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Author Topic: Serotonin questions  (Read 14473 times)

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Offline wolfter

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Serotonin questions
« on: March 13, 2013, 12:05:41 pm »
Modified the post to ask if anyone has had any luck with naturally changing their serotonin levels. 
« Last Edit: March 13, 2013, 12:20:55 pm by wolfter »
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2013, 01:16:34 pm »
anyone has had any luck with naturally changing their serotonin levels. 

Why?


Basically eat right, sleep and exercise...

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/serotonin-boosters/#axzz2NRNbaN7U

Barring that I suppose some of the anti-depressants act on Serotonin levels.
Although this wouldn't be considered "natural". Neither would X which rapidly releases ALL of the Serotonin into the blood, which is amazing but creates problems afterwards, and is illegal.

But I guess the biggest thing would be exercise. You'd be amazed how well you feel after a nice jog or run.

POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline mecch

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2013, 05:14:12 pm »
doesn't endurance aerobic exercise bathe the brain in serotonin?  All those years I was a daily long-distance runner I also felt a lot of bliss.....
http://www.livestrong.com/article/182951-exercise-serotonin/
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline wolfter

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2013, 05:31:16 pm »
I guess I'm just in a rut as I can't do any of the things you mention.  I've noticed a marked decline after not being able to do my normal exercise routines.  I'm trying to take the easy way out without addressing the underlying issues. 

I've been doing endless research hoping there's an answer to why I'm so ridiculous in my thought patterns. 

It's getting so tirelessly old pretending that everything is OK after dealing with with this virus for so long.  I used to have such an optomistic outlook in spite of this virus, but am noticing lately that the outlook has faded.

And then to read about people who fought so long and hard and then give up has me worried about my own mental health.  I so hoped this would end up being a another thread, as it's so important.

I'm not even sure what I'm rambling about out so I'll stop now.  I do appreciate all the support I've rec'd here and truly hope everyone achieves that positive mental attitude that I've always advocated.

much love and respect to you all.

wolfie

Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline mitch777

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2013, 06:13:08 pm »
Dearest Wolfie,
You will get through this funk.
I think many most of us LTS go through periods of depression.
Since I began seeing a Psychiatrist last fall, I can't honestly say that my mood has remained stable but there seems to be a release of sorts that make it easier.

While advice of exercise is well intended and often can help, it often frustrates me for many reasons.
First of all you are still healing from your injury.
Next, (and a big issue for me) is simply being too tired so often due to ??
Depression also zaps energy.
Many (including doctors) add to the problem by applying guilt.
It would be nice to have health professionals at least aknowledge that the virus and/or the meds play a MAJOR role in why we feel like we do.

I went outside today to survey the damage of our trees from the last snow storm.
(the snow is almost all gone :).)
All I could think about was how hard it will be to clean up the mess and the energy required.
The garden has been a life long passion of mine and it frightens me to even think of it in a negative way.
It's my new reality.
Having said that...
I'm sure once the weather warms up a bit I will struggle through it as best I can.

OK, now I am rambling. ::)

You are not alone.

Take care and call me anytime.

m.
33 years hiv+ with a curtsy.

Offline mecch

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2013, 06:30:41 pm »
Are you taking SSRI's now? ever tried?
Maybe ssri's could help get you psyched enough to restart the exercise routine you mentioned, and seem to value and miss.
Or testosterone.
Or "energy" pills - e.g. ritalin etc...

“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2013, 11:12:37 pm »
Have you considered seeing a therapist? Some things cant be done on your own.

-Will
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline wolfter

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2013, 09:19:09 am »
Are you taking SSRI's now? ever tried?
Maybe ssri's could help get you psyched enough to restart the exercise routine you mentioned, and seem to value and miss.
Or testosterone.
Or "energy" pills - e.g. ritalin etc...

I've never really tried them, although I was prescribed Paxil as a sleep aid.  It didn't help so I discontinued it.  I am psyched already about exercising, just can't do it as I can barely walk, let alone do my 6 mile runs.  I've managed to do my long bike rides on the few days when the weather cooperated.

Have you considered seeing a therapist? Some things cant be done on your own.

-Will

I'm gonna address this entire issue with my doctor a couple of weeks at our next appt.  I guess it's time for some gut level honesty with him.

All of these issues are intertwined and I need to finally deal with it.
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline mecch

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2013, 04:25:17 pm »
SSRI's might be worth a shot. Since you specifically created this thread, speaking about Serotonin. And thats the class of drug that deals with it, so discuss with the doc and or a therapist if you should try one...
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #9 on: March 15, 2013, 06:59:05 pm »
just can't do it as I can barely walk, let alone do my 6 mile runs.  I've managed to do my long bike rides on the few days when the weather cooperated.


"exercise" does not only mean running and walking. Try throwing some weights around. Really anything to get you sweating and the heart pumping will be better than sitting around at home peering out the window at the rain.  Now you are probably going to say that you dont own weights , and that they can be expensive. But a pair of dumbells at Acadamey cost about $30. Barring that get a 5 or 10 pound sack of potatoes and lift those up and down, take it further and get a broom stick and attach the potatoes to each end, etc..

I always feel more energized and refreshed after a good workout with weights, I love the endorphins it produces  ;)

POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2013, 08:14:30 am »
Wolftie, have you ever considered getting your exercise through swimming?

Swimming is a fantastic exercise for people who otherwise have mobility issues, such as joint problems or problems like you're having with your foot/leg/ankle. You get a great work-out without putting weight on the affected limb.
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2013, 03:29:43 pm »
You can lose between 100-150 calories for each act of masturbation, according to the Young People’s Reproductive and Sexual Health & Rights Organization. You can raise that amount to around 300 calories, though, through a 5 minute vigorous masturbation session, according to Japanese scientist Dr. Shukan Tokuho.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2013, 04:52:34 pm »
You can lose between 100-150 calories for each act of masturbation, according to the Young People’s Reproductive and Sexual Health & Rights Organization. You can raise that amount to around 300 calories, though, through a 5 minute vigorous masturbation session, according to Japanese scientist Dr. Shukan Tokuho.

Ah, no wonder I'm so skinny
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2013, 05:01:20 pm »
Ah, no wonder I'm so skinny

I definitely spend more than five minutes -- I must be burning as much as taking a hardcore spinning class.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #14 on: March 17, 2013, 05:07:41 pm »
I definitely spend more than five minutes -- .

Not me, It's too rough on my member as I go raw with no lotion.
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #15 on: March 17, 2013, 05:12:36 pm »
Not me, It's too rough on my member as I go raw with no lotion.

You're such a softie. So put some lotion on it. If you're going to wack off daily thinking about me you might as well make it last longer.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline leatherman

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #16 on: March 17, 2013, 06:24:31 pm »
I've managed to do my long bike rides on the few days when the weather cooperated.
will you be able to bike more when the weather improves?

also, during what time period have you noticed this issue? I ask because not only have you had a difficult time over the last 6 (??) months (with all the breaks) just getting around; but this time of year is notorious for depression/Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), so maybe it's a melatonin issue. Between the weather in Ohio and your physical issues (some of which dragged on a long time with no good resolution), it's no wonder you're having some issues.

I hope you can find something (drugs, exercise, etc) to help you feel better.  :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #17 on: March 18, 2013, 08:27:09 am »
Ah, no wonder I'm so skinny

But I bet you have some very well-developed muscles in your right arm. Or are you a lefty? ;D
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline wolfter

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #18 on: March 18, 2013, 04:03:07 pm »
Wolftie, have you ever considered getting your exercise through swimming?

Swimming is a fantastic exercise for people who otherwise have mobility issues, such as joint problems or problems like you're having with your foot/leg/ankle. You get a great work-out without putting weight on the affected limb.

The only place to swim here is in the lake, and it's TOO cold for that. 

On the upside, I have been much more active the last few days.  Friday was absolutely beautiful here and I managed to spend the entire day outside doing yard work.  I got the mower out to prep it for the season and was pleased to have it fire up on the first pull. 


Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline wolfter

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #19 on: March 21, 2013, 12:06:19 pm »
I've sent my doctor requesting a prescription for Trazadone.  I thought I had an appt coming up but realized today that it's not until May.  I guess it's time to acknowledge the underlying darkness that I've experienced for a while. 

Kinda weird, but this is the only medication that I'll hide.  I'll remain in the closet about this for a while. 
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline WillyWump

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #20 on: March 21, 2013, 07:07:42 pm »
I've sent my doctor requesting a prescription for Trazadone.  I thought I had an appt coming up but realized today that it's not until May.  I guess it's time to acknowledge the underlying darkness that I've experienced for a while. 

Kinda weird, but this is the only medication that I'll hide.  I'll remain in the closet about this for a while.

Trazadone to sleep or what? I'm not sure Traza will have a significant effect on your Serotonin. Although it is A+++ for sleep issues in my opinion.

Also, Kinda tired of trying to read between your lines...I find myself wondering what the hell you are talking about half the time. What darkness? You really really should consider getting into a therapist, preferably in the next few days huh? not 2 or 3 weeks. Anytime someone brings up "underlying darkness" it's worrisome to me.

-W
« Last Edit: March 21, 2013, 07:14:21 pm by WillyWump »
POZ since '08

Last Labs-
11-6-14 CD4- 871, UD
6/3/14 CD4- 736, UD 34%
6/25/13 CD4- 1036, UD,
2/4/13, CD4 - 489, UD, 28%

Current Meds: Prezista/Epzicom/ Norvir
.

Offline elf

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #21 on: April 01, 2013, 04:39:25 pm »
Eat a lot of meat, you need tryptophan.

Offline wolfter

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #22 on: April 01, 2013, 06:15:21 pm »
Eat a lot of meat, you need tryptophan.

There are a lot of non meat foods that contain tryptophan.


Also, Kinda tired of trying to read between your lines...I find myself wondering what the hell you are talking about half the time. What darkness? You really really should consider getting into a therapist, preferably in the next few days huh? not 2 or 3 weeks. Anytime someone brings up "underlying darkness" it's worrisome to me.

-W

Sorry Willy, didn't see this reply until today.  But you're correct and I'll stop posting partial thoughts.
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline mecch

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Re: Serotonin questions
« Reply #23 on: April 01, 2013, 08:34:58 pm »
Maybe Willy inadvertently worded his post as to feel that you should shut up. Quite the reverse. 
I do agree with Willy that you should see a therapist and get the RIGHT antidepressant to try out...   I mean trazodone - I question why that one? its sedating. And you have no energy and oomph... Doesn't sound like the likely class of drugs a therapist would recommend. 
I asked if you ever tried SSRI's.  And you said, not really.  Well.
There are also SNRI's.

Everybody reacts different to these molecules but there are SOME ssris and snris that do have energising effects as part of the anti-depressant effect...

Can't you see a specialist and explain your quality of life issues, and see what they say. A GP or an infectious disease doc might not have the expertise and insight you need.   
“From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need” 1875 K Marx

 


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