TDS Herbal remedies and opaite withdrawal

[theseeker]

Hey Guys,

Once again I seek the counsel of TDS. I've been taking Ultram every day for like 2 years. A few weeks ago my psychologist made a pretty convincing argument for me to complete my taper (which stalled) and get off the pills once and for all. I took his good advice and am getting down to some low dosages. I'm tapering slowly (10% per week or until I feel stable). I'm really determined to get off this shit, I've kept to my schedule for a month now.

So far, this is the easiest w/d I've ever been through. I can sleep through the night (7.5 mg Valium helps) and I have no restless hands/legs....yet. I might not even get them.

My problem: I've been getting some pretty bad depression/ irritability. I know I brought it on myself- it's a consequence of a bad lifestyle choice I made and I gotta deal with it. I know I'm going to have to pay the piper- even if it's just a little. but I wouldn't mind seeing if there was a way to minimize the depression.

Have you guys had any success with herbal supplements such as SAMe, 5HTP, Siberian Ginsing, L-tryptophan or any other such supplements when in opiate w/d (especially tram w/d)? I'm naturally skeptical of herbal remedies and dietary supplements. However, that doesn't mean I should rule them out.

My psychologist recommended them, so I figured I'd ask TDS what their experiences with such things has been.

Thanks for any help!

 

[neversickanymore]

I would recommend exercise, sex, fatty and salty and sugary foods, hugs, meetings, thinking about things you enjoy doing, caffeine, basically anything that gives a dopamine kick, good luck.. you can do this

Also consider and check with a professional about trying Phenylalanine.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenylalanine, its a precursor to dopamine.. or Tyrosine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrosine.

 

[theseeker]

Thanks for the information neversick! I think a lot of us think that just because something is natural- it's safe. I'm going to get the bike out tomorrow after work and bike/hike through the weekend. Excercise has always helped in the past. I just got a new bike for just this instance.

 

[Morphling]

Lemon balm(melissa officianalis), oats(avena spp), kava kava root(piper m.). L-theanine to help relax.

 

[ad lib]

L-theanine to help relax.

This.

I L-theanine, I find it so helpful.

 

[Vaya]

• L-Theanine
• Inositol
• Magnolia Bark Extract
• Baicalin
• 5-HTP
• Valerian
• Kava extract
• Chamomile

These have all been of great benefit to me during acute withdrawal from both benzodiazepines and opiates; i found L-Theanine, Inositol, Baicalin and 5-HTP particularly helpful.

I want to remind you though theseeker that i am no licensed practitioner of medicine, and i urge you to consult with a physician before stacking up on nootropics - most especially if you are currently taking any medications, my friend!

Take care of yourself!

 

[theseeker]

Thanks Vaya! That's exactly what I need: real experiences from people who have gone through actual w/d.

I'm so glad I asked people here- my psychologist is a really good guy and has really helped with my anxiety/ panic issues. But I'm not sure he knows much about opiate w/d and drugs in general.

 

[Vaya]

If you're dealing with anxiety, a fantastic, effective and non habit forming anxiolytic I am using to decrease the amount of valium I take each day is Buspar. You might consider speaking to your doctor about that option, as well.

And, really, any time man. :D

~ Vaya

 

[bagochina]

Look into TCM (traditional chinese medicine) for help with herbal remedies for opiate w/d. I used acupuncture to help alleviate the shakes that I would get, worked well but I never had herbs specific for w/d. Chinese herbs and/or formulations are usually pretty specific towards the person and symptoms. I would recommend visiting a practioner that has prior experience scripting herbs for opiate w/d.

http://mededucation.bjmu.edu.cn/reportreference/TCMdetail.asp?id=83

 

[Leanna]

Thanks or the tips neversick. Any coping tips is alway appreciated. Just a question is L-tyrosine the same as phenylalanine and tysorine? And what amounts are safe for detox? I'm in the middle of methadone detox currently on 7ml( not sure about micrograms conversion) I need to be off my may 21st. And prepare for residential treatment and must be complexity clean and stable. As in not sick.