Re: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD Treatment

August 24, 2010

I have just started using 5htp - I know other users of the group have been there before with little or temporary success.The website http://www.neuroassist.com that sent includes the following information that suggests a reason why success might be temporary. Gonna get myself some L-dopa.http://www.neuroassist.com/Neurotransmitter-Depletion.htm#table1140The serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are deeply intertwined. 5-HTP and tryptophan (the precursors of serotonin) deplete dopamine if not used in proper balance. Tyrosine and L-dopa (the precursors of dopamine) deplete serotonin if not used in proper balance. Using only 5-HTP depletes dopamine, when dopamine levels drop low enough the 5-HTP will not work at any level of dosing. Using only L-dopa depletes serotonin, when serotonin levels drop low enough the L-dopa will not work at any level of dosing. To: SSRIsex Sent: Mon, 23 August, 2010 21:53:01Subject: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD Treatment

I have been reading these posts for more than 2 weeks. I am thankful for these posts in that I now understand what I am going through but am frustrated in that I am only able to hear the lack of success everyone is finding in seeking relief from PSSD. Is it because no one is finding relief? Or, is it because once someone does, they are no longer interested in sitting around reading these boards? I choose to believe the latter.

Here's my story in a nutshell--25 years condensed down. At 19 while studying abroad, I got severe anxiety attacks resulting in 24/7 full-blown OCD. I was unfunctional. Over the course of ~20 years I did every kind of therapy, tried Xanax, TriCyclics, etc. which just partial relief. ~15 years ago I went on Prozac. At very high doses of 80mg+ my symptoms were kept at bay to help me function and go on with my life. Several times I tried stopping taking meds but within 6 weeks I would crash & burn. SSRI's were my only salvation at the time. Although I didn't feel perfect, things were much better on them than off. I still had a libido and would say I functioned at ~80% of capacity in that area of my life. I still felt passion, motivation, etc.

Although more than 20 years had passed since the start of my anxiety issues I had never given up on the fact that I was determined to one day beat anxiety. Most people don't but I knew that there were some people out there that did and I was hell bent on finding out what they did to make it happen. I spent countless hours doing research and sought out any and all possible avenues. 2- 1/2 years ago I went to Pfeiffer Treatment Center and had some 27+ tests done to look for vitamin, mineral & amino acid imbalances in my system. They have had some success with anxiety, depression, etc. with natural treatments. They did find imbalances but also found my liver enzymes were 6x higher than they should have been. After Dr. visits, liver biopsies, autoimmune tests, etc. I was told I had to come off the Prozac since that seemed to be the only remaining cause. I was terrified. I began taking my prescribed natural supplements and tapered off all the

Prozac over the course of ~4 mos. Within 6 mos my liver enzymes returned to normal. I didn't crash & burn, I still had anxiety symptoms but no worse than I did on the medicine, but something new came up... No libido, no physical sensations (down there), no motivation, no passion, I stopped feeling the ability to love... It was Oct. 08 and it didn't make sense.

I first met with my OBGYN. She told me it was "normal" for my age. (43) Really? In the summer '09 I sought out a bioidentical hormone specialist and had a complete hormone profile done. Low everthing! Low Testosterone, DHEA, Progesterone, T3 Thyroid, TSH. I spent months using bioidentical hormones to balance things and although I felt some health improvements I felt NO improvements in the Sex & motivation department.

Now, for OCD Recovery... Yes, it is possible, yes I did find it. No drugs, permanent!!! Just 2 mos. shy of 25 years since the start of my Anxiety Disorder I stumbled upon a man from England that recovered and has now dedicated himself and his livelihood to making others recover with a 98% success rate. I know this board isn't about anxiety however I know that a great number of posters have PSSD due to taking SSRIs due to anxiety and since they discontinued them they not only have to contend with PSSD but also the return of the symptoms. For those of you out there, please check this link out. (http://www.lindenmethod.com/) I have not received a single penny of proceeds from this. I only get the satisfaction of knowing I may have help someone else out. It cost me roughly $100 to get a copy of "The Linden Method" and 1 full year of phone support. I am a living testimony to

the system and have no need for any kind of SSRIs, benzodiazepines, etc! Best of all, I know that if I don't give up, I will also lick this PSSD.

My PSSD recovery story now continues. After 9 mos. of balancing my hormones without relief of PSSD symptoms my hormone Dr. suggested I get my neurotransmitters tested. For the sake of condensing things I began working with someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and he explained that I had classic symptoms of low dopamine. Dopamine is the regulator of libido, sexual function, pleasure, motiviation, etc. Plus, it also regulates hormonal balance. Low dopamine triggers low hormones and high prolactin levels. (Other causes of symtoms of PSSD) He explained that neurotransmitters are very complex and whenever you mess with a single neurotransmitter (i.e. SSRIs mess with only Serotonin) you run the risk of messing up the others. After beginning a baseline supplementation and then being tested it was confirmed my dopamine was low. 10 days ago I started a balanced (key word here) regimen of amino acid therapy (all natural, no drugs!) that feed

all my neurotransmitters and also address my deficiency. I am feeling some small bits of life and pleasure returning and I am sleeping better. I will be taking another test next week to further tweak it. He explained that unless you know what you are doing with neurotransmitter supplementation you could make things worse or you could give up too soon since proper balance is a process and one size does not fit all. Also, once you reach the proper balance, which is often a very slight threshold, the effects can be very rapid and very profound. I am extremely encouraged by this. I have read a few people on these boards who have tried some OTC supplements without much success however I'm not aware of anyone who has done so with a knowledgeable practitioner. I have had these products and procedures reviewed by both my hormone MD as well as Pfeiffer Treatment Center, which is a world renowned organization. If anyone is interested in reading more

about some scientific based neurotransmitter testing and professional grade supplements supported by the Univ. of Minnesota I encourage you to take a look at the following website. http://www.neuroassist.com

I will report back over the course of the next several weeks on my progress. God bless everyone and don't give up hope!

August 24, 2010

I'm very interested in hearing how this works out. I didn't even know there was

such a thing as neurotransmitter therapy. I really hope that you find some

balance that works. I tell everybody on here that when I was on Wellbutrin

(dopamine reuptake inhibitor) I felt like a sex god. It made my orgasms more

powerful then when I was healthy but I fear that taking it for too long fucks up

your serotonin levels and it looses its effect after continuous use. Also not to

mention it makes you extremely sensitive to seizure, I almost had one simply

watching tv.

I regret to add, however, that I feel most people on here would report back if

they got better. I'm beginning to realize that it doesn't happen, or at least

not very often. I'm not trying to be negative, I simply want people to consider

that when they think of their recovery plans. A natural recovery will be a

looooooooooong process.

>

> I have just started using 5htp - I know other users of the group have been

there

> before with little or temporary success.

> The website http://www.neuroassist.com that sent includes the following

> information that suggests a reason why success might be temporary. Gonna get

> myself some L-dopa.

>

> http://www.neuroassist.com/Neurotransmitter-Depletion.htm#table1140

>

> The serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are deeply

> intertwined. 5-HTP and tryptophan (the precursors of serotonin)

> deplete dopamine if not used in proper balance. Tyrosine and L-dopa

(the

> precursors of dopamine) deplete serotonin if not used in proper

> balance. Using only 5-HTP depletes dopamine, when dopamine levels

> drop low enough the 5-HTP will not work at any level of dosing. Using

> only L-dopa depletes serotonin, when serotonin levels drop low enough

the

> L-dopa will not work at any level of dosing.

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: SSRIsex

> Sent: Mon, 23 August, 2010 21:53:01

> Subject: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD

> Treatment

>

> I have been reading these posts for more than 2 weeks. I am thankful for

these

> posts in that I now understand what I am going through but am frustrated in

that

> I am only able to hear the lack of success everyone is finding in seeking

relief

> from PSSD. Is it because no one is finding relief? Or, is it because once

> someone does, they are no longer interested in sitting around reading these

> boards? I choose to believe the latter.

>

> Here's my story in a nutshell--25 years condensed down. At 19 while studying

> abroad, I got severe anxiety attacks resulting in 24/7 full-blown OCD. I was

> unfunctional. Over the course of ~20 years I did every kind of therapy, tried

> Xanax, TriCyclics, etc. which just partial relief. ~15 years ago I went on

> Prozac. At very high doses of 80mg+ my symptoms were kept at bay to help me

> function and go on with my life. Several times I tried stopping taking meds

but

> within 6 weeks I would crash & burn. SSRI's were my only salvation at the

time.

> Although I didn't feel perfect, things were much better on them than off. I

> still had a libido and would say I functioned at ~80% of capacity in that area

> of my life. I still felt passion, motivation, etc.

>

> Although more than 20 years had passed since the start of my anxiety issues I

> had never given up on the fact that I was determined to one day beat anxiety.

> Most people don't but I knew that there were some people out there that did

and

> I was hell bent on finding out what they did to make it happen. I spent

> countless hours doing research and sought out any and all possible avenues.

2-

> 1/2 years ago I went to Pfeiffer Treatment Center and had some 27+ tests done

to

> look for vitamin, mineral & amino acid imbalances in my system. They have had

> some success with anxiety, depression, etc. with natural treatments. They did

> find imbalances but also found my liver enzymes were 6x higher than they

should

> have been. After Dr. visits, liver biopsies, autoimmune tests, etc. I was

told

> I had to come off the Prozac since that seemed to be the only remaining cause.

> I was terrified. I began taking my prescribed natural supplements and tapered

> off all the Prozac over the course of ~4 mos. Within 6 mos my liver enzymes

> returned to normal. I didn't crash & burn, I still had anxiety symptoms but

no

> worse than I did on the medicine, but something new came up... No libido, no

> physical sensations (down there), no motivation, no passion, I stopped feeling

> the ability to love... It was Oct. 08 and it didn't make sense.

>

> I first met with my OBGYN. She told me it was " normal " for my age. (43)

> Really? In the summer '09 I sought out a bioidentical hormone specialist and

> had a complete hormone profile done. Low everthing! Low Testosterone, DHEA,

> Progesterone, T3 Thyroid, TSH. I spent months using bioidentical hormones to

> balance things and although I felt some health improvements I felt NO

> improvements in the Sex & motivation department.

>

> Now, for OCD Recovery... Yes, it is possible, yes I did find it. No drugs,

> permanent!!! Just 2 mos. shy of 25 years since the start of my Anxiety

Disorder

> I stumbled upon a man from England that recovered and has now dedicated

himself

> and his livelihood to making others recover with a 98% success rate. I know

> this board isn't about anxiety however I know that a great number of posters

> have PSSD due to taking SSRIs due to anxiety and since they discontinued them

> they not only have to contend with PSSD but also the return of the symptoms.

> For those of you out there, please check this link out.

> (http://www.lindenmethod.com/) I have not received a single penny of

proceeds

> from this. I only get the satisfaction of knowing I may have help someone

else

> out. It cost me roughly $100 to get a copy of " The Linden Method " and 1 full

> year of phone support. I am a living testimony to the system and have no need

> for any kind of SSRIs, benzodiazepines, etc! Best of all, I know that if I

> don't give up, I will also lick this PSSD.

>

> My PSSD recovery story now continues. After 9 mos. of balancing my hormones

> without relief of PSSD symptoms my hormone Dr. suggested I get my

> neurotransmitters tested. For the sake of condensing things I began working

> with someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and he explained that I

> had classic symptoms of low dopamine. Dopamine is the regulator of libido,

> sexual function, pleasure, motiviation, etc. Plus, it also regulates hormonal

> balance. Low dopamine triggers low hormones and high prolactin levels.

(Other

> causes of symtoms of PSSD) He explained that neurotransmitters are very

complex

> and whenever you mess with a single neurotransmitter (i.e. SSRIs mess with

only

> Serotonin) you run the risk of messing up the others. After beginning a

> baseline supplementation and then being tested it was confirmed my dopamine

was

> low. 10 days ago I started a balanced (key word here) regimen of amino acid

> therapy (all natural, no drugs!) that feed all my neurotransmitters and also

> address my deficiency. I am feeling some small bits of life and pleasure

> returning and I am sleeping better. I will be taking another test next week

to

> further tweak it. He explained that unless you know what you are doing with

> neurotransmitter supplementation you could make things worse or you could give

> up too soon since proper balance is a process and one size does not fit all.

> Also, once you reach the proper balance, which is often a very slight

threshold,

> the effects can be very rapid and very profound. I am extremely encouraged by

> this. I have read a few people on these boards who have tried some OTC

> supplements without much success however I'm not aware of anyone who has done

> so with a knowledgeable practitioner. I have had these products and

procedures

> reviewed by both my hormone MD as well as Pfeiffer Treatment Center, which is

a

> world renowned organization. If anyone is interested in reading more about

some

> scientific based neurotransmitter testing and professional grade supplements

> supported by the Univ. of Minnesota I encourage you to take a look at the

> following website. http://www.neuroassist.com

>

> I will report back over the course of the next several weeks on my progress.

> God bless everyone and don't give up hope!

>

August 24, 2010

HP, Glad you looked at the site. The key there is to make sure you balance ALL

the neurotransmitters. Treat only one and you deplete the others which in the

end messes them all up. The other the site stresses is to make sure you work

with the direction of someone knowledgable in balancing neurotransmitters using

precursers. If not done so properly (meaning simply not having the right mix

and strength) might be the difference between success and failure. I encourage

you to read more in depth on that site. There is a wealth of knowledge on the

subject which also shows just how complex it is. Makes it pretty clear why

people treating themselves with simple over the counter supplements often fail

even though the concept is correct.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

>

> I have just started using 5htp - I know other users of the group have been

there

> before with little or temporary success.

> The website http://www.neuroassist.com that sent includes the following

> information that suggests a reason why success might be temporary. Gonna get

> myself some L-dopa.

>

> http://www.neuroassist.com/Neurotransmitter-Depletion.htm#table1140

>

> The serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are deeply

> intertwined. 5-HTP and tryptophan (the precursors of serotonin)

> deplete dopamine if not used in proper balance. Tyrosine and L-dopa

(the

> precursors of dopamine) deplete serotonin if not used in proper

> balance. Using only 5-HTP depletes dopamine, when dopamine levels

> drop low enough the 5-HTP will not work at any level of dosing. Using

> only L-dopa depletes serotonin, when serotonin levels drop low enough

the

> L-dopa will not work at any level of dosing.

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: SSRIsex

> Sent: Mon, 23 August, 2010 21:53:01

> Subject: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD

> Treatment

>

> I have been reading these posts for more than 2 weeks. I am thankful for

these

> posts in that I now understand what I am going through but am frustrated in

that

> I am only able to hear the lack of success everyone is finding in seeking

relief

> from PSSD. Is it because no one is finding relief? Or, is it because once

> someone does, they are no longer interested in sitting around reading these

> boards? I choose to believe the latter.

>

> Here's my story in a nutshell--25 years condensed down. At 19 while studying

> abroad, I got severe anxiety attacks resulting in 24/7 full-blown OCD. I was

> unfunctional. Over the course of ~20 years I did every kind of therapy, tried

> Xanax, TriCyclics, etc. which just partial relief. ~15 years ago I went on

> Prozac. At very high doses of 80mg+ my symptoms were kept at bay to help me

> function and go on with my life. Several times I tried stopping taking meds

but

> within 6 weeks I would crash & burn. SSRI's were my only salvation at the

time.

> Although I didn't feel perfect, things were much better on them than off. I

> still had a libido and would say I functioned at ~80% of capacity in that area

> of my life. I still felt passion, motivation, etc.

>

> Although more than 20 years had passed since the start of my anxiety issues I

> had never given up on the fact that I was determined to one day beat anxiety.

> Most people don't but I knew that there were some people out there that did

and

> I was hell bent on finding out what they did to make it happen. I spent

> countless hours doing research and sought out any and all possible avenues.

2-

> 1/2 years ago I went to Pfeiffer Treatment Center and had some 27+ tests done

to

> look for vitamin, mineral & amino acid imbalances in my system. They have had

> some success with anxiety, depression, etc. with natural treatments. They did

> find imbalances but also found my liver enzymes were 6x higher than they

should

> have been. After Dr. visits, liver biopsies, autoimmune tests, etc. I was

told

> I had to come off the Prozac since that seemed to be the only remaining cause.

> I was terrified. I began taking my prescribed natural supplements and tapered

> off all the Prozac over the course of ~4 mos. Within 6 mos my liver enzymes

> returned to normal. I didn't crash & burn, I still had anxiety symptoms but

no

> worse than I did on the medicine, but something new came up... No libido, no

> physical sensations (down there), no motivation, no passion, I stopped feeling

> the ability to love... It was Oct. 08 and it didn't make sense.

>

> I first met with my OBGYN. She told me it was " normal " for my age. (43)

> Really? In the summer '09 I sought out a bioidentical hormone specialist and

> had a complete hormone profile done. Low everthing! Low Testosterone, DHEA,

> Progesterone, T3 Thyroid, TSH. I spent months using bioidentical hormones to

> balance things and although I felt some health improvements I felt NO

> improvements in the Sex & motivation department.

>

> Now, for OCD Recovery... Yes, it is possible, yes I did find it. No drugs,

> permanent!!! Just 2 mos. shy of 25 years since the start of my Anxiety

Disorder

> I stumbled upon a man from England that recovered and has now dedicated

himself

> and his livelihood to making others recover with a 98% success rate. I know

> this board isn't about anxiety however I know that a great number of posters

> have PSSD due to taking SSRIs due to anxiety and since they discontinued them

> they not only have to contend with PSSD but also the return of the symptoms.

> For those of you out there, please check this link out.

> (http://www.lindenmethod.com/) I have not received a single penny of

proceeds

> from this. I only get the satisfaction of knowing I may have help someone

else

> out. It cost me roughly $100 to get a copy of " The Linden Method " and 1 full

> year of phone support. I am a living testimony to the system and have no need

> for any kind of SSRIs, benzodiazepines, etc! Best of all, I know that if I

> don't give up, I will also lick this PSSD.

>

> My PSSD recovery story now continues. After 9 mos. of balancing my hormones

> without relief of PSSD symptoms my hormone Dr. suggested I get my

> neurotransmitters tested. For the sake of condensing things I began working

> with someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and he explained that I

> had classic symptoms of low dopamine. Dopamine is the regulator of libido,

> sexual function, pleasure, motiviation, etc. Plus, it also regulates hormonal

> balance. Low dopamine triggers low hormones and high prolactin levels.

(Other

> causes of symtoms of PSSD) He explained that neurotransmitters are very

complex

> and whenever you mess with a single neurotransmitter (i.e. SSRIs mess with

only

> Serotonin) you run the risk of messing up the others. After beginning a

> baseline supplementation and then being tested it was confirmed my dopamine

was

> low. 10 days ago I started a balanced (key word here) regimen of amino acid

> therapy (all natural, no drugs!) that feed all my neurotransmitters and also

> address my deficiency. I am feeling some small bits of life and pleasure

> returning and I am sleeping better. I will be taking another test next week

to

> further tweak it. He explained that unless you know what you are doing with

> neurotransmitter supplementation you could make things worse or you could give

> up too soon since proper balance is a process and one size does not fit all.

> Also, once you reach the proper balance, which is often a very slight

threshold,

> the effects can be very rapid and very profound. I am extremely encouraged by

> this. I have read a few people on these boards who have tried some OTC

> supplements without much success however I'm not aware of anyone who has done

> so with a knowledgeable practitioner. I have had these products and

procedures

> reviewed by both my hormone MD as well as Pfeiffer Treatment Center, which is

a

> world renowned organization. If anyone is interested in reading more about

some

> scientific based neurotransmitter testing and professional grade supplements

> supported by the Univ. of Minnesota I encourage you to take a look at the

> following website. http://www.neuroassist.com

>

> I will report back over the course of the next several weeks on my progress.

> God bless everyone and don't give up hope!

>

August 24, 2010

Has anyone on here tried neurotransmitter therapy? I'm not so sure it would be a long process. I had a sex drive that was thru the roof. I had it one day and it disappeared overnight. I think it could come back just as quick as it disappeared. I got back on lexapro to see if it would come back cause it disappeared after I quit taking the drug cold turkey, it came back and I was horny out of control for about 15 minutes then it disappeared again and never returned. I have an appt with a neurotransmitter therapist on the 3. We will see how helpfull they can be. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerrySender: SSRIsex Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:13:50 -0000To: <SSRIsex >ReplyTo: SSRIsex Subject: Re: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD Treatment HP, Glad you looked at the site. The key there is to make sure you balance ALL the neurotransmitters. Treat only one and you deplete the others which in the end messes them all up. The other the site stresses is to make sure you work with the direction of someone knowledgable in balancing neurotransmitters using precursers. If not done so properly (meaning simply not having the right mix and strength) might be the difference between success and failure. I encourage you to read more in depth on that site. There is a wealth of knowledge on the subject which also shows just how complex it is. Makes it pretty clear why people treating themselves with simple over the counter supplements often fail even though the concept is correct.Good luck and let us know how you do.>> I have just started using 5htp - I know other users of the group have been there > before with little or temporary success.> The website http://www.neuroassist.com that sent includes the following > information that suggests a reason why success might be temporary. Gonna get > myself some L-dopa.> > http://www.neuroassist.com/Neurotransmitter-Depletion.htm#table1140> > The serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are deeply > intertwined. 5-HTP and tryptophan (the precursors of serotonin) > deplete dopamine if not used in proper balance. Tyrosine and L-dopa (the > precursors of dopamine) deplete serotonin if not used in proper > balance. Using only 5-HTP depletes dopamine, when dopamine levels > drop low enough the 5-HTP will not work at any level of dosing. Using > only L-dopa depletes serotonin, when serotonin levels drop low enough the > L-dopa will not work at any level of dosing. > > > > > > > ________________________________> > To: SSRIsex > Sent: Mon, 23 August, 2010 21:53:01> Subject: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD > Treatment> > > I have been reading these posts for more than 2 weeks. I am thankful for these > posts in that I now understand what I am going through but am frustrated in that > I am only able to hear the lack of success everyone is finding in seeking relief > from PSSD. Is it because no one is finding relief? Or, is it because once > someone does, they are no longer interested in sitting around reading these > boards? I choose to believe the latter.> > Here's my story in a nutshell--25 years condensed down. At 19 while studying > abroad, I got severe anxiety attacks resulting in 24/7 full-blown OCD. I was > unfunctional. Over the course of ~20 years I did every kind of therapy, tried > Xanax, TriCyclics, etc. which just partial relief. ~15 years ago I went on > Prozac. At very high doses of 80mg+ my symptoms were kept at bay to help me > function and go on with my life. Several times I tried stopping taking meds but > within 6 weeks I would crash & burn. SSRI's were my only salvation at the time. > Although I didn't feel perfect, things were much better on them than off. I > still had a libido and would say I functioned at ~80% of capacity in that area > of my life. I still felt passion, motivation, etc.> > Although more than 20 years had passed since the start of my anxiety issues I > had never given up on the fact that I was determined to one day beat anxiety. > Most people don't but I knew that there were some people out there that did and > I was hell bent on finding out what they did to make it happen. I spent > countless hours doing research and sought out any and all possible avenues. 2- > 1/2 years ago I went to Pfeiffer Treatment Center and had some 27+ tests done to > look for vitamin, mineral & amino acid imbalances in my system. They have had > some success with anxiety, depression, etc. with natural treatments. They did > find imbalances but also found my liver enzymes were 6x higher than they should > have been. After Dr. visits, liver biopsies, autoimmune tests, etc. I was told > I had to come off the Prozac since that seemed to be the only remaining cause. > I was terrified. I began taking my prescribed natural supplements and tapered > off all the Prozac over the course of ~4 mos. Within 6 mos my liver enzymes > returned to normal. I didn't crash & burn, I still had anxiety symptoms but no > worse than I did on the medicine, but something new came up... No libido, no > physical sensations (down there), no motivation, no passion, I stopped feeling > the ability to love... It was Oct. 08 and it didn't make sense.> > I first met with my OBGYN. She told me it was " normal " for my age. (43) > Really? In the summer '09 I sought out a bioidentical hormone specialist and > had a complete hormone profile done. Low everthing! Low Testosterone, DHEA, > Progesterone, T3 Thyroid, TSH. I spent months using bioidentical hormones to > balance things and although I felt some health improvements I felt NO > improvements in the Sex & motivation department.> > Now, for OCD Recovery... Yes, it is possible, yes I did find it. No drugs, > permanent!!! Just 2 mos. shy of 25 years since the start of my Anxiety Disorder > I stumbled upon a man from England that recovered and has now dedicated himself > and his livelihood to making others recover with a 98% success rate. I know > this board isn't about anxiety however I know that a great number of posters > have PSSD due to taking SSRIs due to anxiety and since they discontinued them > they not only have to contend with PSSD but also the return of the symptoms. > For those of you out there, please check this link out. > (http://www.lindenmethod.com/) I have not received a single penny of proceeds > from this. I only get the satisfaction of knowing I may have help someone else > out. It cost me roughly $100 to get a copy of " The Linden Method " and 1 full > year of phone support. I am a living testimony to the system and have no need > for any kind of SSRIs, benzodiazepines, etc! Best of all, I know that if I > don't give up, I will also lick this PSSD.> > My PSSD recovery story now continues. After 9 mos. of balancing my hormones > without relief of PSSD symptoms my hormone Dr. suggested I get my > neurotransmitters tested. For the sake of condensing things I began working > with someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and he explained that I > had classic symptoms of low dopamine. Dopamine is the regulator of libido, > sexual function, pleasure, motiviation, etc. Plus, it also regulates hormonal > balance. Low dopamine triggers low hormones and high prolactin levels. (Other > causes of symtoms of PSSD) He explained that neurotransmitters are very complex > and whenever you mess with a single neurotransmitter (i.e. SSRIs mess with only > Serotonin) you run the risk of messing up the others. After beginning a > baseline supplementation and then being tested it was confirmed my dopamine was > low. 10 days ago I started a balanced (key word here) regimen of amino acid > therapy (all natural, no drugs!) that feed all my neurotransmitters and also > address my deficiency. I am feeling some small bits of life and pleasure > returning and I am sleeping better. I will be taking another test next week to > further tweak it. He explained that unless you know what you are doing with > neurotransmitter supplementation you could make things worse or you could give > up too soon since proper balance is a process and one size does not fit all. > Also, once you reach the proper balance, which is often a very slight threshold, > the effects can be very rapid and very profound. I am extremely encouraged by > this. I have read a few people on these boards who have tried some OTC > supplements without much success however I'm not aware of anyone who has done > so with a knowledgeable practitioner. I have had these products and procedures > reviewed by both my hormone MD as well as Pfeiffer Treatment Center, which is a > world renowned organization. If anyone is interested in reading more about some > scientific based neurotransmitter testing and professional grade supplements > supported by the Univ. of Minnesota I encourage you to take a look at the > following website. http://www.neuroassist.com> > I will report back over the course of the next several weeks on my progress. > God bless everyone and don't give up hope!> > >

August 26, 2010

has anyone on here tried neurotransmitter therapy?

August 26, 2010

Based on all the digging I did through the posts, I can only find myself and one

other person who will be beginnning Sept. 3rd who are pursuing full-blown

neurotransmitter therapy (vs. just trying a few supplements). I'd love to hear

if there is anyone else out there. It is still too early in my treatment to

comment on its effectiveness. I will, however, keep everyone posted.

>

> has anyone on here tried neurotransmitter therapy?

>

August 26, 2010

I hate to take the focus off the current scrapping on this board... However has

anyone tried neurotransmitter therapy or had their neurotransmitter levels

checked? The only trend I have seen from people that have recovered is that they

were taking 5htp, which is a supplement that is a building block for serotonin.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Perhaps neurons in our minds that's

produce the nerotransmitter serotonin were damaged by ssri's and can no longer

produce enough on their own. I only had problems after quiting lexapro. I was on

it for 1 year. 4 years after having full on PSSD I Got back on Lexapro to see if

it would reverse my symptoms, it did 100% for about 20 minutes. Then I was back

to pssd. Did my brain have just enough serotonin to function normally with the

ssri for a short time? Maybe. If I can rebuild the serotonin supply would I

function normally? Possibly. IM tired of hearing sob stories I want solutions. I

know your struggling we all are. This board makes me more depressed when I read

it. Let's find solutions people.

August 26, 2010

That other person is me did u already have your levels checked if so were they off? when I took lexapro all my emotions and sex drive came back for a short time so I know this is curable. We just have to find the answer. My good friend is a medical student (she's gonna be a brain doctor) so she is askin her professors and docs that teach her classes for advice. I'm damn near positive this is a neurotransmitter issue. Its not at least In my case low testosterone. I'm 275lbs natural body builder. This is simply a communication problem in the brain. I believe we are on to something and I for the first time feel optimistic about this. On the bright side if we get cured I'm sure we will live each day to the fullest. I got pssd when I was 21 and I'm now 26, that's too long and I'm too young to have the sexual probs that I do, that we all do. I use to be horny all the time. I Got a good job and ill spend every dollar I make on finding a way to cure me. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerrySender: SSRIsex Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2010 03:35:03 -0000To: <SSRIsex >ReplyTo: SSRIsex Subject: Re: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD Treatment Based on all the digging I did through the posts, I can only find myself and one other person who will be beginnning Sept. 3rd who are pursuing full-blown neurotransmitter therapy (vs. just trying a few supplements). I'd love to hear if there is anyone else out there. It is still too early in my treatment to comment on its effectiveness. I will, however, keep everyone posted.>> has anyone on here tried neurotransmitter therapy?>

August 27, 2010

Wellbutrin can cause nasty panic attacks in those prone to anxiety as it boosts norepinephrine. It does not increase dopamine, according to Dr no (marianco). 1000mg two or three times daily of L-Tyrosine can mildly increase norepinephrine.

"Ah, the mysteries of Wellbutrin.Wellbutrin raises norepinephrine but does not raise dopamine in humans. Wellbutrin raises norepinephrine and dopamine in rats. This was erroneously used in psychiatric textbooks to apply to humans. It does not. If Wellbutrin raises dopamine, it would be useful, for example, in treating low dopamine conditions such as Parkinson's disease or extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotic medications. It is not useful. I reviewed the literature. Everything points to purely a norepinephrine increase as the mechanism of action of Wellbutrin. Some postulate that this is due to Wellbutrin acting primarily as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. I am not sure of this. It is a very weak norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It does not fully explain why it is so potent as an antidepressant. After all these years (20 years since Wellbutrin was first released), we do not have a full description of Wellbutrin's mechanisms of action. Since it is now generic, that research may never be done. "

http://forum.mesomorphosis.com/mens-health-forum/acetylcholine-and-libido-134239817.html

> >> > I have just started using 5htp - I know other users of the group have been there > > before with little or temporary success.> > The website http://www.neuroassist.com that sent includes the following > > information that suggests a reason why success might be temporary. Gonna get > > myself some L-dopa.> > > > http://www.neuroassist.com/Neurotransmitter-Depletion.htm#table1140> > > > The serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are deeply > > intertwined. 5-HTP and tryptophan (the precursors of serotonin) > > deplete dopamine if not used in proper balance. Tyrosine and L-dopa (the > > precursors of dopamine) deplete serotonin if not used in proper > > balance. Using only 5-HTP depletes dopamine, when dopamine levels > > drop low enough the 5-HTP will not work at any level of dosing. Using > > only L-dopa depletes serotonin, when serotonin levels drop low enough the > > L-dopa will not work at any level of dosing. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________> > From: H dhaller@> > To: SSRIsex > > Sent: Mon, 23 August, 2010 21:53:01> > Subject: Recovered from Anxiety Disorder! - Encouraged by PSSD > > Treatment> > > > > > I have been reading these posts for more than 2 weeks. I am thankful for these > > posts in that I now understand what I am going through but am frustrated in that > > I am only able to hear the lack of success everyone is finding in seeking relief > > from PSSD. Is it because no one is finding relief? Or, is it because once > > someone does, they are no longer interested in sitting around reading these > > boards? I choose to believe the latter.> > > > Here's my story in a nutshell--25 years condensed down. At 19 while studying > > abroad, I got severe anxiety attacks resulting in 24/7 full-blown OCD. I was > > unfunctional. Over the course of ~20 years I did every kind of therapy, tried > > Xanax, TriCyclics, etc. which just partial relief. ~15 years ago I went on > > Prozac. At very high doses of 80mg+ my symptoms were kept at bay to help me > > function and go on with my life. Several times I tried stopping taking meds but > > within 6 weeks I would crash & burn. SSRI's were my only salvation at the time. > > Although I didn't feel perfect, things were much better on them than off. I > > still had a libido and would say I functioned at ~80% of capacity in that area > > of my life. I still felt passion, motivation, etc.> > > > Although more than 20 years had passed since the start of my anxiety issues I > > had never given up on the fact that I was determined to one day beat anxiety. > > Most people don't but I knew that there were some people out there that did and > > I was hell bent on finding out what they did to make it happen. I spent > > countless hours doing research and sought out any and all possible avenues. 2- > > 1/2 years ago I went to Pfeiffer Treatment Center and had some 27+ tests done to > > look for vitamin, mineral & amino acid imbalances in my system. They have had > > some success with anxiety, depression, etc. with natural treatments. They did > > find imbalances but also found my liver enzymes were 6x higher than they should > > have been. After Dr. visits, liver biopsies, autoimmune tests, etc. I was told > > I had to come off the Prozac since that seemed to be the only remaining cause. > > I was terrified. I began taking my prescribed natural supplements and tapered > > off all the Prozac over the course of ~4 mos. Within 6 mos my liver enzymes > > returned to normal. I didn't crash & burn, I still had anxiety symptoms but no > > worse than I did on the medicine, but something new came up... No libido, no > > physical sensations (down there), no motivation, no passion, I stopped feeling > > the ability to love... It was Oct. 08 and it didn't make sense.> > > > I first met with my OBGYN. She told me it was "normal" for my age. (43) > > Really? In the summer '09 I sought out a bioidentical hormone specialist and > > had a complete hormone profile done. Low everthing! Low Testosterone, DHEA, > > Progesterone, T3 Thyroid, TSH. I spent months using bioidentical hormones to > > balance things and although I felt some health improvements I felt NO > > improvements in the Sex & motivation department.> > > > Now, for OCD Recovery... Yes, it is possible, yes I did find it. No drugs, > > permanent!!! Just 2 mos. shy of 25 years since the start of my Anxiety Disorder > > I stumbled upon a man from England that recovered and has now dedicated himself > > and his livelihood to making others recover with a 98% success rate. I know > > this board isn't about anxiety however I know that a great number of posters > > have PSSD due to taking SSRIs due to anxiety and since they discontinued them > > they not only have to contend with PSSD but also the return of the symptoms. > > For those of you out there, please check this link out. > > (http://www.lindenmethod.com/) I have not received a single penny of proceeds > > from this. I only get the satisfaction of knowing I may have help someone else > > out. It cost me roughly $100 to get a copy of "The Linden Method" and 1 full > > year of phone support. I am a living testimony to the system and have no need > > for any kind of SSRIs, benzodiazepines, etc! Best of all, I know that if I > > don't give up, I will also lick this PSSD.> > > > My PSSD recovery story now continues. After 9 mos. of balancing my hormones > > without relief of PSSD symptoms my hormone Dr. suggested I get my > > neurotransmitters tested. For the sake of condensing things I began working > > with someone who is very knowledgeable on the subject and he explained that I > > had classic symptoms of low dopamine. Dopamine is the regulator of libido, > > sexual function, pleasure, motiviation, etc. Plus, it also regulates hormonal > > balance. Low dopamine triggers low hormones and high prolactin levels. (Other > > causes of symtoms of PSSD) He explained that neurotransmitters are very complex > > and whenever you mess with a single neurotransmitter (i.e. SSRIs mess with only > > Serotonin) you run the risk of messing up the others. After beginning a > > baseline supplementation and then being tested it was confirmed my dopamine was > > low. 10 days ago I started a balanced (key word here) regimen of amino acid > > therapy (all natural, no drugs!) that feed all my neurotransmitters and also > > address my deficiency. I am feeling some small bits of life and pleasure > > returning and I am sleeping better. I will be taking another test next week to > > further tweak it. He explained that unless you know what you are doing with > > neurotransmitter supplementation you could make things worse or you could give > > up too soon since proper balance is a process and one size does not fit all. > > Also, once you reach the proper balance, which is often a very slight threshold, > > the effects can be very rapid and very profound. I am extremely encouraged by > > this. I have read a few people on these boards who have tried some OTC > > supplements without much success however I'm not aware of anyone who has done > > so with a knowledgeable practitioner. I have had these products and procedures > > reviewed by both my hormone MD as well as Pfeiffer Treatment Center, which is a > > world renowned organization. If anyone is interested in reading more about some > > scientific based neurotransmitter testing and professional grade supplements > > supported by the Univ. of Minnesota I encourage you to take a look at the > > following website. http://www.neuroassist.com> > > > I will report back over the course of the next several weeks on my progress. > > God bless everyone and don't give up hope!> > > > > >>

August 27, 2010

Amen, Bruce.

I, too am looking for a SOLUTION. I have done extensive reading on the

neurotransmitter therapy (NT) approach including medical research, companies

that provide it, types of supplements, etc.(some 80 hours+)and truly think this

is the answer. The NT specialist I am working with explained from day 1 that my

issue was low dopamine due to the SSRI's working exclusively on the seratonin

which is the cause of the depletion, thus an imbalance. (After testing, this

was confirmed to be correct.) He more or less explained that I don't feel the

sensations or emotions because I am biochemically unable to. Dopamine in THE

biochemical source of desire and motivation in the brain. Low or no dopamine,

low or no desire, love or motivation. Dopamine is also a direct precurser to

norepiniphrine and epinephrine and has a direct impact on hormonal balance. If

dopamine is low then hormone levels will be low as a result. At the time I quit

the SSRIs, after taking them for 15 years, my hormones all dropped. I have had

to supplement Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Pregnenolone & T3 Thyroid since

my PSSD started. Hormones, unfortunately, do not impact neurotransmitter

levels--it only works the other way around. Hormone therapy, therefore, does

not fix PSSD since you need to work on the neurotransmitter level. He explained

that once my neurotransmitters are put back in balance not only will that area

of my brain be turned back on it is highly likely I may no longer need hormone

replacement therapy. In his experience more than 70% of people who have

properly balanced ALL of the main 4 neurotransmitter levels no longer need any

hormone replacement and the other 30% need much lower doses.

As I mentioned, I am only in the early stages or NT and it will be a process

that will entail testing and tweaking the supplements until all the symptom

resolve. The Dr. I am working with is not a stranger to working with SSRI

induced neurotransmitter imbalances and has seen some people resolve quickly

(within weeks) and others within a few months. Everyone is different. He

explained that it doesn't typically improve gradually, it just has a tendency to

" turn on " at some point after someone on the correct dosage formula. I asked

him why people who have tried 5htp or other amino acids haven't seen success and

he explained that you can't treat it with just 1. 5htp, for example, is the

precurser to Serotonin. You have to treat all 4 of the main neurotransmitters

together. The proper balance of Amino Acids at any given time is the key to the

science and the key to sucess. My supplements, for example, have ~6 different

amino acids and I take them on a timed dosing schedule. After a urine test, he

adjusts them accordingly--some up, some down. Next Tuesday I will receive the

results of my 2nd test and will get a new dosing regimen. All of the amino

acids I take are naturally found in my body so I haven't dealt with any side

effects. In fact, I have slept better in the past few weeks than I have in

years!

Again, if anyone is interested, there is a wealth of information on the

www.neuroassist.com website if you dig around. Much of it directly discusses

imbalances due to SSRIs.

Keeping solution focused! I'll let you know how things progress.

>

> I hate to take the focus off the current scrapping on this board... However

has anyone tried neurotransmitter therapy or had their neurotransmitter levels