A few weeks ago, I began having massive panic attacks. When they began to lessen, I started to do some research on hypo thyroidism (runs in the family). My doctor didn’t seem all that interested in my research and sent me for blood tests.
While I was whining at my husband about doctors just wanting to put people on more meds instead of trying to find out what’s really wrong, he mentioned that I’ve been “different” ever since going on Metformin (I’m insulin resistant). He’s right.
I looked up side effects of Metformin, and while anxiety and depression aren’t listed as Metformin side effects, they are symptoms of low blood sugar. I’d already noticed that my blood sugar spiked and dropped like crazy since going on it.
But while looking up alternatives to Metformin, I came across Medications.com. There, there was a huge list of real people’s experiences with Metformin, as well as natural alternatives (supplements). And then I saw another link- about panic attacks. I clicked on over, and there, on Medications.com was someone asking for advice on panic attacks. And one person, mentioned Niacin.
She said her boyfriend was able to wean himself off of 8 depression pills by taking niacin supplements. That she recommended the flushing kind (when you get too much, your face will flush, so you know to drop down a dose), and building it up until that flush happens.
I haven’t tried it yet, but since I went off the Metformin, I only have mild anxiety for about 2 hours a day. I am, however, looking for good multivitamins with a healthy amount of niacin in them. Something I wouldn’t have known to look for before.
WordVixen is an aspiring novelist, health nut (in theory, anyway), and Disney fanatic.
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I’ve got the hypothyroid thing going on. I was diagnosed in 94. Levothyroxine has worked well for me, but for my hormone issues, I take bio-identical compounds from local compounding pharmacies.
You may want to look into those. My body has severe side-effects and reactions to synthetic female hormones.
Belmar Pharmacy 12860 W. Cedar Dr
Lakewood, CO
1.800.525.9473
does mail order and will ship nationally.
You do need a Dr. Prescription. When my original doctor moved (she was an MD and practiced hollistic medicine) I had to go to an HMO b/c of an insurance change. My current Drs are willing to work with me, and continue to refill and prescribe my compounded meds.
I have a friend who’s on compounded thyroid meds. She can’t take the synthetic thyroid hormone.
Hypo-thyroid is very common, but if left untreated, it can wreak havoc on your life. Panic attacks, depression etc are all tied to it.
I want to eventually pursue compound options for insomnia and depression, but $$ is tight and I’m pretty balanced mental health wise right now b/c the currents meds, however unconventional, are working for me.
Darcie Gudgert’s last blog post..Ever wonder what REALLY happens at a writer’s group?
Whoa! I love how your comments pop up my last blog post! That will help increase traffic! Yippee!
Darcie Gudgert’s last blog post..Ever wonder what REALLY happens at a writer’s group?
Darcie- *lol* It’s called CommentLuv, and yeah- it’s pretty sweet.
If you ever put up a WordPress site, I highly recommend it.
My general practitioner doctor has no interest in prescribing anything but happy pills no matter how much research I shoved in her face. So, for now, I plan to order Enzymatic Therapy’s thyroid support supplements. I see my specialist in January, so we’ll see what she has to say.
Unfortunately, I did the best EVAR while on birth control. But I’m trying to get pregnant, so somehow… the two don’t go together.
I’m really glad that you got the meds balanced right for you. I’m hoping that if my diet changes aren’t enough, that my specialist will work with me to get the right mix going. A lot of people don’t realize that medical issues can disrupt their nutrient absorption as much as lack of nutrients can disrupt their medical issues!
I’m hoping the supplements will be enough. I’d hate to have to go through years of “adjust this, no stop that and start this…”. And if you’re hypothyroid, you can’t go raw. Too many goitrogenic foods.
Be careful — I’ve heard Niacin really upsets some people’s tummies. Not sure if it’s true…but it’s in many energy drinks and a few times when buying them, I’ve had people ask me if the Niacin bothers me. I haven’t noticed any trouble, but in large doses it might be noticeable..
Diane Penna’s last blog post..Beauty is in the Eye…
Wow- Thanks for the info Diane! Do you think it’s like zinc where you think you’re going to die if you take it on an empty stomach but is fine with a meal?