Almost 40, chronic back pain, anxiety disorder, depression, PTSD.

[tab143]

Currently have had my anxiety and depression spike, with that I've found myself on the internet/YouTube trying to find herbal/OTC ways to get that relaxed state like my benzodiazepines used to. I am not on those currently, and with searching I found nootropics, phenibut-Kratom-kava kava- how they can help with mood and suppress the anxiousness. I have trouble leaving my house, if I do go out I'm anxious to get done and go home. My daughter is going to be 2 in a week, she deserves to go outside EVERY SINGLE DAY. I am on methadone for other situations that I had chosen to get involved in my early 20's. I am tapering at a very very VERY slow rate, and I am wanting to be able to have a relief with my anxiety mainly, if it helps with pain as well that would be a plus. As a newbie with nootropics I just want to find something to help me relax. So I've found many answers on here so I figured I should register. Great place too!!

 

[CousinCocaine]

Hi tab, I also have anxiety, chronic back pain, used to have really severe depression but I've been doing better with it lately and I haven't been diagnosed officially yet but almost certain I have PTSD (I have flashbacks and drastic mood swings when I see something that triggers a memory of something very difficult I went through in my past but also sometimes for no known reason). I think you are a very brave person, I don't even wanna think about how bad I'd be without my benzos + you're raising a child while tapering off of methadone, you are a inspiration to others who are going through really hard times!

My first recommendation would be to check and see if your area has a medical marijuana program, if you're like me all of the conditions you listed would be much more manageable and some might go away completely (unfortunately I can't get it legally in my state even though it helps more than anything), if it is available in your area and you are open to the idea I'd recommend talking to your doctor about getting a referral/card, with those problems I can't possibly see your request being denied. If you can't get it in your area or you don't want to use it I'd recommend CBD oil. CBD is a non psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis, for me it helps with pain somewhat, reduces flashbacks the frequency and intensity somewhat, is really good for anxiety but doesn't really effect depression. You had mentioned phenibut I've never used it and don't really know about it's effects but have heard it can be really addictive so I'd avoid it until someone who has had experience with it can tell you about it. Kratom is just amazing for everything especially pain but I don't know if mixing it with methadone is safe. As for Kava Kava I personally think it's better for anxiety than 10mg of Valium, it's very uplifting and helpful with depression, never had a flashback while on it but I don't think it helps pain + I'm not sure about mixing it with methadone.

I would definitely go ahead and recommend you try the CBD because it is very safe to mix with other stuff. If I were you I'd do some more research on if the Kava Kava and/or Kratom are safe to mix with methadone (there are many drug interdiction checking tools online that also check for interactions with herbs/supplements) and if it's safe try the one you think would help the most. If nothing else works maybe talk to your doctor about putting you back on benzodiazepines at a low dose on an as needed basis, so that you aren't likely to become addicted and if you really don't wanna go back on benzos ask your doctor about hydroxyzine which some people find to be helpful for anxiety and not addictive I just didn't benefit from it personally. Anyway I truly hope this was helpful and I wish you the best of luck.