Re: Djaren's Introduction

[Guest guest]

Dear Djaren,

You said:

> I am 34/F living in Central Florida.

> I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and dysthimia 6 months ago.

> I knew something was very wrong with me about 2 years ago and tried to

> fix it myself by making positive changes in my life. I have been suffering

since my

> youth, though I never realized it was not normal until I hit rock bottom.

>

> Nothing I did seemed to work and my depression and anxiety spiraled

> out of control. By September I finally went to see a doctor and she put me on

> Lexapro 10mg. I struggled with the idea of taking medication, but was so

> desperate and hopeless that I agreed to try it. The meds helped immediately

to

> relieve my intense symptoms.

>

> I began counseling and continued to make positive changes to improve my

> quality of life. I was hoping the medication would only be necessary for

> a short time but after 5 weeks my anxiety level crept up again.

>

> My doctor increased my dose to 20mg and it was about that time I began

> to realize that the idea was for me to be on medication for at least 6 months

to

> a year. After about 4 more weeks again my anxiety levels rose again.

>

> I said nothing to my doctor and began to work harder at everything I could to

get

> better...more exercise, better diet, meditation, acupuncture and chinese

herbs.

>

> I was feeling so much better and strong enougth to say I could get off the

meds

> and try to deal with things on my own. Unfortunately my insurance would not

cover

> the Lexapro and I was forced to suddenly switch to Prozac so as not to stop

> taking meds cold turkey.

>

> I was on the Prozac 20mg for 1 week and began to unravel right away

> ...mood swings, crying spells, anger.

> I went to see my doctor and told her even if it meant starting over from the

beginning

> I wanted to try without any meds. Somehow I walked out of that appointment

with

> an increase in dosage to 40mg and agreeing to stay on Prozac for another few

months.

>

> I am not sure what happened. That was about a week ago and I realize now I

> need to do this on my own. I owe it to myself to try.>>

** Prozac is an inappropriate drug for anxiety. If you don't

protect your mind and body, no one will. You KNOW how you feel. It

is up to you to not allow people to talk you out of caring for

yourself. You have to live in your body and with your mind. The

doctor will not be there to take it over when you become even more ill

from these drugs.

You said:

> I have been reading everything I can about how diet, exercise, meditation, etc

can

> help me find a balance without medication. I have cut back on work and

stopped

> any activities that aren't helpful to my condition. I stopped watching TV

and have

> been looking for support wherever I can.

>

> I continue with acupuncture and my acupuncturist is 100% encouraging me to

> stop taking meds and to do what he can to help me ease the pain.

>

> I am hoping to further educate myself here and find the guidance and support

to get

> off Prozac as soon as possible. I am thankful that I have come to this

decision now instead of after years of use when it would be so much harder for

me to do this.

> I am afraid of what lays ahead, but willing to move forward. >>

** The most important thing to remember is to reduce the drug very

slowly -- 5-10% reductions at a time. Then, wait in between each

reduction until you feel stable again before doing the next decrease.

This way, you will successfully get off this drug with a minimum of

damage.

What are the symptoms you are having now that tell you this drug is

not good in your body.

Please let us know what herbs and supplements you are taking and in

what doses. Also, please post a 4 day food diary.

Hang in there. Many people have accomplished this and you will,

too, with patience and planning.

--

Regards,

" Life is not an exact

science, it is an art. "

-- --

[Guest guest]

" That was about a week ago and I realize now I

need to do this on my own. I owe it to myself to try. "

Great decision! But, you don't have to do it totally on your own, we

are all here to help you and support you through your journey. There

are stories of great hope and inspiration here.

It's going to be fine.

Best Wishes

[Guest guest]

Hi Djaren, Just want to say welcome to the list. You are in the right place and I'm glad you found us. The good news is we never needed the drugs, just the right nutrition and supplements. Just taper one drug at a time, very slowly, making cuts of no more than 10% and waiting until you feel stable. I just finished a long taper off meds and I feel great. It can be done. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I'd like to thank everyone who has been so welcoming and supportive in one short day! I am feeling very optimistic now, less uncertainty ahead of me. , you are correct, of course, about Prozac not helping with anxiety as I am learning his the hard way. Additional Info/Symptoms I am currently experiencing crying spells daily, ranging from getting teary eyed to full blown sobbing. It can be triggered by any type of situation at work, at home, in public. I had not experienced this since before I started meds and it started up a week after I switched to Prozac. I feel like a walking time bomb, and my sleep, which had improved with acupuncture, is now again restless and disturbed by strange dreams. For me symptoms of anxiety are to feel restless (awake and

asleep), anxious (of course), can't stay focused, forgetfulness, and feeling overwhelmed, almost paralyzed, when there is too much going on at the same time. In response to stressful situtations I hold my breath, tense muscles, clench my teeth, and pick/chew at my cuticles when I am anxious (aka skin picking). I have learned to be conscious of and reduce most of these responses with therapy, mediation and deep breathing exercises. In the past I have also turned to food (compulsive eating/binges) when stressed but have stopped recently thanks to help from Overeaters Anonymous in managing that behavior. The only good thing Prozac has done for me is kill my appetite, which helped me finally break the cycle of binges in the last month. Dosage History 8 weeks - Lexapro 10mg 8 weeks - Lexapro 20mg 3 weeks - Prozac 20mg 1 week - Prozac

40mg I have a question about how to reduce my dosage. The Prozac is in 20mg caplets...I figure I can open them and reduce the quantities inside little by little, is this ok? Reducing by 5% or 10% may be difficult to do precisely. Any suggestions? Diet Right now I am only taking standard multivitamins. I was on a chinese herb regime for a while via my acupuncturist (to balance my qi), but stopped when I felt better. I am currently not taking any as I am trying to figure out what would be beneficial in this crisis. I have an appointment on Friday with him. Here is my food log for the last 4 days (I have been keeping track)...I don't keep track of exact amounts though, just the foods I eat. And obviously I go for the convenience foods which are

prepackaged, because I don't like to cook...but I am trying to stay as close to vegan as possible and to eat as much in fresh fruits and vegetables as I can blend in. I dring only water or decaffeinated tea other than a rare exception. Thursday 2/9 Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Wrap, Orange Triscuits and Cottage Cheese Boca Meatless Chili and Brown Rice, Apple Blue Corn Tortilla Chips (baked) with Avocado Mexican Salad (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Boca Meatless Ground Burger, Sour Cream), Mango Strawberry Yogurt and Strawberries Friday 2/10 Boca Meatless Smoked Sausage with Mustard, Brown Rice and Black Beans, Banana Triscuits and Eggplant Hummus Tikka Masala (Green Guru) with Brown Rice, Vanilla Yogurt Papaya Pad Thai (no meat) from Pei Wei Popcorn Saturday 2/11 Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Organic Spaghetti Sauce (vegetable) and Gardenburger Meatless Meatballs, Whole Grain

Toast with Virgin Olive Oil and Garlic, Fruit Salad Gardenburger Gardenburger Meatless Riblets, Spinach, Apple Fruit Salad Vegetarian Burrito Bowl from Chipotle (White Rice, Black Beans, Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole) and tortilla chips Sunday 2/12 Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Wrap, Orange Sesame Rice Cake with Peanut Butter & Jelly Gardenburger Gardenburger Meatless Riblets, Sugar Snap Peas, Banana Dried Fruit/Nut Mix Channa Masala with Brown Rice and Asparagus, Kiwi Popcorn Exercise Treadmill program (45 minutes/2 miles at varying speeds & resistance) 5 days a week. Yoga stretches 5 days a week. I will await further instruction! Djaren Creel wrote: Dear Djaren, You said: > I am 34/F living in Central Florida. > I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and dysthimia 6 months ago. > I knew something was very wrong with me about 2 years ago and tried to > fix it myself by making positive changes in my life. I have been suffering since my > youth, though I never realized it was not normal until I hit rock bottom. > > Nothing I did seemed to work and my depression and anxiety spiraled > out of control. By September I finally went to see a doctor and she put me on > Lexapro 10mg. I struggled with the idea of taking medication, but was so > desperate and hopeless that I agreed to try it. The meds helped immediately to > relieve my intense symptoms. > > I began counseling and continued to make positive changes to improve my >

quality of life. I was hoping the medication would only be necessary for > a short time but after 5 weeks my anxiety level crept up again. > > My doctor increased my dose to 20mg and it was about that time I began > to realize that the idea was for me to be on medication for at least 6 months to > a year. After about 4 more weeks again my anxiety levels rose again. > > I said nothing to my doctor and began to work harder at everything I could to get > better...more exercise, better diet, meditation, acupuncture and chinese herbs. > > I was feeling so much better and strong enougth to say I could get off the meds > and try to deal with things on my own. Unfortunately my insurance would not cover > the Lexapro and I was forced to suddenly switch to Prozac so as not to stop > taking meds cold turkey. > > I was on the Prozac 20mg for 1 week and

began to unravel right away > ...mood swings, crying spells, anger. > I went to see my doctor and told her even if it meant starting over from the beginning > I wanted to try without any meds. Somehow I walked out of that appointment with > an increase in dosage to 40mg and agreeing to stay on Prozac for another few months. > > I am not sure what happened. That was about a week ago and I realize now I > need to do this on my own. I owe it to myself to try.>> ** Prozac is an inappropriate drug for anxiety. If you don't protect your mind and body, no one will. You KNOW how you feel. It is up to you to not allow people to talk you out of caring for yourself. You have to live in your body and with your mind. The doctor will not be there to take it over when you become even more ill from these drugs. You said: > I have been reading everything I can about how diet, exercise, meditation, etc can > help me find a balance without medication. I have cut back on work and stopped > any activities that aren't helpful to my condition. I stopped watching TV and have > been looking for support wherever I can. > > I continue with acupuncture and my acupuncturist is 100% encouraging me to > stop taking meds and to do what he can to help me ease the pain. > > I am hoping to further educate myself here and find the guidance and support to get> off Prozac as soon as possible. I am thankful that I have come to this decision now instead of after years of use when it would be so much harder for me to do this. > I am afraid of what lays ahead, but willing to move forward. >> ** The most important thing to remember is to reduce

the drug very slowly -- 5-10% reductions at a time. Then, wait in between each reduction until you feel stable again before doing the next decrease. This way, you will successfully get off this drug with a minimum of damage. What are the symptoms you are having now that tell you this drug is not good in your body. Please let us know what herbs and supplements you are taking and in what doses. Also, please post a 4 day food diary. Hang in there. Many people have accomplished this and you will, too, with patience and planning. -- Regards, "Life is not an exact science, it is an art." -- --

Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

[Guest guest]

I am on the generic Prozac so it is a powder inside the caplets. I guess dissolving in liquid may work, I never thought to do that. I only recently stopped eating meat. It is for both moral and health reasons. f I know the meat is organic and cruelty-free I can eat it. I do feel much better physically since I stopped eating meat though, so I am not eager to do it again on a daily basis. Chicken I am ok with, eggs are one of those things I am squeamish about, so I really have to be in the mood for it. Why do you ask? Djaren Skoog wrote: Hi Djaren, I am in Overeaters Anonymous too. I just really need to be around other people who don't eat sugar or white flour. Does the

prozac have little beads inside? You would dump it into a little dish and count them. Then calculate 10%, remove them and take the rest. I suppose you could stuff it back in the capsule. Eyebrow tweezers might be a good idea. The next day you would not have to count the whole thing again, just remove the same number needed for a ten% reduction. OR you could dissove the contents in liquid and discard 10% of the solution. Are you vegetarian for moral or health reasons? How long have you been vegetarian? Are you open to eating meat or at least chicken and eggs? Take care, Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

[Guest guest]

Hi Djaren, Yes, you can open the capsule and dissolve the powder in liquid. I used club soda. I used a little glass with measures on it, and then spooned out 10%, drank the rest, and so on. I was asking about how attached you are to vegetarianism because the body and brain really needs animal protein to heal. Chicken is fine. Organic meat of any type is great.

Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

[Guest guest]

Interesting, I did not know that about chicken. I will try to add it a few times a week. Is fish any help? I like fish but again, selective of what kinds I eat...wild vs farmed. Thanks! Djaren Skoog wrote: Hi Djaren, Yes, you can open the capsule and dissolve the powder in liquid. I used club soda. I used a little glass with measures on it, and then spooned out 10%, drank the rest, and so on. I was asking about how attached you are to vegetarianism because the body and brain really needs animal protein to heal. Chicken is fine. Organic meat of any type is great. Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

[Guest guest]

" Is fish any help? "

Fish is very good to!

[Guest guest]

Hi Djaren, In theory fish is wonderful protein, but like you said there is the farm-raised issue. On top of that some experts believe there is way too much mercury and other toxins even in wild fish. But if you want to eat fish, wild is still better.

Yahoo! Autos. Looking for a sweet ride? Get pricing, reviews, more on new and used cars.

[Guest guest]

Dear Djaren,

You said:

<<I'd like to thank everyone who has been so welcoming and

supportive in one short day! I am feeling very optimistic now, less

uncertainty ahead of me.

, you are correct, of course, about Prozac not helping with

anxiety as I am learning his the hard way.

Additional Info/Symptoms I am currently experiencing crying spells

daily, ranging from getting teary eyed to full blown sobbing. It

can be triggered by any type of situation at work, at home, in

public. I had not experienced this since before I started meds and

it started up a week after I switched to Prozac. >>

** This is a brilliant mechanism your body has to rid itself of

excess cortisol. This cortisol is very damaging to your health. All

psychotropic drugs raise cortisol and Prozac is well-known fro it.

in some people, this translates to more energy making them believe

they feel better. In others, it is overload.

You said:

<<I feel like a walking time bomb, and my sleep, which had improved

with acupuncture, is now again restless and disturbed by strange

dreams.

For me symptoms of anxiety are to feel restless (awake and asleep),

anxious (of course), can't stay focused, forgetfulness, and feeling

overwhelmed, almost paralyzed, when there is too much going on at

the same time.

In response to stressful situtations I hold my breath, tense

muscles, clench my teeth, and pick/chew at my cuticles when I am

anxious (aka skin picking). I have learned to be conscious of and

reduce most of these responses with therapy, mediation and deep

breathing exercises. >>

** This is obviously from the Prozac. How are you feeling since

you dropped to 20mg.?

You said:

<<In the past I have also turned to food (compulsive eating/binges)

when stressed but have stopped recently thanks to help from

Overeaters Anonymous in managing that behavior. The only good thing

Prozac has done for me is kill my appetite, which helped me finally

break the cycle of binges in the last month.

Dosage History

8 weeks - Lexapro 10mg

8 weeks - Lexapro 20mg

3 weeks - Prozac 20mg

1 week - Prozac 40mg

I have a question about how to reduce my dosage. The Prozac is in

20mg caplets...I figure I can open them and reduce the quantities

inside little by little, is this ok?

Reducing by 5% or 10% may be difficult to do precisely. Any

suggestions? >>

** You can accomplish this either by opening them and counting

the little pellets (I'm assumimg this is the regualr Prozac, not an

extended release formualtion?) and counting them, or by using 10 oz.

of liquid and dissolving the capsule contents in it then taking the

appropriate amount.

You said:

<<Diet Right now I am only taking standard multivitamins. I was on a

chinese herb regime for a while via my acupuncturist (to balance my

qi), but stopped when I felt better. I am currently not taking any

as I am trying to figure out what would be beneficial in this

crisis. I have an appointment on Friday with him.

Here is my food log for the last 4 days (I have been keeping

track)...I don't keep track of exact amounts though, just the foods

I eat. And obviously I go for the convenience foods which are

prepackaged, because I don't like to cook...but I am trying to stay

as close to vegan as possible and to eat as much in fresh fruits and

vegetables as I can blend in. I dring only water or decaffeinated

tea other than a rare exception. >>

Thursday 2/9 Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Wrap, Orange Triscuits

and Cottage Cheese Boca Meatless Chili and Brown Rice, Apple Blue

Corn Tortilla Chips (baked) with Avocado Mexican Salad (Lettuce,

Tomato, Onion, Boca Meatless Ground Burger, Sour Cream), Mango

Strawberry Yogurt and Strawberries

Friday 2/10 Boca Meatless Smoked Sausage with Mustard, Brown Rice and

Black Beans, Banana Triscuits and Eggplant Hummus Tikka Masala (Green

Guru) with Brown Rice, Vanilla Yogurt Papaya Pad Thai (no meat) from

Pei Wei Popcorn

Saturday 2/11 Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Organic Spaghetti Sauce

(vegetable) and Gardenburger Meatless Meatballs, Whole Grain Toast

with Virgin Olive Oil and Garlic, Fruit Salad Gardenburger

Gardenburger Meatless Riblets, Spinach, Apple Fruit Salad Vegetarian

Burrito Bowl from Chipotle (White Rice, Black Beans, Salsa, Sour

Cream, Guacamole) and tortilla chips

Sunday 2/12 Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Wrap, Orange Sesame Rice

Cake with Peanut Butter & Jelly Gardenburger Gardenburger Meatless

Riblets, Sugar Snap Peas, Banana Dried Fruit/Nut Mix Channa Masala

with Brown Rice and Asparagus, Kiwi Popcorn >>

** I saw your response to about why you choose to be vegan.

My belief on this, both from a scientific standpoint and after more

than 20 years of seeing people with various diets, is that people

with diets strong in protein (meats) heal faster and more completely

than those on vegetarian diets. Further, those on vegetarian diets

are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and a

host of other problems. How long have you been vegan?

The brain requires a full complement of amino acids in order to

heal. Proteins and certain fats are the key to brain function and

healing.

Your diet is very high in carbohydrates which tends to wreak

havoc with blood sugar. It is also very low in healthy fats. I

think food may be at the foundation of your belief that you are just

an anxious, depressed person and will always be that way.

You said:

Exercise Treadmill program (45 minutes/2 miles at varying speeds &

resistance) 5 days a week. Yoga stretches 5 days a week. >>

** How do you feel after doing this? It may be too challenging

right now. It definitely contributes to the high cortisol (causes

anxiety). I usually recommend gentle, non-challenging exercise like

walking, gentle Tai Chi, yoga stretches are good, etc. This helps to

settle the body.

In your next email to me you indicated you went back on the Chinese

herbs. Is this one herbal combination or are those you listed all

separate?

Chai hu, used over time, can cause dizziness. It increases liver

function, which at this point, is not a good idea as it hastens the

Prozac through your system . This could lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Dang gui is used for deficient blood. This is fine for you. Bai

shao is similar to Dang gui but if your blood pressure is low you

shouldn't take this. The bai zhu should be fine. Fu ling is actually

quite helpful to you right now. Though at some point gan cao would

be a good herb for you I think it is too much right now while you're

on Prozac. Finally, bo he is a stimulant.

All of these herbs are cooling and dispel wind. Do you have any

menstrual problems, headaches, excess phlegm?

As far as detoxing -- a big no on this. save detoxing for after

you're off drugs.

How does the Bach 5 Flower Remedy work for you? I think there are

more appropriate ones than this but if it's working we'll leave it

alone.

Please describe your baseline anxiety (without drugs) and then

describe the difference in your anxiety now. Do you also have panic

attacks?

BTW, what's your birth date?

Regards,

[Guest guest]

Replies below in purple!ccreel_04064 wrote: <<I feel like a walking time bomb, and my sleep, which had improved with acupuncture, is now again restless and disturbed by strange dreams. For me symptoms of anxiety are to feel restless (awake and asleep), anxious (of course), can't stay focused, forgetfulness, and feeling overwhelmed, almost paralyzed, when there is too much going on at the same time. In response to stressful situtations I hold my breath, tense muscles, clench my teeth, and pick/chew at my cuticles when I am anxious (aka skin picking). I have

learned to be conscious of and reduce most of these responses with therapy, mediation and deep breathing exercises. >> ** This is obviously from the Prozac. How are you feeling since you dropped to 20mg.? I am managing through. Having severe mood swings, from calm/happy to crying/despondent to angry/irritated all in the same day. This has started to diminish already after a week, so I am hopeful I am stabilizing. Sleep very restless (strange and disturbing dreams), can't tolerate watching tv(too much drama), have very little appetite (good for the weight loss, but definitely unusual for me). ***After how many "good" days in a row would you suggest I start reductions again? I am a bit anxious to move on and trying to be patient!*** You said: <<Diet Right now I am only taking standard multivitamins. I was on a chinese herb regime for a while via my acupuncturist (to balance my qi), but stopped when I felt better. I am currently not taking any as I am trying to figure out what would be beneficial in this crisis. I have an appointment on Friday with him. Here is my food log for the last 4 days (I have been keeping track)...I don't keep track of exact amounts though, just the foods I eat. And obviously I go for the convenience foods which are prepackaged, because I don't like to cook...but I am trying to stay as close to vegan as possible and to eat as much in fresh fruits and vegetables as I can blend in. I dring only water or decaffeinated tea other than a rare exception. >> Thursday 2/9 Gardenburger

Black Bean Chipotle Wrap, Orange Triscuits and Cottage Cheese Boca Meatless Chili and Brown Rice, Apple Blue Corn Tortilla Chips (baked) with Avocado Mexican Salad (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Boca Meatless Ground Burger, Sour Cream), Mango Strawberry Yogurt and Strawberries Friday 2/10 Boca Meatless Smoked Sausage with Mustard, Brown Rice and Black Beans, Banana Triscuits and Eggplant Hummus Tikka Masala (Green Guru) with Brown Rice, Vanilla Yogurt Papaya Pad Thai (no meat) from Pei Wei Popcorn Saturday 2/11 Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Organic Spaghetti Sauce (vegetable) and Gardenburger Meatless Meatballs, Whole Grain Toast with Virgin Olive Oil and Garlic, Fruit Salad Gardenburger Gardenburger Meatless Riblets, Spinach, Apple Fruit Salad Vegetarian Burrito Bowl from Chipotle (White Rice, Black Beans, Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole) and tortilla chips Sunday 2/12

Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Wrap, Orange Sesame Rice Cake with Peanut Butter & Jelly Gardenburger Gardenburger Meatless Riblets, Sugar Snap Peas, Banana Dried Fruit/Nut Mix Channa Masala with Brown Rice and Asparagus, Kiwi Popcorn >> ** I saw your response to about why you choose to be vegan. My belief on this, both from a scientific standpoint and after more than 20 years of seeing people with various diets, is that people with diets strong in protein (meats) heal faster and more completely than those on vegetarian diets. Further, those on vegetarian diets are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and a host of other problems. How long have you been vegan? I am not quite vegan, close though, and have only changed to this diet in the last few months. Still willing to eat meat or fish as long as it is organic and from a free-range or farm raised animal. The reason I don't eat much of it now is it's hard to find convenience foods that are affordable like this. I found a few stores in the last week that I can try shopping at and will add at least chicken and fish to my diet now. ***What would you recommend minimum amounts of chicken/fish per week to be...once or twice per week or more?*** Your diet is very high in carbohydrates which tends to wreak havoc with blood sugar. It is also very low in healthy fats. I think food may be at the foundation of your belief that you are just an anxious, depressed person and will always be that way. I guess I still need to fine

tune my foods. I had increased whole grains in my diet after reading Natural Prozac. I don't eat much fat after years of dieting has made this such a big no-no. I only eat fats in the form of nuts, olives, avocado and olive oil (which I use generously on salads). I had not had any of these except nuts in the 4 days I reported, but can work on increasing. Think I may have to plan my meals to make sure I don't slip away from certain foods. You said: Exercise Treadmill program (45 minutes/2 miles at varying speeds & resistance) 5 days a week. Yoga stretches 5 days a week. >> ** How do you feel after doing this? It may be too challenging right now. It definitely contributes to the high cortisol (causes anxiety). I usually recommend gentle, non-challenging exercise like walking, gentle Tai Chi, yoga stretches

are good, etc. This helps to settle the body. I have never been big on exercising, so what I do now is only what feels good. I enjoy the workouts and don't do anything strenuous or that exhausts me. I find it helps me release tension. I used to do the treadmill in the evening but switched to early am for the last few months as I figured I was overstimulating myself at night. This has been very helpful in managing my energy level. If I have an extra tough week (extra work or strenous work project) or feeling particularly tired or weak, I cut back accordingly so I don't overdo it. In your next email to me you indicated you went back on the Chinese herbs. Is this one herbal combination or are those you listed all separate? Chai hu, used

over time, can cause dizziness. It increases liver function, which at this point, is not a good idea as it hastens the Prozac through your system . This could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Dang gui is used for deficient blood. This is fine for you. Bai shao is similar to Dang gui but if your blood pressure is low you shouldn't take this. The bai zhu should be fine. Fu ling is actually quite helpful to you right now. Though at some point gan cao would be a good herb for you I think it is too much right now while you're on Prozac. Finally, bo he is a stimulant. All of these herbs are cooling and dispel wind. Do you have any menstrual problems, headaches, excess phlegm? The herbs are in a pill form combined. It is a

mixture the acu clinic sells as a dietary supplement. ***Since most ingredients are beneficial for me, should I continue taking them or no?*** As far as detoxing -- a big no on this. save detoxing for after you're off drugs. Ok. I have been going to acu therapy 3 times per week and will focus only on anxiety and pain symptoms for now only. How does the Bach 5 Flower Remedy work for you? I think there are more appropriate ones than this but if it's working we'll leave it alone. Have not used it enough to tell yet, open to suggestions... Please describe your

baseline anxiety (without drugs) and then describe the difference in your anxiety now. Do you also have panic attacks? Not sure what my baseline is. Have been in denial about my emotional state for so long I don't know what is normal for me. Hoping through therapy I can define my goals as I get closer, so I know what will be reasonable for me. Can you define a panic attack? I have never had an attack of fear or paranoia etc...have sometimes had such an overwhelming sadness/despair/hopelessness I can't stop crying to the point it's hard to breathe but I am not sure these are panic attacks. BTW, what's your birth date? 8/25/71 ***Plus two more questions today... About a week ago I began taking the calcium and magnesium levels as indicated in the files. I have been told calcium causes muscles to tighten and may be worsening a current problem I am treating of tendonitis in my hip and knees. Not sure what is most important...if the Calcium is so important to my improvement I can put up with a bit of extra pain, but if I could do without it I'd rather not. Your thoughts? Also I was recommended to take GABA (the supplement also has glutamine, passion flower herb, taurine, and spirulina). Your thoughts on this?*** Thank you !! Regards, To subscribe to our off-topic Social list go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/socialWandR/ To subscribe to our Truth-in-Health list go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/truth-in-health

Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.