Philadelphia Nesties
kross605
member
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Supplements for Anxiety
Does anyone know anything (more than I might know from The Google) about taking St Johns Wort and/or 5 HTP? Ive been having some mild anxiety issues and the research Ive done has led me to believe that one or both of these supplements might be the way to go to even out my moods and reduce my stress and anxiety. They appear to be safe for breastfeeding (yeah!). Im a bit concerned about taking them together though so I might just stick with the 5 HTP because I actually know someone who has/is taken that with great results and no side effects.
Your Thoughts?
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Re: Supplements for Anxiety
I had anxiety for the better part of my teens and 20s. I would definitely talk to my doctor or have a chat with a counselor before self-diagnosing and taking an herbal supplement especially since you are breastfeeding. St. John's Wort interacts with many medications. I have never heard of 5 HTP.
A session or two with a counselor can provide relief, as they will provide you with tools to recognize anxiety, relaxation techniques, etc. Also, I suggest you grab a copy of The Anixety and Phobia Workbook. It is very much a resource where you'll focus on just a few sections that describe the emotions you are feeling.
Good luck! I hope you find some relief.
Please don't take these drugs together. I totes agree about self diagnosing and seeing your provider before starting either one of them separately as well.
I looked these up in my pharmacology book for you because we've been studying these drugs just in the last 2 weeks.
St. John's wort is primarily used for mild to mod depression, not anxiety. One of it's side effects is actually anxiety as well as insomnia, restlessness, agitation, irritability, gi discomfrot, fatigue, headache, dry mouth. This herb can possibly make your symptoms worse.
Like Erbur said St. John's wort it also has a ton of drug interactions with other rx drugs and supplements.
Finally, and most importantly, 5ht is serotonin. St. John's wort combined with 5ht and other drugs/herbs that enhance serotonin can cause something called serotonin syndrome which can be fatal. Serotonin syndrome can be rapid in onset and can kill you. 5ht should not be combined with drugs like antidepressants, MAOI inhibitors and many other drugs that are used to treat depression.
Just because we can get these things OTC doesn't mean that they are safe to be taken without being under the care of a physician or prescribing NP. These are potent drugs that can cause harm.
I'm sorry you're experiencing anxiety. I've had it many times and it can be debilitating. But the best route really is to talk to your docs and they can help try to find you find something that works with what you're experiencing and with breastfeeding.
Thanks for the verification. I read about serotonin syndrome which is why I was uneasy about taking them together, even though they are commonly recommended together (on the interwebs, not necessarily by MDs).
I know talking to my dr is the common advice as a first step, but I dont really trust that he'll have options for me that I support. I really wish I still saw my old family dr (Ive since moved) because she was a great mix of standard western medicine and homeopath/ naturopath (sp?) options which fits well with my own personal medical care philosophy. ugh.
I just need a chill pill. Like really, can someone make me one of those?!
I would say try to find a doctor or NP that you do trust.
I've gone to my OB/GYN/Midwife in the past when dealing with anx/dep issues. Often they're more attuned to it then PCP docs because they're used to dealing with PP depression and anxiety.
Listen, I get your philosophy but if you're seeking out meds and info on the internets, it's gotta be bad enough that you should be seen somewhere.
Perhaps you can call your old doc and see if she has any local colleagues or recommendations.
It sounds like you should find a new doctor. If you don't trust your doctor, you cannot have an honest dr-patient relationship. To find someone that offers the similar philosophies as your past doctor, you may want to look for a doctor that specializes in Functional Medicine.
Yes, thats good advice. Ive just been too lazy to switch dr's since I generally see mine once or twice a year for relentless cold symptoms!
I checked out your link and there is apparently ONE dr near me, so Ill see if that one is covered by my insurance. I switched to an HMO plan recently so changing my GP might be a total nightmare, but perhaps well worth the effort! Thanks!