Depression supplement question

[BarbRTR]

I am in pretty deep depression, and am trying to put off going back on an AD. So awhile back, someone here mentioned  Rhodiola Rosea. I found a lot of positive reviews and studies that seemed to be done by non supplement companies. In other words, the results not skewed to fit what they want.

I'm confused though, as some articles say it mimics the affects of opiates in the brain, and also binds to the receptors. But so does some part of spinach.

So, is this bad for recovering addicts? I ask because Kratom, also sold on Amazon, is a no no, and it binds to the receptors too. So what's the difference?

Except Rhodiola doesn't promise a high, and is sold at GNC and other reputable sources.

I'm not up on supplements really, but know some here are, and would appreciate input, or maybe even the person that said they were taking it is still here.

Thanks, happy Sunday everyone!

[weaver71]

If it helps to think of it this way, all drugs are a synthetic or concentrated version of something in nature. If a low dose is what it needed, then the natural version is the same thing. For example, valerian root is the same chemical make up as valium. St. John's Wart and Xanax are very similar. Amino Acids are the acception, they are very strong. I had a manic episode due to taking DLPA. Our bodies are all different, so take your time and pay close attention when taking natural products, just like you would with pharmaceuticals.

[msdelight]

Hi there barb! I just wanted to say I'm sorry you're feeling down. I don't know much about supplements as I am still on AD. Doctor gave it to me way before I was an addict. Anyway, love to you. Maybe it will help to vent - pm me if you want.  I'll keep you in my prayers.

[BarbRTR]

Oh my! Connie, thank you so much for your answer, but I accidently hit best answer and you and Weaver both gave good ones!

It's ok to take both together Connie? Trytophan and SAMe? Because of serotonin syndrome? I know you research the heck outta this stuff! And I don't know why I don't. I research everything else. I spend hours researching snakes because I happen to see one on TV. Or like after watching the movie The Social Network, I spent hours upon hours researching the real story! Irrelevant stuff. Yet here is something important, and I read the minimum. I'm weird! :(

I have never before tried natural. I always got a RX. I truly want to give it a shot. I'm a little afraid I waited to long, but I hope not.

[BarbRTR]

Actually I took it way back during detox. I had forgotten until you said that. Of course, in acute detox if it doesn't work day one you think it won't.

I believe it's still in the back of my medicine cabinet, so I'll give it a try tonight. I have learned a little patience in these almost ten months lol. I will give it more than 24 hours this time!

Thanks!

[weaver71]

I find Tryptophan to work pretty well for depression, if you haven't tried it. It took about 3 days to really feel it working, which is fast for an AD.

[BarbRTR]

Thank you Weaver. I believe I will get some tomorrow. From what I have read, it doesn't take as long as regular anti depressants to work. I realize it might not work for me, but if it's relatively safe it's worth a shot.

The opiate effect just threw me some.

I'll report back.

[weaver71]

Though I have never taken it, I did work in a health food store and saw people using it. My understanding is that there is no come down or withdrawal from it. It increases the blood brain barrier permiability, so it can have negative effects on other medications or herbs one is taking, it also may help with absorption of meds as well. Personally, I don't think it would be a danger to an addict as long as taken as the label suggests. Let us all know if you find it helpful. Hope someone with direct experience with it shows up soon.