4 replies to this topic

[zena]

Hi all, I need advice,

I began taking St. John`s Wort few days ago for depression. This was the first choice while waiting for the order I made: 5-HTP, Vinpocetine, Suntheanine and SAMe, all arriving in 3 weeks time. St. John`s Wort created some problems; I became extremely tired while my anxiety raised, I tend to forget things worst than before taking it, I feel kind of foggy, the level of energy is even lower and lost my appetite. The depression it`s slowly lifting up(ironically, in the state of mind described above, I feel more optimistic and motivated) but I`m wandering if it`s worth all these side effects.
It crossed my mind that maybe it`s the effect on dopamine (I did try Tianeptine with about same results while Elavil worked for me for a long time.) My questions would be:

Do you think the supplements I ordered will correct the effect?
What can I do till they arrive?

I would appreciate any suggestion.
Zena

[xanadu]

I've used SJW and never got the effects you mention. When I used it I noticed more energy than before. What is Suntheanine, some brand of theanine? All those things can help somewhat though I'm not sure vinpocetine will affect your mood.

[outsider]

I don't think 5-htp is that great for depression. I know the theory is there but there is evidence that your body develop a tolerence.

You would be better off with Rhodiola rosea. It's faster acting than SJW and some study state that it can boost you serotonine by 30% or something like that.

And of course if everything else fail then there is the big one: Sceletium Tortuosum. Some say it is 10 times as powerful as SJW.

[xanadu]

I've tried Sceletium Tortuosum and only got mild sedative effects. I guess everyone reacts differently to certain things. I used sjw for some time, I still have some caps. I just don't need the stimulation. zena, if you are looking to overcome depression and the sjw is working for that, might as well stay with it. I think piracetam is a mood booster. Idebenone seems to thave a stimulant effect but I'm not sure if you should take it just for that reason.