Posted by bleauberry on November 24, 2009, at 17:48:58
In reply to Hypericum and more depression, posted by ralphrost2 on November 24, 2009, at 8:48:01
I have studied literally hundreds of posts in the archives of sjwinfo.org...a SJW forum. There are some distinct patterns and strategies that seem minor on the surface but work miracles over and over. Here they are:
1. Switch brands. Brands are as different from each other as SSRIs are different from each other. Common stories involve people trying 3 to 5 brands before finding the real good one. There is no way to predict whether that real good one will be a clinical quality one such as Kira, Perika, New Chapter; or whether it would be a cheap one like WalMart or RiteAid, or one of the quality brands on internet/health food stores. Personally I found Kira the more relaxing socializing one. But everyone is different. That is the key. To realize you are different, and not any single SJW brand is the same as another.
2. Experiment with dosing times. If you take it all in the morning, try it in the evening instead. And vica versa. If you spread it out through the day, try taking it all at once. Experimentation with dosing has made huge almost magical differences in a lot of people.
3. Lower the dose. I know that sounds strange. But it has been a common observation that when poopout happens or something just isn't right, lowering the dose works far more often than raising it. If somone for example is at 900mg per day and things are slipping, they should not go to 1200mg, but instead go to 750mg or 600mg, or switch brands.
Popular add-ons are custom sized very low doses of 5htp or tryptophan, tyrosine, and sometimes rhodiola rosea.
In popular books written by expert herbalist, they claim one of the best herbs to partner with SJW is Lemon Balm. It is said to be a synergistic combo where the sum is greater than the parts added. Lemon Balm by itself is a relaxing herb.
I would not abandon SJW for a pharmaceutical drug unless all of the above had been exhausted. is a personal choice that comes with a price. There is no more of a likelihood that a pharm drug will help more than SJW will. Equal odds. The pharm drugs almost for sure though will come with more side effects and unforeseen problems.
> Hi fellows,
>
> My experience with Hypericum has brought mixed results so far. I'm using it for 1.5 month, with good results for cognition and memory, as well as an improvement in the sense I feel more like myself. I was very flat before.
>
> But I'm more antisocial now (I avoid talking and when someone speaks to me I think "oh no, please don't"). It feels like I have to put much effort/energy to interact with anybody. Anxiety and depression are back.
>
> As I had some interesting improvement in areas I need for work I wouldn't like to quit this regimen right now. My doctor prescribed me Bupropion, but I'm hesitant to start such a powerful drug (I'm usually sensitive). Good sleeo is a problem lately.
>
> Should I try to augument my Hypericum + Fish oil regimen with 5HTP or something? What could be combined safely in order to get some antidepressant effect?
>
> Thank for any input
>
> Ralph
poster:bleauberry
thread:926800
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091117/msgs/926866.html