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Avatar universal

Wanting natural help with anxiety...

Hello all.  I have been having anxiety and panic attacks, not daily but often enough to want help.  I was put on Wellbutrin XL 150 daily a month ago and I spoke with my doc yesterday about tapering off as I feel like it is making me feel more anxious then I did to start with.  I will be tapering off the next 3 weeks and after I that I have to wait 2 weeks with none of the drug in my system before I can start anything else to help with the anxiety.  It is acute anxiety and panic so while I may not feel it everyday, they are intense attacks when I do have them....

All that being said I am looking at natural ways to help cure/stop/prevent whatever the anxiety/panic attacks.  I have gotten great suggestions about breathing techniques that I have started to do but I am wondering if I should be taking a vitamin or herb that will help along with the breathing.  I am taking a prenatal vitamin daily (i had a baby 7 months ago) so that is the only vitamin I am on currently.
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Avatar universal
I have 2 more weeks to go until my system is fully free of the Wellbutrin I was on, then I can start the natural approach.  I am very much looking forward to this!!!  I am going to research that L-theanine as it has been recommended to be by other people on this site as well.  
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Avatar universal
I have had bad anxiety for a couple years now. Tried a lot. I was on Klonopin and it worked. But, I knew it was not a fix and I could not stay on it due to my profession.

What does work for me is: L-theanine and a couple tablespoons of low temperature processed cacao powder. First thing in the morning. I also take Relaxing Sleep Tonic by Herb Pharm as needed.
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Avatar universal
I am having trouble connecting to that link you sent...
Helpful - 0
1390511 tn?1279909938
Hello,
I just want to say that I sympathize greatly with you.  I myself used to have anxiety and panic attacks when I was younger.  I have been through menapause and it seems as though the anxiety and panic attacks are almost completely gone.  Just wondering if there is a hormonal component to your anxiety?  Perhaps your doctor could help you sort that out.  Good Luck, take care of yourself.  Feel better:)
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Avatar universal
My naturopath recommended L-Theanine for anxiety.  She just ordered it for me so I haven't tried it yet.  Good luck to you!
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Avatar universal
hey ljp, i found an article that may be of help to you. here's the link http://www.epharmapedia.com/news/details/11/6/Alternative_treatments_for_depresion.html
read the part that talks about aromatherapy and herbs. i hope you get better
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your input!!  I drink VERY very VERY little caffeine or any sugary drink.  I have not tried taking magnesium... can this be taken at the same time as me weaning off Wellbutrin?  The doc said before I tried any "natural" vitamins I had to wait until 2 weeks after my last week of tapering off before trying anything, otherwise I won't know what is working-the meds or the vitamin.... makes sense I guess!!  I had used the Rescue Remedy before-I keep it in my purse still!!  I just gave up on the natural stuff when I had one weekend of AWFUL keep me up all night anxiety so I went to the doc for help and got put on the meds.....
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Avatar universal
ljp, if you see this, and if you haven't already tried this, you might also try a very simple approach of eliminating all caffeine and adding a magnesium supplement. You should research this yourself, but getting some extra magnesium can help with anxiety and panic attacks.  It works more like a preventative though - not as an instant remedy.  I take 400mg magnesium citrate before bed each night for insomnia and muscle tension, and it works great for me, but I don't have anxiety issues so I can't speak for that personally.  I have friends who have had success with that though.  Don't take too much of it - start low.  Also, if you look for Rescue Remedy, you could keep that handy and use it if you have another attack, which might help.  Good luck.
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Avatar universal
Oh then I have not had the adrenal test.  I will have to go see my PCP to have a full lab workup done.  I went to my OB as they thought I was suffering from post partum anxiety (i had a baby 7 months ago) so they just did the thyroid test.  I am sure for a more thorough test I will need to see my PCP.  I have not had any issues with tapering off the Wellbutrin, I am on my 1st week of only taking it every other day, so I think that handling it naturally is going to work for me.  I am very optimistic!!
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757137 tn?1347196453
No, it is not the same test as for thyroid. The adrenal test consists of 24 hour saliva and urine samples.
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Avatar universal
Wow thank you SO much for your reply!!  You are so knowledgeable when it comes to this subject!!  I have to wait 5 weeks (3 weeks to taper off then 2 weeks to be "clean" of the wellbutrin) before I can try any of those herbs.  I do see a counselor who specializes in anxiety and it does help.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Get a book called Natural Highs by Hyla Cass, a psychiatrist at UCLA.  It's not new, and there's nothing that's got everything in it, but it should give you a good overview of what's available.  You might want to do this with a naturopath, who can guide you remedy by remedy to see how you react and what works, since it's trial and error.  And you must find a talk therapist, perhaps one specializing in CBT, since that's the key.  Some say acupuncture helps.  A typical program would be taking stuff for your adrenals, such as holy basil, eleuthero, ashwagandha, something directly affecting GABA for anxiety, probably passionflower for overall nerve health and kava or valerian or the like as needed, amino acids to regulate your neurotransmitters, such as taurine for GABA, 5-HTP for serotonin, a program of exercise, possibly homeopathy for both temporary relief and constitutional relief, exercise, meditation.  Chinese medicine would probably focus on the kidneys, ayurveda on cleansing.  Good luck in your search.
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Avatar universal
Is that the same test they do for thyroid?  Cause I had that tested adn it was normal...
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757137 tn?1347196453
You might want to have your adrenals tested. You might have high cortisol. That causes anxiety and panic attacks.
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