I recently tried Kratom for about two weeks at moderately high doses ranging from 10g-20g spread throughout the day. I much enjoyed the increased energy, motivation, and (very) positive mood but, after further research, quick tolerance build and addictive tendency (not to mention cost), I have since stopped. Almost immediately, I was set into a state of extreme exhaustion and mental fog. Yes, these are listed as withdrawal symptoms – however, I’ve felt this same exhaustion throughout my life going back to high school, albeit to varying degrees and sometimes not at all, but it has always loomed over me and affected my quality of life.
Extreme fatigue, in my experience: exhausted upon waking (with 6-8 hours of sleep), nodding off while driving or at lights, falling asleep at my desk no matter what time of day, trouble staying awake in group meetings, wanting to sleep all of the time but never feeling refreshed, feeling like everything is a push or will deplete any energy that I have (simple tasks, like getting up to get a drink, or go to the store), falling asleep while watching TV or reading. With this comes the constant feeling of being “stuck” with no motivation or positive outlook, brain fog, heavy body, feeling like I’m not present, not excited about anything, not wanting to socialize or go out in public, etc.
This comes in waves and with varying degrees of intensity; some days I will feel more “normal” – energized, motivated, positive outlook – and I convince myself there really isn’t a “problem.” But on the days that I feel bad – exhausted to the core – I know something is definitely wrong and that I cannot continue living my life in such a state. Eventually, the fog lifts and I can feel good for days, weeks, or months, but inevitably it comes back at some level and sticks around for days, weeks, or months at varying degrees. Even when I feel good, I usually feel an underlying sense of (mild) anxiety and tiredness. To be clear, I’m naturally a happy, witty, positive, and active person.
Quick background: I’m a physically fit (gym 3-5x/week), 30 year old male; blood pressure and pulse are good, don’t smoke or drink (no drink for almost two years, if I do it’s rare); type 1 diabetic under good control; pretty strict diet ranging between autoimmune-Paleo to standard Paleo (organic, non-GMO, grass-fed, wild caught, etc wherever possible – no chemicals) – note that, for a time, my symptoms improved from eating a “normal” diet, but are now back just as strong as before. Also note that symptoms seem to be present regardless of normal, high, or low blood sugar.
So, what does this have to do with “Brain Health?” I’m looking for some feedback and advice, as I believe I have an underlying neurological imbalance, especially in light of the recent Kratom rebound. I’ve ordered a urine neurotransmitter test to get a loose baseline. But, I’m trying to look at this from every angle and, as such, have also ordered a saliva adrenal function test, a full thyroid and hormone blood panel, and a sleep study. Today, my primary also prescribed a low dose SSRI which, I believe, is asinine considering we don’t yet know what, if any, imbalance exists in serotonin. If anything, I believe dopamine may be low due to my feet/hands almost always feeling cold, overall low sex drive and/or erection quality (doc prescribed Cialis which sometimes works great, and sometimes not at all), general premature orgasm or can’t orgasm - coupled with above symptoms.
About two years ago, I had an adrenal test done and was in normal range. My hormones are intact (testosterone is usually on the higher end). My thyroid is monitored as well but, most recently, my T3 and fT3 were lower and antibodies slightly elevated indicating possible sluggish thyroid due to autoimmune response and my body attacking the thyroid. This prompted my change in dietary lifestyle. Years ago, a DNA test concluded predisposal to gluten sensitivity. In a nutshell: I’m prone to autoimmune issues, gluten exacerbates autoimmune response triggering additional disease and digestive/gut issues. Incidentally, the gut is deemed the second brain and actually helps to regulate and produce certain neurotransmitters.
I’ve tried a myriad of herbs, supplements, etc over the years including but not limited to: racetams, phenibut, Modafinil (keeps me from conking out but still feel underlying tired), adaptogens, HGH, testosterone supplements (natural), amino acids, etc. Caffeine seems to have an okay to minor affect, but quickly wears off and tolerance builds. I can recall a year ago drinking Redlines (250-316mg of caffeine) and still falling asleep at my desk or in meetings. I used to take a lot of preworkout supplements but have since ceased; those were sometimes helpful. Took Adderall once during college and fell asleep soon after. Took it within the last two years and loved the focus and energy.
Currently, in the morning I’m taking black seed (cumin) oil, a raw green vitamin blend, beet powder extract, citrulline malate (for increased NO production, as a saliva test indicated my NO levels were depleted/low), NAC, phosphatidylserine, vinpocetine, Tribulus, fermented cod liver oil, and gelatin. During the day, I have high levels of probiotic intake. At night, I take black seed oil, CBD (cannabidiol) oil, ZMA and have recently started taking GABA. Whether my sleep is productive or not, or is for 6 or 8 hours, I can still wake up exhausted and almost always toss and turn, waking up often due to limbs falling asleep, and have recently had some pretty intense dreams (usually don’t recall dreaming). I’m planning on picking up some organic Ashwagandha tonight in the event that the Kratom really taxed my adrenals, but the bottom line is that I can’t find a combo of supplements that make me feel consistently “normal.” In fact, the Kratom was the only thing that came close to this but is obviously not a solution and causes more issues long term (in my experience). I used to practice transcendental meditation but, nine times out of ten, I can’t stay awake to meditate – even with tea, coffee, or energy drink prior.
I really feel as if my body is depleted of something. Do you all think it best to stop all supplementation in general, to reach more of a baseline? Or, any additional supplements that I should look in to? Is taking the SSRI at this point not advisable (certainly wait until after the neurotransmitter test is completed)? Sorry for the long post, but thank you for any insight and clarity!
Edited by Mayardur, 15 August 2014 - 08:19 PM.
