The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Stellysue (Oregon) on 08/24/2014
I've been on Sertraline (Zoloft) for over 12 years, with the dosage going up or down (currently at 100mgs.) depending on how crappy I felt. Two weeks ago, after a visit to the Dr, I started taking half doses with no withdrawal symptoms. Is there an average weaning length of time, and if so, how long? I just started on 5-htp today also. My Dr. is an internist and was somewhat vague about this issue.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/25/2014
Dear Dave,
I, too, am so sorry for your loss.
I and many here at EC so appreciate your love and friendship and hate to see you hurting.
I love John and the Psalms, too.
You are in my prayers.
~Mama to Many~
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 07/25/2014
Dear Dave, I would like to add myself to those here who have expressed their feelings over your loss. It is a heart ache only time can lessen.
it is one of the experiences here on this planet that has hidden wisdom and it is a journey for all.
Perhaps if your mind sometime can dwell on the fact that in the not to near future, wisdom will dawn to take the pain and sorrow away for good. May your heart be soothed with the knowledge that wisdom will dawn to an understanding of the purpose of life transcending the mind.
Much Love, Om
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Kbugg (Kcmo Area) on 07/25/2014
Dear Dave,
I, too, weep for your loss....
Death is not natural, so, no, even though you knew the expected outcome, NOTHING can prepare you for that moment.
Continue to find comfort in the scriptures, my friend.....That alone can ease any shock or depression.
Grieving has its own time-line & is different for all. It can not be analyzed. Just endured and even embraced. The more you fight it, the more difficult, I believe......(Beware anyone who suggests you should 'medicate' your grief, even though herbs / supps / therapies may be needed to help with the side-effects of the grieving---you know, like lack of sleep & such)
So glad you found some comfort here from EC friends.......
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Suzanne (Fort Wayne, Indiana) on 07/26/2014
Dave from Fountain Inn SC. Thank you Dave for sharing those sweet last minutes spent with your beloved wife. You have a kind, gentle way about you in your writings and are much appreciated. The deepest hurt, no doubt, is losing the one we have spent a lifetime loving. My heart goes out to you. I thank God that grief comes in spurts as we would not survive otherwise. On losing my father I came across a line from CS Lewis that helped me a bit to understand my brokenness, "No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear" . This was true for me as I had lost direction and hope. God bless you and hold you close.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 07/26/2014
Dave,
I am so sorry to read your posting about the loss of your wife. How could anyone ever be prepared for that? When you mentioned her eyes, I couldn't help but think of Steve Jobs last words, "Boy, of boy! " and I wondered if that was her reaction to her first glimpse of heaven? I hope you can draw strength from happy memories you have from your many years together, and if you have children, you will see she still is with you in them. All of us in your Earth family are here to support you in any way we can. Trust in God and lean on your friends until one day when the weight of this loss becomes bearable. Take care.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Sp (Wb, Nj) on 07/26/2014
Dear Dave, thank you for sharing so openly. I am truly sorry for your loss. It sucks to be left behind, doesn't it?
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 07/26/2014
Hi Lilac - In your reply to Dave about depression, I read your comment about the book Great Sleep - Reduced Cancer by Hansler. I checked our library (they didn't have it) but I was able to get a Kindle version for less than $1 on Amazon. I haven't read it yet but I did check the customer comments on Amazon. I'm ready to get amber lights and glasses to see if it helps with insomnia. Thanks again Lilac - I love learning something new! Cheers, Bess
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Timh (KY) on 07/27/2014 2041 posts
Lilac: Thanks for the wonderful literary references. One line in particular that's always stuck on me is "heart for any fate" by Longfellow. More recently the prog rock Yes's "children of light - don't be afraid".
As for the NDE's, I bought & read one of the first publications on the subject authored by Gallop editors back in the late 70's as these reports kept coming in and validation was mounting for empirical after-life legitimacy. Then another from a Christian publisher in the 90's, and recently after loosing my mother, my kitty family, and what little health I had left, began reading all NDE accounts on the web. Some of mom's last words, as she glimpsed into the heavenly realms, were "It's beautiful - so beautiful".
Not to fall victim of liberal or romantic idealism, there is certainly cause for caution & alarm for people who live lawless and corrupt lives. Move on to all the horror stories of Alien abduction, livestock mutilation, and reptilian overlord mind and planet control. I have always been rather conservative and careful in assessing such nonconventional subjects but a long-standing disability has put me in the cross-hairs of what's really going on. It's where living w/ your back against the wall gets truly educational as suspicious after suspicious events are unambiguously validated.
To conclude, it is most imperative to do one's best at living an honest and sincere life, as there are spiritual beings that will absolutely deceive the blind into yet another slave world existence. I think they call it "energy harvesting" where these (trans-dimensional and thousands yrs old) overlords continue sucking the awareness directly from sentient beings consciousness, leaving the subjects not knowing the difference between what is and what is not. What's the Biblical New Testament record from St John "Little children, let no one deceive you".
I don't like making such long post of extraordinary subject but the importance cannot be overstated.
I particularly loved Andy's NDE account were millions of little lights grew closer and stronger until they were felt as wonderful spiritual beings that proclaimed they had known & loved him from all eternity. Then as the folks back on earth were reviving him from drowning an angel told him he was going back home, but Andy declared this place was his home and he didn't want to go back to earth.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Carly (Usa ) on 07/26/2014
Dave,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. She was a lucky woman to have had such a good and thoughtful husband for so many years. Bless you both.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 07/27/2014
Hi Timh ---- well said. This is what counts. The Golden Age is not far off and there is enormous effort to deceive souls and keep them focused on media, etc.
These are tests. Practising keeping in the light and doing good works without expectations. That is for this age as well repeating the names of the Lord for protection.
Remember the story of Lot in the bible when they fled the city. She turned back and became petrified. This goes for all the evil effort today. Be in the light and be the light.
Namaste, Om
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 07/27/2014
I am so very sorry for your loss, Dave.
My heart broke for you as I read your post. I am all too familiar with the emotions you are experiencing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Victoria (Atlanta, GA) on 03/29/2026
Over-the-counter lithium gave me a terrible rash. It hurts and is itchy. I've had it for over a year and it seemingly won't go away.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Elaine (Minnesota) on 04/19/2026
Are you taking lithium orotate? 5 mg per day?
5-HTP
Posted by Alla (California) on 01/14/2024
What is worm tablets?
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, NC) on 07/28/2014 83 posts
I weaned myself off my meds for BP about 10 years ago. I took lots of stuff and was still moderately depressed and still crashed big time...so why was I taking them? I used truehope and s-l-o-w-l-y went off my meds and took tons of their vitamins. It took me about 5 months to get off all meds. My shrink was very supportive. I did well for about 5 years and then started having blips (depression) here and there. Upping vitamins, vit D, taking aminos and meditation helps. I am going to try acupuncture too.
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Amanda (USA) on 05/08/2013
I have been on Effexor 75mg er for about 6 months for anxiety and depression. I have had bad side effects and weight gain. How do I get off this poison and what do you recommend to help in this process? All help will be appreciated.
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 05/08/2013
The good news is, since you're taking a low dose and haven't been on it all that long, tapering off should be relatively easy for you.
The best advice is to go slow. The slower the better. Since you're taking the extended release version, the only lower dose is the 37.5mg capsules. (The immediate release goes as low as 25mgs and since they're tablets, they can be split into lower doses for a slower taper. The XR cap's don't go lower than 37.5mg.)
It's typically recommended to take the 37.5's for a week to ten days, then take a 37.5mg capsule every other day for a week to ten days, then you go off entirely.
I think you'll do well since your dose is low and you've only taken them for six months. All best!
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Wishing (You, Well) on 05/09/2013
I googled and read that some people go off Effexor by bridging with Prosac. I believe Prosac has fluoride in it so be aware of that.
Wishing YOU well!
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Lou (Falmouth, Cornwall, England) on 04/22/2013
Hi, Having read your tips it states that it is useful for you to know the following:
Age: 33
Gender: female
Race/ethnicity: white, british
Blood type: unknown
General health/weight: Health is very good. The only issue is that I have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome about 10 years ago and depression since then. Have been on Citalopram 40mg for the last two years and am now slowly weaning myself off them (am currently at a dose of 20mg). Weight= 69kg which is slightly over what's considered normal for my height of 5'3".
At the moment I am feeling well but I want to do everthing in my power to make sure I stay well without the need for taking citalopram.
My question for you guys is- Will lithium orotate help me to come off citalopram and if so how much is a safe dose to take and what makes should I be looking at or avoid. I hope you can help.
Thank you! Lou
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Casey (Montebello, Ca) on 07/04/2014
Please, Joy from Battleground, Wash. tell us what is your normal dose. Since double dose may cause heart palpitations, we would like to know the amount. Thank you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Somya (Hyderabad, India) on 02/15/2013
I have been diagnosed bipolar disorder, am using oxetol 450mg, amixide in the night, flutop 20mg on alternate days. I feel very sad for no reason, feel like crying, sensitivity in head. What diet can cure my low mood?
Water
Posted by Desmond (Blawclee, Leinster, Southern Ireland) on 02/10/2013
DEAR SIR OR MADAM: Just as a matter of interest, what happens if I take, say, 2 liters of water every day to dispel my depression? I mean, won't the water just flush out all the vitamins and minerals that my body has inside? I really would welcome a reply for which I thank you.
Tyrosine
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 02/05/2013 2041 posts
★★★★★
For depression, I get very good results w/ Tyrosine. I like to take 1 grm daily but Tyrosine will raise the blood pressure in folks who have the condition. I am at least able to take 500mg daily now. Add some St John'sWort once daily along w/ the T and I'm a happy man again.
Green Juice
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va/usa) on 12/25/2012
Thanks for your excellent information on "green juice." As far as using slow masticating juicers, can you be more specific as to a specific brand or model; I understand that you probably can only communicate this off-line. (my eMail: LaKrutzel {at} yahoo[dot] com). The type juicers that you recommend, do they separate the pulp from the juice or do they totally liquefy the entire vegetable like the Vitamix blender? Also, can incorporation of ice, allow for the use of higher speed blenders, so as not to destroy the enzymes? Thanks, Larry
Hormone Related
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 10/29/2012
Hi Sue, I just wanted to say congratulations to you for being brave enough to take a stand for yourself in spite of how your psychiatrist reacted! And how wonderful you have a husband who has been there for you throughout all your experience. I too am fortunate to have a husband who has steadfastly been there for me through all of my disability and then recovery. Thanks for sharing your story with everyone, for it gives strength to all when someone is able to forge a path on their own and find answers which are perhaps, not of the mainstream information. I always feel fortunate to have found Earth Clinic as I have learned so much info here to maintain/ restore my health. And funny, it was 7 years ago for me too when I took my spiral and can look back on that path and see all I've learned through that experience mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. So, in the end, we grow and expand... and come out on the other end more able to reach back a hand to help others up.
I hope the Chinese herbs are still working well for you. I know mine are. Did you ever have a look at the Chinese Herbs book I recommended? Also, you refer to Daniel Ahem, did you mean Dr. Daniel Amen? Anyway, once again congratulations for overcoming your own terror and stepping forward to achieve your health again! Best to you always, Lisa
Hormone Related
Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 10/30/2012
Thank you Lisa.... Yes, I meant to type Dr. Daniel Amen, but typed Ahem instead. ") I realized my error when I was watching TV last night. And thank you for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.
As of now, my reading has been only on Dragon Herbs website. I plan to order his book very soon. I decided to switch up what I'm ordering from them after doing my reading. The senior consultant can only go by what I tell her I'm looking for and then make a recommendation. I decided to go by what I thought I needed. I'm going to continue with the Rehmannia Six Combo, but also the Goji & Schizandra. The Duanwood Reishi helped tremendously with my stress level, but don't think I'll be re-ordering. I'll continue with the 8 Immortals and determine when I'm almost out if I want to continue using.
I wanted to add this footnote: My psychiatrist had me on so many anti-depressants (and combos of said drugs) and when they weren't working, she starting mixing it up with meds for bi-polar, schizophrenia and manic depressive. I felt like I was literally in a black hole and just wanted help out. I was very fortunate to recover, but I know there are so many people who aren't that fortunate. My heart aches for you. Don't give up, tho. Just ask for guidance.... I prayed everyday.... When I switched off listening to the Dr.'s and really listened to my husband and inner voice, I knew it would be okay.
Lisa...Mom passed away last Friday afternoon. Very peacefully. Thank you for all your help.
Hormone Related
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 10/30/2012
Hi Sue, Sorry to hear of your loss. It's nice she went peacefully. Were you able to be with her? Sounds like you handled it with grace. I hope the herbs helped you as well. I'm so happy to hear that you have continued to read about the herbs on the site. It's a very informative site. I use it often as a reference in spite of the fact that I have the book! It's just so convenient and well- written. I too, have added the Goji and Schizandra on recommendation from one of the consultants when I went in to their tonic bar. He told me it would build my jing and according to my pulses, I needed that.
I also went in to my acupuncture last week as I hadn't been for quite awhile. He worked on me for my stomach and also my low back has really been bothering me. It's been very stiff and making it difficult to move. He said there was a lot of stagnation and did cupping on me. Within 5 minutes I could feel it calm down and literally feel the inflammation going down! It hasn't bothered me since.
I wanted to ask you if you meant Dr. Daniel Amen because I wanted to tell you I got to hear him speak at the Longevity Now conference which I attended in the spring. He's quite dynamic and funny. I too have read his books and have learned so much from them. He has a lot of fascinating information and is doing ground-breaking work. Have you heard him speak at all? I have received audio iterviews of him in the past so if I receive more, I'll be sure to post so you can hear him too.
Anyway, blessings to you and may peace prevail. It is always wonderful to hear from you. Lisa
Energy Healing
Posted by Carlos Sumpter (Lindenhurst, NY) on 05/27/2012
★★★★★
I practice a hands on application over the craneal area as a conduit of the healing energy it flows through me but it comes from a higher source it goes to the brain and balances any energetic imbalance that restores mental health. a sense of warmth and a placebo effect will follow as a pain reliever capable of producing symptomatic alleviation.
Carlos Sumpter
Urine Therapy
Posted by Marie (Quebec, Canada) on 01/24/2015
Hi Sandy,
Hope you are still around and will see my post. First, I would say that "my" english is not perfect, as I speak french, so sorry for the language mistakes. My situation is that one: I suffered from chronic depression most of my life (I'm 37 now), been on antidepressants (without good results) for 16 years and now off of them since 2 months. I've tried soooo many alternatives and supplements or therapies (name it) without any relief. I'm not investigating about urine therapy. I'm really willing to start it NOW but need some guidance about how to start and the general procedure. (I don't need other suggestions than UT, because if so, I will be overwhelmed, and I'm interested about UT only...hope you understand) THANKS in advance :)
Evening Primrose Oil
Posted by Railey (Detroit, Mi) on 01/25/2012
★★★★★
I HIGHLY reccomend PR OIL for depression. I have always had great will power and am strong minded, but after a couple of car accidents I have felt weak emotionally and physically for a couple years. I did research and found primrose oil. It is recommended for women, though a lot of men say they have had very much success with it. There are good seminars/workshops you can watch on Youtube if you would like to obtain more information.
Primrose oil works with a lot of different disorders and diseases, good luck!
Exercise, B Complex, Magnesium
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 10/20/2011
★★★★★
Hi Seekthetruth, I found exercise (walking over 1/2 hour), vit B complex and magnesium brought me out of depression. Also omega 3 fish oil is very good for depression. I don't think your friends will find these natural supplements too scary. Hope the best Lily.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/18/2011
I really like 5-HTP, too. I take 50 mg. Every night before I go to bed. It has made a positive difference for me. I am really pleased.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Loretta (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 03/11/2011
My husband has weaned himself off prescription drugs for depression and anxiety. Now we are wondering if it is safe for him to take St. John's Wort and Passion Flower at the same time? He has been taking melatonin in the evenings to help him relax so he can sleep better. Is it okay to take all three (in moderate doses)?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide...Loretta
Oil Pulling
Posted by Dosti65 (Castries, St. Lucia) on 10/11/2010
★★★★★
I have suffered with depression from childhood which I feel has wasted a huge chunk of my life. I now try to treat it with diet, etc, I hate the thought of taking any form of drugs into my body. I feel that they are more damaging in the long term. Always on the lookout for natural ways to relieve the depression, I stumbled on your site last night after reading about OP on another site. Though I was skeptical, It sounded interesting, so I kept reading the testimonials until I came across what one person said about the effect that OP with olive oil had on his depression! Well... I immediately shoved a tbsp of olive oil in my mouth and swirled to my hearts content for 20 mins. What do you know, my mood lifted immediately, I felt motivated, positive, I was singing and dancing, my energy was back! Hey, I was back! I hadn't felt like this in many, many months. My mouth felt great too. I woke up the next morning without the usual panic attacks and feelings of foreboding. I'm stoked! I OP again this morning and my motivation has lasted through out the day. No depression! I just realized that a pain in the throat before doing the OP is completely gone. Hadn't noticed it before, so amazed at the renewed spirits! Still cannot believe this 'miracle', so I'm going to keep monitoring and listening to my body while doing the OP. I plan to do it just in the morning using the olive oil. If this keeps up words will not be able to express how this site and all your comments have given me my life back... No words. Thank-You! Q:Does it make a difference whether one uses olive oil or evoo? I'm a newbie so feedback would be welcome.
Rhodiola
Posted by Ulrike (Boston, Ma Usa) on 07/24/2012
Thanks to everyone who posted about rhodiola. Does anyone know where to buy the root (chopped is fine, but not powdered) grown in Russia, not in China, and preferably organic, or ethically wildcrafated? I prefer making teas and tinctures of the root rather than taking powdered capsules or pills. This is because I like to connect with the plant itself, so the closer to its original form, the better. (This is a beautiful plant judging from online photos. ) My web search has only shown grown in China or pill/capsule form. Also, many thanks for this wonderful website. Have found so much help here and have recommended it to others!
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Shellie (Sevierville, Tn) on 02/01/2010
Rhodiola has done wonders for my anxiety. But I am still having problems with depression and pms. I was wondering if I can take St John's wort and Rhodiola? I am takng 500mg of Rhodiola (3% rosavin and 1% salidrosides) Also, my husband takes St John's wort but it is 300mg (0.3%Hypericin) is this the right kind of St John's wort to take?
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Shellie (Sevierville, Tn) on 02/03/2010
I am still wondering if it is a good idea to take rhodiola and st john's wort both?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, USA) on 12/26/2009 113 posts
Thanks,, from Merryanne in Florida,,maybe the bread carbs are my problem,,I have been crying several time a week for 1 and 1/2 years and blamed it on the fact my dog died,,but it has been 1 and 1/2 years!!! so i think i will cut down real low on the sugar and bread and see what happens in the next couple weeks,,Thanks
Grape Jelly
Posted by Isis (Detroit, Illinois) on 08/19/2009
★★★★★
Me & My freinds notice that when u eat grape jelly, it improves yr mood
Cold Showers
Posted by Seraphina (Lancaster, PA) on 07/17/2023
To the one who was suffering with tennis elbow and depression, might I recommend the Tennis Elbow brace from CVS. It helped mine tremendously. It's gray and is the regular store brand if I remember right . Good luck to you!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Richared (Long, Quebec) on 02/07/2009
Fighting the blues with Fennel
I have been plagued by the so called blues most of my life and so its been a preoccupation with me to find suitable remedies to cure my down times. While the following have more benefits than just making one feel better... they all seem to make life more generally happy for me. So after many years of trying one thing and another.. here's a list that I hope will be helpful..
Fennel..Powder form
Black sesame seed powder...some chinese markets carry it.. I take quarter of a cup a day
Chamomille tea
Garlic
lemon and lime juices
Poppy seeds
''Fleur de sel''.. the salt that they harvest at certain select times
Blackstrop molasses
Omega 3 oils... a must for those prone to the blues like myself
hemp protein..acts for me within minutes especially if I mix it with applesauce
ACV
canadian ginseng..doesn't affect BP as much as others..its a cooler energy than the others
goji berries...soaked first..they are less expensive at chinese groceries
number 8 of the ''Schuessler Salts'' some health food stores carry this..this one affects me a lot.. I feel grounded, good, in tune with my spiritual self.. I have heard others say the same about this one
I hope this helps,
Richard
Oil Pulling
Posted by Burton (Portland, Oregon) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★
I read about oil pulling on this site and decided to try it, though i wasn't aware of any real health problems. I only had olive oil in the house so I went with that for 3 or 4 days and did the neti pot nasal flush afterward each time. I used a tablespoon of oil and swished for 15 minutes, rinsing afterward with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. baking soda in warm water. Throughout the course of those four days I noticed a startling mood elevation and mental clarity that I hadn't had in a very long time. I also noticed alot of sinus drainage and my ability to smell increased. Also my eyes stopped feeling itchy or dry. I switched over to sesame oil because it was recommended, but have since switched back to olive oil and experienced the same mood elevation and mental clarity. This has made me wonder if I was suffering from low-grade depression the whole time. I feel much calmer and focussed, less confused and find alot more reasons to laugh during the day. I also have a TON more energy and work much harder. This energy caused me to have some problems sleeping for the first few days. One last thing is that my beard seems to have gotten much thicker and softer. I'm excited about such a cheap and simple remedy and would recommend it to everyone.
