolol (1.8nM EC50).[4] Care should be used when taking beta-blockers like propranolol or atenolol.
Source ...https://examine.com/...ia-californica/

https://www.ncbi.nlm...pubmed/16508250
Tea and vervain infusions inhibited iron availability.

Additionally, Vervain can interact with some high blood pressure and anticoagulant medications. NCBI

[Jillybeans]

Hmmm, I did wondered about the green tea too in the multi-vitamin. I probably will wait on that one. The balanced B complex I most likely will try, about the supplement Dreams, I probably shouldn't take it now that you had mentioned about high blood pressure medications. I take lisinopril, so I might steer clear of this one.

 

On day 4 on Prozac now on 10 mgs for the 3 days, so far I am tolerating this medication. I managed to go to the food pantry and drive home okay, just a short trip for today. So far, so good - though I am feeling a bit tired, not way too hungry but I will stay hydrated.

[fishinghat]

Sounds good. Let me know if there is any other questions you have. Meanwhile relax and wait it out.

 

God bless

[Jillybeans]

Today I'm on day 8 taking 15mgs of Prozac, made it this far before I take 20mg starting Friday to take in hope that it will knock out the discontinuation withdrawal.

 

Exhausted though, I hope I can handle taking 20mg. I still have some tingling, burning through me, some muscle weakness, some heart palpitations, and the anxiety is more in the morning time  - I think it's a side effects from Prozac on top of it. The sweating while sleeping, and on and off during the day, not fun.  I am still not very hungry, I feel like I'm wasting away from losing weight. The brain fog had lifted more, my vision is getting there, I am still sensitive to sounds and some ear ringing. I am not myself still.

 

I haven't ordered the balanced B complex yet, I was wondering as I was checking nerve support stuff on Amazon yesterday. I am not familiar about skullcap, and other herbs. Would some kind of nerve support formula be good to try in injunction to B complex? I have been resting mostly and try to keep positive, I am scared what if I have nerve damage from that tingling, burning and muscle weakness. I been keeping hydrated, but my eating is so so as I have not much appetite.

 

What will happen to me if I am on Prozac 20 mgs for less than 6-8 weeks? I do know the withdrawal will happen after this leaves my system, it has a longer shelf life. I want to be off all antidepressants after the Prozac. Would this mess me up?

[fishinghat]

The decision is up to you, but if you feel better on the 20 mg of Prozac then I would stay at that level until I see how much better I get in time. If after a while you think you are OK then that's good. Stabilize at that level for a few weeks and then beginning weaning the Prozac. If you are on 20 mg and don't get feeling good enough after a couple weeks then you can always kick it up to 30 mg. By slowly going up you can find the minimum dose that will be effective and when it comes time to come off the Prozac you won't have as far to drop.

[Jillybeans]

Tomorrow I will taking 20mgs after the slow increase, I will keep my fingers crossed that this will help me. When I see the nurse practitioner next Wednesday to let her know how I'm doing, I will ask her about weaning off later - and I want to know how she will have me wean off before I do this.

Probably will be the same way I started, 2 days 0n 20, then 3 days on 15mg, keep doing that until I get to 5 mgs - unless it'll be done different. Most likely after the holidays will be good to wean off, hard to say when's a good time.

[Jillybeans]

Okay, then I will go ahead to order Megafoods Balanced B-Complex, I didn't realized about too much B6 not to go over.

 

Was surprised about the Un-Stress supplements with ashwagandha that contains steroids! Thank you again for your help about understanding supplements, it's much appreciated!

[fishinghat]

How much vitamin B6 is absorbed by the body varies. There are megadose B6 on the market now with 500 to 1000 mg/capsule and because of this there has been an explosion in Vit B6 poisoning. Yes, in my book it is too high but much better than the 25 mg in the In-stress and most other vitamins. The half life of B6 is 25 days. So once you take the 10 mg it will be 25 days before it is down to 5 mg in your body. It is highly unlikely that anyone needs extra B 6 in there diet if they eat greens, sweet potatoes, rice (especially enriched rice), bread, cereal, and other items. The brand StressTabs only has 5 mg of B6 in it and is a better choice for long term use.

You could also take one of the Megafoods Balanced B-Complex every 3rd or 4th day.

[Jillybeans]

Just checked StressTabs, yes, it does have 5mgs in it, it also has ashwagandha (Sensoril) 62.5mg and a blend of taurine, arginine, and glutamine 100 mg. It is cheaper to buy than Megafoods brand for 90 tablets, both brands have the same count available. I'm probably better off getting Megafoods and just take it every 3rd or 4th day.

 

https://www.walmart....-90-Ct/26441072

 

You're right about how much B6 is in a lot of vitamins in megadose strength. I bought a CVS brand B complex 50 few months ago, before the withdrawal symptoms happened, I noticed it had 50mg of B6, and it made my urine turn so bright yellow. I stopped taking it.

 

I was looking at supplements like Nerve Support Formula, etc on Amazon, it does have B6 4mg in it, I am debating on getting that - it's probably not a good idea for my tingly, burning and muscle weakness from the withdrawal symptoms.

[fishinghat]

It is hard to recommend those "nerve" formulas to anyone as the results for members on this formula have been so inconsistent. A lot of their ingredients have been shown to help with withdrawals and anxiety but many of them have drug interactions and side effects.

[Jillybeans]

That's true about the "nerve formulas", and possible reactions especially the drug reactions and side effects for most of the members here. You do have a point there.

 

Well, I am on Day 6 on 20mg Prozac, the side effects is getting a bit too much for me to handle, it's making me more nervous with heart palpitations, sleeping problem, not much appetite, getting headaches, sweating, nauseous, some digestion issues and I saw the nurse practitioner today and she said to take 10 mg Prozac for 7 days starting tomorrow then 5 mg Prozac for 7 days then stop.

 

I have 30 pills left and I am wondering if this taper will cause any problems. I started on 5mg for 3 days on November 8th, 10mg for 3 days, then 15mg for 3 days then 20mg. I thought maybe she would do it like 15 for 3 days, 10 for 3 days then 5 for 3 days then stop. I go back to see her on December 8th. Not sure how long the Prozac will stay in my system.

 

I don't think I can continue to afford the Prozac almost $98.00 monthly. She said I still have Celexa on hold and insurance will cover it if I want to go on that at some point. Or maybe Zoloft if insurance will cover it. She also think it's possible I may be sensitive to some antidepressants and it's possible that I might not be able to take any. My mother, 2 of my cousins wasn't able to take any after trying them, I may be one of them too.

 

So, once the taper of Prozac is done, I probably will have some withdrawal symptoms as well, I hope it will be less and heard it's supposed to be easier to get off and I wasn't on it for long time.

 

My discontinuation withdrawal symptoms so far is a little bit of tingling, little bit burning sensation, little bit of muscle weakness, slight ear ringing, my hearing slightly distorted. My memory and clarity is getting there, I'm getting less forgetful and vision is getting more clearer as well. The anxiety not way so severe like before - I do know in time it will go away all of these symptoms.

 

Since I only take Klonopin if really necessary, I had to take it to calm the nervousness down from the Prozac and discontinuation withdrawal symptoms. Not the way I wanted to do this. I couldn't get the hydroxyzine from her today and she was running late for her clients, was busy there at the office.

 

So for now, while I still have the Klonopin for anxiety, but I will try Benedryl or the CVS version of Mucinex D as needed. I am not sure if Melontonin will help in 5 or 10mg. I do take Evening Primrose for the hot flashes. Had thought about taking Estroven Night time formula as it has Valerian and Melontonin in it. I wonder if I should wait until the Prozac is out of my system first. 

 

Today, I was doing good driving to the appointment and all, had a good meal, not exactly healthy I had a roast beef sub as I will have to go food shopping Friday or Saturday. At least it's better than going to McDonald's which I refuse to eat! Only had a half a large sub, I did enjoyed it though.

 

Will be cooking the Thanksgiving dinner at home for me, my sister and mother and fiance, I might feel tired from lack of sleep and from the Prozac, but that is okay, I am doing better than I did almost a month ago. I also do know it can take a couple of months even to recover.

 

I already ordered Megafoods Balance B-complex 50, will take it every 3 or 4 days as you had mentioned, will be good to go easy on the vitamins.

 

I also wanted to wish you and everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings

[fishinghat]

Happy Thanksgiving Jillybean.

 

Hang in there and don't do to much at the family get together.

 

God Bless

[Jillybeans]

Had a nice Thanksgiving with the family, I found that I did had to rest up more the next couple of days, I know understand why - will make sure I don't over do a lot. My Megafood Balanced B-Complex came in the other day. I forgot to re-order the magnesium, I have a question on another brand, it's in 100mg of magnesium glycinate, supposed to be more absorption in this form. The other magnesium you found that was recommended, it has soy.

 

This other brand doesn't and wanted to know if this is also a good one to try. The tablets is 100 mg and serving size is 200mg. Will keep drinking milk, or almond milk with the magnesium. Wanted your input before I go ahead to order.

 

https://www.amazon.c...d=9239251780901

 

I'm on Day 5 on 10 mg Prozac until Wednesday then 5 mg Prozac for another 7 days (from taking 20 mg for 6 days after doing the 9 days increasement of 5, 10, 15 until I went to 20 mg.

 

The only side effects from the discontinuation withdrawal symptoms from the Cymbalta is some tingling,some burning and little bit of sleeping issues, muscle weakness is slowly going away. The anxiety is less, I know I have to hang in there for the duration on how long it can take to go away. Having menopause doesn't help as it can cause anxiety too, taking Evening Primrose Oil seem to help the hot flashes for now.

 

I haven't had any withdrawal side effects yet from the Prozac, but do know that it can happen once the Prozac is lowered down then weaned off before is out of the system as I don't know how long it will stay in my body.

 

I know it's best to go slow on supplements, as for multi-vitamins, will wait on that until much later.

 

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was a nice one

[fishinghat]

Nothing wrong with the magnesium glycinate. Well absorbed and easy on the stomach. Good job.

 

Sounds like it is going well on the Prozac. You will know if the Prozac gives you any withdrawal symptoms as it usually causes significant digestive upset but at this point I am optimistic.

 

Doing great.

[Jillybeans]

Went ahead to order Doctor's Best high absorption magnesium brand, and re-ordered Life Extension fish oil with EPA and DHA, found Evening Primrose Oil with coconut oil in it which I will try (I'm running low on the Nature Made brand), will come in the mail in a few days.

 

So far, going down on the Prozac, I still get some nervousness and not feeling hungry, the headaches went away though - that was some of the side effects while as I'm going down from 20mg to 10mg for 7 days. I also noticed Prozac can make you feel very tired all day.

 

This Thursday I will go down to 5 mg for 7 days then stop. Once the 5 mg starts, it's a question mark until then. I'm glad you mentioned digestive upset, this will give me the heads up and make sure I get ginger ale and maybe Pepto Bismal stuff, maybe crackers, etc before the withdrawal symptoms if happens.

 

[gail]

Hello JB,

I'm a bit lost here, I had a lot on my mind.

Can you tell me if you are completely off Cymbalta? And have you felt that Prozac helped you in the process? Thanks.

[Jillybeans]

Hi Gail,

 

I am off the Cymbalta since October. Went through discontinuation withdrawal side effects end of October and had tried Paxil for 3 days, couldn't tolerate it. Then was back on Cymbalta 30 mg for 3 days as I tried to tolerate it for a week before going onto 60 mg. It didn't tolerate it well, then I asked for Prozac.

 

I was doing the slow increasement at 5 mg for 3 days starting November 8th, then increase it to 10 mg for 3 days. Then 15 mg for 3 days then to 20 mg which I had made it to on November 17th while trying to tolerating it. Had tried to tolerate it for 6 days on 20mg, saw the nurse practioner on November 22nd, she had me to start weaning off the Prozac tablet 10 mg for 7 days then 5 mg for 7 days then stop. The Prozac made me nauseous, lack of appetite, headaches, made me too nervous - it was making the anxiety worse, heart palpitations, sleeping issues. I had to force my self to eat 3 meals a day.

 

I am on the last day to take 10 mg, tomorrow I go down to 5 mg for 7 days until December 6th. The nurse practioner thinks I am sensitive to the antidepressants and it's possible I might not be able to take them. I do have Klonopin if needed for the anxiety, there's that Benedryl, Mucinex D, Sudafed PE to try.

 

The only discontinuation withdrawal side effects left from after the Cymbalta now, is some tingly, burning, little bit of muscle weakness, little bit of ear ringing. It is possible it can also be side effects as I am going down on the mg on Prozac. The Prozac made me too nervous, lack of appetite, sweating, heart palpitations, trouble sleeping. I didn't want to keep using the Klonopin, only if it's really neccessary.

 

I do know once the Prozac is done December 6th, the withdrawal side effects might happen, Fishinghat mentioned significant digestion disturbance can happen. I will make sure I get gingerale, crackers, Pepto Bismal, etc. I do know the withdrawal side effects if happens from Prozac will eventually go away, while the rest of the discontinuation withdrawal symptoms will take time to go away in time.

 

I am taking the fish oil with EPA, DHA in it, Evening Primrose oil, just ordered Dr. Best brand chelated magnesium glycinate, and Megafoods Balanced B-Complex. Will add multi-vitamin later on in few months. Will be seeing the nurse practioner December 8th for follow up.

[gail]

Thanks JB for replying. Yes to ginger Ale and crackers. Since Prozac hasn't had time to kick in, I doubt that you will have withdrawal from that.

Sounds like you know what you're doing and with the help of our Fisherman, you are in good hands.

Keep posting, we are listening.