Natural vs. Conventional Medicines and Treatments

[myvandj]

So is it okay to be on so many meds that you are numb. When are you really able to deal with life without feeling overly medicated? I have been on meds so long I wonder what the "real me" is like. If something is so good for you(meds) why is the withdrawal so severe? Also I have been doing EMDR and it is really helping me to deal with my past.

 

[anthony]

Anthony, do you think that once the majority of males have discovered the benefits, that the medical community will be forced to accept it all?

One would hope so... though first males need to shift their perception of female equality, so men and women are actually equal in the workforce, then with females beginning to dominate more in medical, hopefully it will begin to shift naturally. But that's another discussion... and women have one major flaw to overcome in combination with males and their ego... being female female interaction! Again, another story all together.

 

[Phaed]

Have you tried St. John's Wort? I am considering it as my syptoms were triggered and I am really struggling. I had been off meds for almost a year now and was feeling so much better than I did when I took them. I have added exercise, mindfulness and some herbs such as Valerian for sleep as well as a B complex. Until last week this was working great then I started the Lorazepam again when I was triggered and feel like I am on a downward spiral into depression. Any idea's or should I just get to a new Dr?

 

[cherryblossom]

I haven't tried St John's Wort, but just wanted to offer a word of warning if you were going to try it. Although it is a plant extract, it can interfere with conventional/prescribed medication, including female contraceptive implants, prescribed antidepressants, and benzodiazepines (lorazepam), so please be sure to get a professional opinion from a Doctor before you take this, if you are on any prescribed medications.

 

[Phaed]

[ Although it is a plant extract, it can interfere with conventional/prescribed medication, including female contraceptive implants, prescribed antidepressants, and benzodiazepines (lorazepam), so please be sure to get a professional opinion from a Doctor before you take this, if you are on any prescribed medications.[/quote]

Thank you, this is good information.

I am not currently on any other medications. I was taking Lorazepam for sleep for a few nights since last week but have stopped that last night and slept much better just taking Valerian. Not to mention I feel better today, not coming down from the Lorazepam.

I have been using a hollistic approach to my PTSD for about a year now, without conventional meds. I added some herbs for sleep but mostly just eating a healthy diet, growing many of my own vegetables, organic, taking vitamins, etc. Exercise and mindfulness have also been very helpful.

This was all working quite well until I was triggered last week. I did some EMDR this week and quit taking the Lorazepam again, I think I am getting back on track. I'll let you all know how the St. John's Wort is if I decide to try it. I am feeling quite a bit better today.

 

[anthony]

I tried it initially, it didn't do a damn thing for the depression.

 

[allitherapy]

So is it okay to be on so many meds that you are numb. When are you really able to deal with life without feeling overly medicated? I have been on meds so long I wonder what the "real me" is like. If something is so good for you(meds) why is the withdrawal so severe? Also I have been doing EMDR and it is really helping me to deal with my past.

I think you hit the nail on the head here. Medications can mask symptoms and give temporary relief. What will really do the most good is to really work at getting to the source of your problems and dealing with those in a way which is beneficial for you. Good therapy is really the best medicine. Of course, that's not to say that many people still need medication even when they've tackled their issues in therapy. My point is that no drug is ever going to target the cause of the problems. Only therapy can help with that and that takes work. So many people don't want to do the work, so they look toward drugs as their sole "coping strategy". Therapy should be the primary treatment; medication for symptoms that persist even when therapy is successful.

 

[Phaed]

I tried it initially, it didn't do a damn thing for the depression.

I tried a very small amount and the anxiety seemed to outweigh the benefit, I am often anxious about taking anything new. I am often anxious about most things actually :)

Thanks for your feedback.