Panic attacks & Depression

[YupThisAlex]

My mom suffers from panic attacks and depression. She takes one pill of effexor in the morning. Before she used to take 6 pills a day, but after years the doctor lowered to dosage. Now she has cholesterol problems. The doctor is having problems giving her the medication because it will interfere with effexor? I think, I wasn't there to hear exactly what the doctor said.

Any advice?

[Health Dr. 1]

The use of pharmaceutical medications for one issue can certainly complicate other issues that may arise. I think that a possible solution may lie in a re-evaluation of the situation. Instead of trying to simply find a compatible medication with the Effexor, I would suggest that working with a chiropractor, naturopath, or other trained physician familiar with natural remedies may be the answer. A healthier solution is attempting to eliminate the Effexor completely under a doctor’s care. Some steps that she may be able to take in the meantime include a series of cleanses, primarily a colon cleanse and a liver/gallbladder flush. Reducing the amount of compacted fecal matter in the colon can help to reduce the amount of toxic re-absorption that takes place when the body is not eliminating correctly. Continual exposure to toxins can have a definite impact on mood. Further, a liver/gallbladder flush can aid in the removal of fat-soluble toxins in the liver and possibly help maintain normal liver function. This, in itself, is a good first step toward helping the body to produce healthy cholesterol levels. A good protocol for the cleanses can be found at /www.ghchealth.com/liver-and-gallbladder-flush.html.

Other supplements that may be beneficial include a high-quality multi-vitamin/multi-mineral; I suggest Intramax because it is highly absorbable due to the fulvic acid in the product. I would also suggest a good probiotic, such as Latero-flora. This can aid in replenishing healthy bacteria in the intestine that may have been destroyed due to the long-term use of medication. Further, I would suggest regular use of organic, cold-pressed hemp and flax oils and/or fish oils; please make sure that fish oils are also certified free of mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants. The essential fatty acids contained in these oils can also be very helpful in some cases of mood disorders.

As stated previously, I would highly recommend working with a Naturopath or similar doctor that can educate your mother regarding diet and lifestyle habits. They can also evaluate hormone levels, thyroid levels, and other potential contributors to depression. You may also discuss other supplements such Lithium Orotate and SAMe that may work as alternatives in her particular situation.