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@texasduchess

You can learn about some supplement interactions here—https://bottomlineinc.com/health/supplements/new-dangers-supplement-users

My discontinuation symptoms began at the end of the first week of June (about six weeks after my last tapered dose of Effexor). I tried Thean*ne Serene, Anxi*-T, Natur*al Calm and 5-HTP for the anxiety and took melatonin, valerian and Ben*dryl to sleep. On 6/19, in desperation about the akasthisia, I sent my husband to Vitam*n Sh*ppe at 8:30 pm to get L-tryptophan before they closed at 9. Taking one 500 mg L-tryptophan as soon as he got back immediately relieved the akathisia (agitation/anxiety/restlessness) I was feeling.

Note: I am not a doctor and you should consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

I am taking 4-5 times per day (usually 4 to 5 hours apart, depending on how late I stay up):
• 3 1,000 mg fish oil capsules (EPA 650 mg)
• 1 500 mg L*dtke brand l-tryptophan (This made such a difference to the agitation I was feeling!)
• 2 500 mg Solg*r brand GABA
• 1 500 mg l-arginine
• 1 470 mg ashwagandha root extract capsule
• 5 100 mg B6 tablets (now reduced to 2 qty)

Occasionally I take:
• Dram*mine (for vertigo)
• Ben*dryl (sleep aid) as needed (I don't need it very often now)
• My oncologist who prescribed the Effexor many years ago prescribed 15 5 mg diazepam to take as needed when the akathisia/anxiety gets too bad. Since filling that prescription on 6/20 and figuring out what supplements help me, I’ve only used 5.5 tablets (taking 1/2 tablet now and then).
• Lemon balm Purported to possess sedative, or tranquilizing effects.
• Kava Increases the number of attachment sites for GABA in the brain. By creating more attachment sites, the effects of GABA might be more profound, which results in a mild sedated state. (Good for the fluttery feeling I sometimes get in my chest and anxiety.)
• Rhodiola rosea extract—Modulates the enzyme monoamine oxidase which metabolizes serotonin. When it is inhibited, serotonin synthesis increases.

I was on Effexor for 18 years, so I don't expect to return to normal for a while yet. I will keep up this regimen for another 45 days and then try tapering to 3-4 times per day, 1-2 times per day, etc.

P.S. I have noticed that I must be careful what shows I watch (nothing too violent, too stimulating, too many camera angles) and I can't get too hot (it's August in Texas!), or I start feeling anxious/agitated. So, I am trying to maintain an even keel and not do anything out of the ordinary for now (so not taking up skydiving).

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Replies to "You can learn about some supplement interactions here—https://bottomlineinc.com/health/supplements/new-dangers-supplement-users My discontinuation symptoms began at the end of..."

I have added 1 1,000mg Vitamin C capsule to the list above to help the l-tryptophan.