Posted by LOOPS on October 7, 2004, at 16:07:17
In reply to Re: 4 Weeks into SJW 2 Weeks Post Ceasing Effexor, posted by linkadge on October 4, 2004, at 10:34:34
I disagree -
well, in my experience anyway, I've combined sjw and 5htp with no adverse effects. In the past I've taken 900mg sjw and 250mg 5htp (spread throughout the day) and I've been fine. For some people (myself included), sjw DOES have an effect on norepinephrine/dopamine. I've gone through 2 cycles of taking sjw in the past two years, each lasting for around 3 months. What happens is the first couple of weeks I am 'wired' - have more motivation etc., then after this I kind of feel ok, as in not depressed, but not that motivated. After about 3 months the effects seem to have worn off totally and I have to look for something else or take a break.
I am currently restarting sjw after a two month break. The last two days have been feeling good again. I don't know why it works like this, but it seems my brain just 'gets used' to the herb and eventually goes back to its old ways again! I know people who swear by sjw and take it every day for years, so it doesn't wear off for everyone.
I also note that the first few weeks of taking it I am a bit 'spacey' and get drunk very easily on a beer or two.
It does tend to aggravate my acne btw - I think others have reported this as well.
Overall I would say if you have an anxious type of anxiety then sjw might help, but combining it with 5htp (once you've gotten used to the sjw effects) is better. However if you have a lethargic depression, and sjw makes this worse, you may need another 'stimulant'.
I have sorted out motivation problems using some nootropics, more the 'natural' ones like vinpocetine, which I now prefer over ginkgo (will say more about this in another thread).
SJW is very valuable IMO and I would always go back to it rather than go on an ssri etc.
Loops
poster:LOOPS
thread:395097
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040928/msgs/400068.html