Morning Anxiety/Dread with Tapering : What I think might be causing it.

Hello, I am back. Been doing some heavy research in the anxiety/dread feelings I had in the mornings on certain days of the taper. It always appears after day 8 for 3 or 4 days. The best guess is that it is the cortisol levels being spiked due to the withdrawal process with each taper. Along with the cortisol spiking there is a lowering of dopamine which explains the anxiety (high cortisol) and dread (lowered dopamine).

I feel better because I know why it is occurring and possibly I can try and help myself.

Now there are so many different problems one can have with elevated cortisol levels and so many chain reactions in the body with this problem, to much to get into because this is about antidepressant withdrawal. It is true that if you take an antidepressant, it will cause your cortisol level to rise and this is where you run into trouble.

High cortisol levels can cause:

Increase blood sugar
Depress immune function
Anxiety
Depression
Slow thyroid function
Increase appetite
Weight gain (mainly stomach area)
Decrease Bone Density
Osteoporosis
Loss of muscle mass
And many more.

What raises cortisol :
Stress
Antidepressants
Antidepressant Withdrawals
Sugar
Coffee
Chocolate
Bad diet of junk food and highly processed foods.


What I have found out about lowering cortisol:

Exercise lowers cortisol and I know I have written it the past on how much better I feel during withdrawals after I exercise. Aerobic exercise is so much
better to help relieve the symptoms for 30mins a day at least. I find the an elliptical or cross trainer works best for me and that I take my time and do it slowly and evenly (not speeding up and slowing down) I breath in with deep breaths ever 5 mins or so.

Supplements (I am very wary of adding anything to my intake that can have an effect on my central nervous system)

Supplements that help with high cortisol levels:

Magnesium
Fish Oil
Vitamin C
Zinc
Phosphatidylserine : Phosphatidylserine is believed to facilitate the repair of the cortisol receptors in the hypothalamus. It is believed that the cortisol receptors get damaged by high cortisol levels reducing the ability of the hypothalamus to sense and correct high cortisone levels.


Herbs: (not sure if this will help with high cortisol levels due to withdrawals but I might try them at low doses sometime)

Magnolia bark (magnolia officinalis) - Rich in two biphenol compounds, magnolol and honokiol, which are thought to contribute to the primary anti-stress and cortisol-lowering effects of the plant.

Ashwaganda – sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng, the herb provides a range of effects that are largely comparable to Siberian ginseng, although the plants are not in any way related. Ashwaganda contains withanolides, phytosterols and alkaloids which Ayurvedic practioners have used for centuries to help patients resist stress and related symptoms. The herb is noted for it's ability to balance out adrenal and thyroid problems and has been used to address hypofunction at both of these energy-producing glands.

Rhodiola Rosea – typically identified as an ideal herb to enhance both physical and mental resistance to stress. As well as providing adaptogenic effects at the adrenal glands, rhodiola can block the depletion of norardrenaline and dopamine that typically occurs in stressful situations. Healthier levels of these two catecholamines are related to better mental performance, energy and mood.

Foods:
Proteins: Good sources of protein include lean cuts, beans, and nuts.
Omega 3 food sources - olive oil, beans, tuna, trout or salmon.
Gluten free grains - buckwheat, quinoa, or millet.
Vegetables and Fruit

I plan on trying Phosphatidylserine or Magnolia bark as I have them ordered. Hopefully one of them might help.

TooDazed