malisad0r wrote:
thanks Anthea!
I read over your entire website and feel so much more informed! I definately have PMDD and I've already started most of your steps for treating it naturally. I was amazed about the water facts involving the pinch of salt, I always thought that salt caused bloating! The only question I had was, is the anti-anxiety drug Mirtazapine an okay alternative to L-Tryptophan, as I have been on this for a year, initially for mood swings and sleeping? Or is this just another Zoloft that should only be temporary? I have suffered depression on and off for a few years and was on Aurorix before I found Mirtazapine (a new anti-depressant). My mum and all her sisters also suffer PMDD quite severely.
I guess I just need to know if I'm doing the best thing and not intesd just allowing my PMDD to worsen over the years (I'm 23).
Thank again,
Malisad0r
My answer:
"Mirtazapine is unrelated to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Mirtazapine belongs to the piperazino-azepine group of compounds ..." -- extract from:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/mirtaz.htm
I do not recommend substituting L-Tryptophan with another drug/substance when doing the PMDD Cure (
http://www.geocities.com/pmddandpms/pmddcure.html) as it would defeat the whole purpose of this particular naturopathic treatment.
L-Tryptophan (a completely natural amino acid) has specific functions in support of vital-for-life functions, e.g. L-Tryptophan is the natural precursor to Serotonin and other natural chemicals/hormones in the body.
If you do decide to start L-Tryptophan supplementation as part of the treatment mentioned on my site, I recommend you discuss this with your doctor first. It may not be wise to stop your medication right away, and I do not know the interactions between L-Tryptophan and Mirtazapine.
I hope this answers your questions. Let me know if you need any more info., etc. I will answer to the best of my knowledge.