Help needed w severe anxiety

Posted By Sim (Culver, Ca) on 05/09/2011

I have been fighting anxiety and depression for last 15 years. Every time I have faced a stressful situation I get severe anxiety. In the past Zoloft has helped me, which I have had to take for only a couple of months. Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and the anxiety was very bad. I was unable to take Zoloft as it interferes with BC medication, Tamoxfien. The doctor put me on Effexor and that is when I started having these strange thoughts in my head. I feel that the earth is going to crash. I cannot look at high rise buildings and full parking lots as I feel that the earth cannot bear the weight and will crumble.

After I read on EC about Niacinamide I stopped Effexor and began taking 2000mg a day. I still have anxiety especially around my periods and these thoughts are driving me insane.

Currently I'm on

  • Niacinamide 2000
  • D3 5000iu
  • Vitamin C 1000mg
  • Fish oil 1000
  • Magnesium Gylcinate 400mg
  • Iron
  • Tamoxfein

I have also tried

  • Iodine Lugol 2%
  • Selenium
  • L Lysine

They did not help.

I have now been on Niacinamide for 7 weeks. I see a slight improvement but not a whole lot. I have read Dr. Hoffer's work with Niacinamide.. I have also noticed a strange feeling in my ears, like they are blocked. Does anyone know if it is being caused by the niacinamide. Maybe it is causing toxicity. I am too scared to leave it. I also suffer from intestinal issues. Lot of gas and bloating. I would appreciate any feedback as I'm very desperate.

REPLY         

Replied by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/10/2011

Google "Tamoxifen and ear problems" and you will see you are not alone. Many people do not take Tamoxifen because of side effects. It could be interfering with the Niacin.
REPLY         

Replied by Julia (Toronto, On) on 05/10/2011

You will be amazed to hear that depression is treatable by nutritional means, once you understand the underlying biochemical mechanism that causes you to be depressed. Please read:

Depression is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/depression_disorder.html

Depression: a Disease of Energy Production at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/index.html


Silent Diseases and Mood Disorders at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/silentdiseases.html

Conquering Anxiety, Depression and Fatigue Without Drugs - the Role of Hypoglycemia
by Professor Joel H. Levitt

http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/hypoglycemia.htm

REPLY         

Replied by Randy (Jersey City, Nj, Usa) on 05/12/2011

I believe Julia is correct, you will want to look at nutritional issues. I suffer from both depression and candida overgrowth, which it sounds like you have because of gas and bloating. I found that the candida was causing nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins B12 and D. get that under control, and you will likely see some improvement in depression symptoms. I've managed to get myself off the lexapro I was taking, due in large part by management of candida. I take 5htp now, which I find has no side effects I'm aware of.

I've also found that long-term depression can dig roots into your way of thinking. I've had to be vigilant in monitoring my self talk. I've found that use of 'self-help' materials, particularly audio tapes, on a regular basis has helped a ton. recognize where your thoughts are hurting you, and change it there.

REPLY         

Replied by Carlos (Brazil) on 05/13/2011

I think you are taking the right approach. It might take some time but I trust you will find a solution to your problem. Be patient with yourself.

However don't be quick in turning down prescribed medication. It has its place too.

The amount of vitamin B3 you are taking is not toxic. Everybody is different but I personally take way more than 2 grams of it everyday with no ill effects.

Also, why niacinamine and not nicotinic acid? I would only take niacinamine if you can't handle the flush. Start slow (50mg) and go up. I personally can take 2 grams of it with a meal and do not flush now. Plus you get the added bonus of having low bad cholesterol, among other things. It will also make your skin glow. Good luck.

REPLY         

Replied by Jr (Coloma, Mi) on 05/14/2011

Julia, Thanks for those web-sites you shared regarding hypoglycemia. I found some very valuable information there.
REPLY         

Back to Anxiety Q&A