3 replies to this topic

[Roshan]

Hello Friends,
Having used CBT for my OCD I withdrew cold turkey from Paxil in 2008, and I went on an Ayurvedic multi-herb combination called 'Mentat' here in India ('Mindcare' in the west).Its primary components were Bacopa, Ashwagandha ,Dwarf Morning glory ,Indian Valerian and Gotu Kola. It saved me and was highly effective and tremendously helped my learning (As a Musician), and by 2012 I had slowly decreased my dosage and stopped. Stopping it was extremely difficult but I managed. Two years out ,I'am struggling with poor concentration ,energy and depression along with my OCD playing spoilsport. I need something to help me, but am paranoid about being dependent on it like Paxil and Mentat. I have come up with a proposal of using just One herb Ashwagandha ,and cycling it to not become fully dependent on it. I'am 26 and would like stability in my life for years to come and not coming to a grinding halt each time I take and stop something. What other strategies /products would be possible? Should I try "Natural" products like 5-htp, SAMe etc.Looking forward to hearing your views on this strategy.

[Strelok]

I think reducing the number of substances you depend on makes sense. But I don't think you need to limit yourself too much. Along with ashwagandha, you can try rhodiola and maca. The effects of both of them are good for energy and concentration. It's also important to exercise regularly (at least a couple times a week). This will keep you thinking and feeling better, and has a variety of overall health benefits.

How is your diet? Are you eating clean, wholesome food as opposed to processed crap? And are you sleeping well? Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule to ensure enough quality rest is of the utmost importance for cognition and mood.

[Roshan]

I'am very prompt on exercise , as it is the one thing that truly encourages neuroplasticity. But recently , due to unstability in sleep and energy , I'am not able to be that consistent. My diet is good, and I take Fish Oil & B Vitamins too. It is only due to these factors that I have been able to survive "Drug free" these 2 years. My experiences with withdrawing from Paxil and Mentat have made me believe that to truly have long term stability and progress,I shouldn't be dependent on any substance. But I find that I'm not really "progressing" nowadays, seem to be going backwards .Is my "Drug-free -go for broke- be a hero" attitude hurting me?

[sakay]

I'am very prompt on exercise , as it is the one thing that truly encourages neuroplasticity. But recently , due to unstability in sleep and energy , I'am not able to be that consistent. My diet is good, and I take Fish Oil & B Vitamins too. It is only due to these factors that I have been able to survive "Drug free" these 2 years. My experiences with withdrawing from Paxil and Mentat have made me believe that to truly have long term stability and progress,I shouldn't be dependent on any substance. But I find that I'm not really "progressing" nowadays, seem to be going backwards .Is my "Drug-free -go for broke- be a hero" attitude hurting me?

I would say so