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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KarenRB53 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:31
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea any one???, posted by JohnL on January 23, 2003, at 4:56:10
> I take Rhodiola Rosea and I really like it. My meds do a pretty good job. But Rhodiola adds a nice touch. For me it provides anti-anxiety but increased energy and enthusiasm at the same time. I can tell first thing in the morning that I am generally brighter, happier, and calmer.
>
> There is only one real good brand that I know of. A good brand should have 4% of more Rosavin content. Most brands don't. The one good brand is shipped from Europe, takes about a week, and costs $17, and has 4% Rosavin from true Russian Rhodiola Rosea (versus Rhodiola from other countries which is often inferior or useless).
>
> I felt Rhodiola begin to work the very first day. The dosage of the brand I take is 2 tabs three times a day. But I'm doing fine with just one tab twice a day.
>
> John
Are you still using the Rhodiola Rosea? I need something to help with brain fog and lack of motivation from Celexa so have been reading about this herb. Thanks for any info.Karen
Posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:31
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea any one???, posted by Larry Hoover on January 22, 2003, at 22:22:26
> > Has any one tried this supplement?
>
> I have, and I know a few people who have tried it, too. It seems people either love it or hate it. Unfortunately, I couldn't tolerate it, as it provoked insomnia. However, it was recommended to me by someone for whom it had totally relieved insomnia. We all differ in so many ways <sigh>.
>
> It's reported to help modulate the HPA axis, dampening stress responsivity and increasing resiliency. I didn't take it long enough to know if it would do that for me. I'll probably try it again sometime.
>
> LarThere is so much misinformation in this thread about Rhodiola. First off, to the person who posted that entire commercial about Ameriden, that's only one brand of ninety in the USA, and not one of the best.
Larry, take Rhodiola in the AM. I've taken it for many years. The brand that someone is buying from Europe is probably Arctic Root, by Swedish Herbal Institute. It's a good product but loaded with stuff I didn't want to ingest, such as chemicals and preservatives. Rather than buy it from Europe, you ought to buy it from Arizona at proactivebio.com -- they were the Arctic Root importers but now have a product called Mind Body & Spirit which is the premium Rhodiola in the USA. It has substantially more of the active ingredients than most - you can feel it. I've noticed that it has none of the rough edges that keep someone like Larry from sleeping. Cheap rhodiola just gives you a headache. J.
Posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:31
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea any one??? » Franz, posted by viridis on January 24, 2003, at 0:10:55
> I've never tried Rhodiola, but this thread piqued my interest, so I did a bit of checking. The brand that seems to meet this description is "Arctic Root" from Sweden.
>
> It's a little confusing, because the herb itself is sometimes called arctic root so various brands use this term in their marketing, but the one that's actually called "Arctic Root" appears to be the one that was discussed (JohnL, please correct me if I'm wrong).
>
> Prices for this brand seem to vary a bit, but I think the best I saw was about $14 from www.iherb.com, a company I've found to be very reliable.
>
> Again, I have no experience with Rhodiola and may be confused, but this is what I found in a quick search, and I'll probably try it myself.Yes, you are a bit confused. iHerb is using the name of another company's product to try and sell their cheapie brand of Rhodiola. Believe me, it's nothing like the product they are imitating. For a few dollars more you could get the premium brands.
Posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:32
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea any one???, posted by disney4 on January 26, 2003, at 10:14:58
> Just a quick warning for any one getting ready to try this supplement. I did a Web MD search and this is one of those herbs that can act as an estrogen replacement.
The Web MD article is erroneous. That doctor doesn't write any longer for Web MD and she was quoting work that was done years ago by a Dr. Patricia Egan at the University of Pittsburgh. Egan said that Rhodiola was estrogenic but in reality she couldn't get her work published in a peer-reviewed journal, and so legitmately there is no way to claim that. Millions of women take Rhodiola daily with no impact on estrogen. I know this because my wife has taken it for nearly a decade and our doctor directly refuted that comment about estrogenic behavior of the herb.
Posted by janejane on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:32
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea any one???, posted by JohnJ777 on February 1, 2010, at 9:24:22
John,
Are you sure about the estrogen? I had been taking the rhodiola with mostly good results, but really sank this past week during my PMS time. I took extra rhodiola and seemed to get even more anxious and depressed (yes, I'm taking the MBS brand). I was afraid it might be affecting estrogen after all, and exacerbating the PMS.
I also read that rhodiola can be hypoglycemic, which I worry might be why I always wake up hungry and irritable. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks for any insight you can offer. I really want this herb to work, and it seemed like it was really helping for a while, but lately, it seems to be doing more harm than good. I wonder whether I need a break.
Posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:32
In reply to Rhodiola, estrogen, hypoglycemia » JohnJ777, posted by janejane on February 1, 2010, at 10:50:29
> John,
>
> Are you sure about the estrogen? I had been taking the rhodiola with mostly good results, but really sank this past week during my PMS time. I took extra rhodiola and seemed to get even more anxious and depressed (yes, I'm taking the MBS brand). I was afraid it might be affecting estrogen after all, and exacerbating the PMS.
>
> I also read that rhodiola can be hypoglycemic, which I worry might be why I always wake up hungry and irritable. Any thoughts on this?
>
> Thanks for any insight you can offer. I really want this herb to work, and it seemed like it was really helping for a while, but lately, it seems to be doing more harm than good. I wonder whether I need a break.I don't know anything about "hypoglycemic" issues. But my wife has taken Rhodiola for years, starting at perimenopause and through post menopause. Millions of women take Rhodiola every day. Someone would have been able to prove something scientifically if it had estrogenic properties -- not this herb, for sure.
Sounds to me like you are not maintaining a normal dose. Did you know that Rhodiola is one of the most dose-dependent herbs there is? At small doses, the herb acts one way (energetic) and at large doses it acts another (sedative). You have to find the dose that is right below the point at which it starts to change, and go with that. Not adding an "extra" capsule here or there when you have some issue. It's likely not Rhodiola causing your concerns if you have a good dose and stick with it. ): J.
Posted by janejane on February 7, 2010, at 23:20:16
In reply to , posted by on December 31, 1969, at 18:00:00
John,
I had been taking 1 cap per day, but the depression got worse during my PMS time so I increased it to two and it didn't help, in fact it seemed to make it worse, if anything. I can't imagine I need three since I'm a very small person and usually only require small doses of stuff. How do you go about finding the right dose? I felt pretty anxious when taking two, but that may have been from the PMS rather the the RR. How much does your wife take?
I'm afraid that RR just doesn't have a strong enough AD effect for me, especially at that time of the month (even during the rest of the month, the depression wasn't completelye eliminated). I did add 10 mg of prozac daily (1/2 of usual starting dose) so hopefully that will help. What do you think?
Posted by DANAUSA on February 7, 2010, at 23:20:16
In reply to , posted by on December 31, 1969, at 18:00:00
My Naturopath has me take a proprietary blend that contains Rhodiola Rosea extract. I can only get it from him. It works well and smoothes the edges of a 30 year sufferer of irritability. I have been able to cut down on Trazodone a bit.
Posted by KarenRB53 on February 7, 2010, at 23:27:05
In reply to Rhodiola Rosea--- JohnL, posted by Peter S. on February 3, 2003, at 12:22:06
> Hi John,
>
> Can you say a little more about your experience with rhodiola Rosea? What brand do you use? How much per day do you take? Any other effects/side effects? Do you know why this stuff isn't more well-known?
>
> Thanks!
>
> > Hi,
> > In a perfect world you could have a Pdoc that would treat you with whatever med improves your life dramatically.
> >
> > You know, you could actually go right through the yellow pages and call every Pdoc there is to tell them you have a condition that responds excellent to opioid meds and that you would like to be carefully treated and monitored with them. Nine out of ten will give you a no, or some round about thing, or some politically correct answer, or you have to have an appointment first, or whatever. But sooner or later you are going to stumble onto someone that says, "Sure, that sounds interesting, come in and see me".
> >
> > I've done that in the past and it worked good. I found just the Pdoc I was looking for. But it was a lot of work and a lot of blind phone calls out of the yellow pages.
> >
> > I have symptoms similar to yours. The combo that works great for me, in terms of motivation, interest, feeling alive, is 20mgProzac plus 300mgAdrafinil plus 5mgZyprexa, as well as the herb Rhodiola Rosea. Prozac alone did nothing for me except make me numb. But for some strange reason it goes really well with the other meds.
> >
> > Rhodiola Rosea is a fairly unknown herb. It is claimed to be a powerful antidepressant, anti-anxiety, prosexual, and mild stimulant. It is said to be better than St Johnswort, SAMe, Ginseng, or Gingko. Based on my own personal curious trials of this herb, I have to admit that all of the above claims are true with me. Rhodiola helps me in a lot of ways.
> >
> > Anyway...Rhodiola boosts serotonin function, dopamine function, and...drum roll please...beta endorphines and opioids. Probably not nearly as powerful as a pharmaceutical, but who knows. I can feel it for sure. If interested, be sure to try a brand that has 4% Rosivin extract content. You'll have to mailorder it. Good idea to let your doc know what you are doing, if for no other reason he/she can document your progress.
> >
> > If you try it and don't like it, then let the fingers do the walking through the yellow pages. :-)
> >
> > JohnL
> >
> > > hi , i have found several threads in here that were very helpful , i have so called abused opioids in the past , only because i actually felt ALIVE , INTERESTED and motivated ... if i could look forward to once a week of using them i would .. at least i would have some hope for that week .. any way , the only drugs i have been prescribed so far are prozac , effexor and wellbutrin .. I'm still BLAH.... do i really have to go thru the almost endless list of meds before they may even consider some for of opiates? i know how i feel and the only time i felt well was when i got percocet from the dentist , or vicodin when i broke my ankle ,, i must tell you that i have this chronic state since i have been 12 yrs ,... i used to wonder why people got so excited about life !!! i also wondered how people held down jobs cooked dinner and spent time with family .. i can't do all these things with out getting tired .. but while on percoset i get energy .. strange huh? i can't clean , do laundry and shop all in one day , i can only pick one or two a day and i don't know if it is because i have to push myself to do these things that zap my energy or i just do not have energy to begin with , and i know that i am not lazy .. i've had blood tests to rule out physical things .. all were clear .. why does depression make you tired???? is it because i push to do things , is it because the boredom and lack of interest ??? why ??? i had an ultram script from the dentist but it was 2 1/2 years old and only 50mgs ,, i have thrown it out long ago so there is no trying that .. what upsets me also is that these drugs that they will try will take weeks to see if they work and i am so tired of feeling this way .. soo sooo tired ... weeks seem like years . sleep is my only escape but this is so sad .. my life is sad :{ ...
> > > i also want to add that i think many alcoholics and addicts are difficient in enorphin and opioid areas of the brain.. and that it is passed down genetically , my family is riddled with depression , alcoholism and bipolor .. does anyone know of a doctor in the pennsylvania area that is open to opiate treatment.. please give me some feedback .. thanks laura
> >
> >
>
>Hi JohnL: Don't know if you're still on the board or not but thought I'd try. Are you still using the Rhodiola Rosea? I'm presently on Celexa and while it does help the depression, I have absolutely no motivation. I'm filled with a kind of nothingness. So I was wondering about adding either the Rhodiola or Adrafinil? Any suggestions appreciated.
Karen
Posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:27:27
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea--- JohnL » Peter S., posted by KarenRB53 on January 21, 2010, at 14:55:19
Karen,
Get a reading on how much Rhodiola to add from your doctor, or an alternative safe way to add it to your existing meds is to use a water-soluble, high quality rhodiola like Mind Body & Spirit (thats from brand called Verde Botanicals or proactivebio.com), and to start with just a one-half capsule in water, juice, coke, etc. You can add a bit at a time that way. Most Rhodiola just clumps up and is disgusting when you try to mix it with juice, but you can do it with this one. Plus, it has more than the usual rosavins, etc./ Good luck! J.
Posted by morganator on February 12, 2010, at 16:58:07
In reply to Rhodiola, estrogen, hypoglycemia » JohnJ777, posted by janejane on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:32
> John,
>
> Are you sure about the estrogen? I had been taking the rhodiola with mostly good results, but really sank this past week during my PMS time. I took extra rhodiola and seemed to get even more anxious and depressed (yes, I'm taking the MBS brand). I was afraid it might be affecting estrogen after all, and exacerbating the PMS.
>
> I also read that rhodiola can be hypoglycemic, which I worry might be why I always wake up hungry and irritable. Any thoughts on this?
>
> Thanks for any insight you can offer. I really want this herb to work, and it seemed like it was really helping for a while, but lately, it seems to be doing more harm than good. I wonder whether I need a break.What about lower your Celexa dose or switching to a very low dose of Lexapro?
You could always try adding a low dose of Nortriptilyne or Savella. I know this is the alternative board but I'm just throwing out some thoughts here.
Are you taking omega 3s? Have you ever tried taking chia seed?
What about Sam e? Not sure if it is ok to combine this with an SSRI though.
Posted by morganator on February 12, 2010, at 17:00:54
In reply to Re: Rhodiola, estrogen, hypoglycemia, posted by morganator on February 12, 2010, at 16:58:07
OOps! that post was meant for Karen, kinda. I would still highly recommend chia seed to anyone, mentally healthy or not.
Posted by ihatedrugs on February 13, 2010, at 18:09:57
In reply to Re: Rhodiola Rosea any one???, posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:31
I've purchased Rhodiola from the company you guys suggested and began taking it but don't feel a difference in my mood. How long does it normally take to work?
Posted by janejane on February 13, 2010, at 18:58:49
In reply to Re:how long for Rhodiola to work, posted by ihatedrugs on February 13, 2010, at 18:09:57
I noticed a difference the same day, but it may take longer for you. I think you should give it a couple weeks before giving up. I'm guessing you're probably starting out with one capsule in the morning. If this is the case, and you don't feel a difference, maybe add another in the early afternoon in a few days and see what happens. I think this is what it says to do in the instructions.
I'm assuming here you're not taking other meds... if you are, you should probably check with your doc first to make sure it isn't contraindicated.
Posted by JohnJ777 on February 15, 2010, at 0:23:44
In reply to Re:how long for Rhodiola to work, posted by ihatedrugs on February 13, 2010, at 18:09:57
> I've purchased Rhodiola from the company you guys suggested and began taking it but don't feel a difference in my mood. How long does it normally take to work?
It takes sometimes weeks to get the effect, and it will be well worth it. Hang in there -- took me two boxes. I was on my third box (at $20 each) when I suddenly realized, quite overnight, that my whole outlook had changed.
I don't know WHERE this "take one capsule" thing comes from. You'll need two to three a day. I take three a day, my wife takes four. The box says "average dose is two capsules a day." Anyone who buys one box, takes one a day and expects something to happen is in dream land.
Posted by janejane on February 15, 2010, at 11:38:29
In reply to Re:how long for Rhodiola to work, posted by JohnJ777 on February 15, 2010, at 0:23:44
>Anyone who buys one box, takes one a day and expects something to happen is in dream land.
I'm sorry but I had quite a profound effect the first day I took one capsule. I was NOT expecting it to work (as none of the many previous supplements I tried had), so it cannot be written off as a placebo effect.I think it's prudent to start with one and work up, if necessary. This is what the instructions recommend, and it jibes with most of the literature I've read. It's generally a good policy to be conservative when starting any new supplement or med, anyway.
Posted by meltingpot on April 19, 2010, at 9:38:13
In reply to Re: Rhodiola, estrogen, hypoglycemia, posted by JohnJ777 on February 7, 2010, at 23:19:32
I tried taking this for a week on it's own and for a week alongside Seroxat. On it's own it seemed to do nothing at all for my depression and anxiety (with suicidal thoughts). with the Seroxat it just seemed to make me feel more tired.
Perhaps I should try it again for at least six weeks next time. I'm just very, very cynical about alternative treatments.
Denise
Posted by morganator on April 19, 2010, at 23:08:17
In reply to Re: Rhodiola, estrogen, hypoglycemia, posted by meltingpot on April 19, 2010, at 9:38:13
Alternative treatments work, there are real mechanisms at work. Unfortunately, just as with pharmaceuticals, they don't work for everyone.
What brand of Rhodiola do you have? Brand matters. Two of the best are New Chapters's and Mind Body and Spirit.
This is the end of the thread.
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