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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 8/26/2011 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
This is my first post.  I have been seeing an accupuncturist/herbalist for my anxiety.  I was on Celexa for 4 years and it worked well, but decided to come off of it because of side effects.  The accupuncture does seem to help but it is not covered by insurance and I cannot afford to go as regularly as I would like.  He has prescribed some Chinese herbs for me that he feels will help with my anxiety/panic.  However, it makes me anxious to think about taking them!  Has anyone had good luck with TCM/Chinese herbs?
Posted 8/27/2011 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
He SS and welcome. I am sorry that it took so long to respoand...I was waiting to see if someone with actual experience with TCM would chime in.

I have not tried them. I do use natural suppliments, but not Chinese herbs.

I would say that as long as your accupuncturist/herbalist is licensed and reputable, then can probably trust his recommendation...with two pre-cautionary measures.

One is to always check with your MD and pharmacist regarding drug interactions. Make sure and have a list of any medication that you take, so that it can be checked with the herbs for possible dangerous combinations. Remember natural does not always mean safe, especially in combination with other prescriptions.

The other is to proceed slowly, and if possible, one at a time. Just in case you have an allergic reation/side effect, this could reduce the severity, and make pinpointing the specific herb easier. Truthfully I've never heard of an allergic reation to TCM, but better safe than sorry!

I wish you the best of luck with this:) Will you consider posting back and letting us know how it works for you? Actually post anytime! We are a supportive group who enjoy meeting new members...we all share similar struggles, and are here to help eachother!

Take care,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/27/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
He SS and welcome. I am sorry that it took so long to respoand...I was waiting to see if someone with actual experience with TCM would chime in.

I have not tried them. I do use natural suppliments, but not Chinese herbs.

I would say that as long as your accupuncturist/herbalist is licensed and reputable, then can probably trust his recommendation...with two pre-cautionary measures.

One is to always check with your MD and pharmacist regarding drug interactions. Make sure and have a list of any medication that you take, so that it can be checked with the herbs for possible dangerous combinations. Remember natural does not always mean safe, especially in combination with other prescriptions.

The other is to proceed slowly, and if possible, one at a time. Just in case you have an allergic reation/side effect, this could reduce the severity, and make pinpointing the specific herb easier. Truthfully I've never heard of an allergic reation to TCM, but better safe than sorry!

I wish you the best of luck with this:) Will you consider posting back and letting us know how it works for you? Actually post anytime! We are a supportive group who enjoy meeting new members...we all share similar struggles, and are here to help eachother!

Take care,
Scaredy Cat

What are some of the natural supplements that you use? I have tried St. John's Wort and 5HTP with some mixed results. I heard good things about passion flower and ashwagandha though
Posted 8/27/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi clean and welcome! I have also tried St John's Wort...I am not sure how well that worked for me, as my issues are all anxiety related, not depressive.

Currently I am using L-Theanine with Gaba, fish oil, pro-biotics and a multi with B...nothing really fancy, just the basics with good nutrition and exercise to round out a healthy lifestyle.

I am sure that there are many other things to explore and try, just be careful as everyone reacts differently...I heard an awful account of someone who had liver damage from a one time, large dose of Kava Kava. I am sure that this person was predisposed to something of this nature...but still, it's good to be cautious!

I am glad that you have found us, and are enjoying posting:) Please consider starting your own thread of introduction if you feel comfortable doing so...we would like to get to know you better!

Take care, and post anytime,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/27/2011 10:03 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...

I am sure that there are many other things to explore and try, just be careful as everyone reacts differently...I heard an awful account of someone who had liver damage from a one time, large dose of Kava Kava. I am sure that this person was predisposed to something of this nature...but still, it's good to be cautious!

Yea that's why i would be really careful with any supplements. i wanna do research about all the interactions and possible side effects from webmd before i take anything
Posted 8/28/2011 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, I don't take meds either other than half a Valium occasionaly if I get really worked up.....I take fish oil, vitamin b, vitamin e, magnesium and malic acid and I take a supplement called relora which is for stress...of course I also do relaxation tapes and guided meditation to help with my anxiety..

I am also doing cbt with my therapist which is really helping..I think whatever can help and whatever your comfortable taking is good....I also try to eat healthy and do 30 mins of exercise a day.....I have also heard some scary stuff about kava kava so please research that one.....best wishes shannon
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