Anyone try ashwaghanda?

[punkster]

I wanted to know if any of you had experience using ashwaghanda to help with anxiety and sleep. In the past I have tried many different supplements, but none of them really helped my anxiety. I think I am now at the point where I can try a supplement again. I take trazodone to help me sleep, and I was reading that there can be an interaction between the two, however, it looks like the main interaction is that it makes you drowsy. I know I need to check this out with my physician, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience using ashwaghanda.

[benmaise]

What on earth is that stuff ?

[punkster in reply to benmaise]

It is a supplement which comes from a plant primarily grown in India. It is also called Indian ginseng. It has been used for thousands of years for stress reduction. There is limited research that supports it's usefulness for stress reduction. The red flag that I see is that it is not regulated by the FDA in the USA. It also might interact with the trazodone I'm taking to help me sleep.

[car103]

Tried. Didn't work for me. My Trazodone is a 150mg tablet scored by 75mg or 3 of 50mg as needed which is helpful. Maybe talk to your prescribing physician. Hope you work it out.

[punkster in reply to car103]

Thanks for your reply. I realize that we are all different and will respond to medications and supplements differently, I just wanted to get a consensus. I am still on the fence about trying ashwaghanda.

[car103 in reply to punkster]

I've tried so many things from acupuncture to Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy. You'll see what works for you.

[Missycola]

I have not tried it but have heard it can cause depression in some people, just a FYI. 🙂

[Kinlay]

I tried it but it didn't sit well with me (nausea and indigestion). It does seem to be helping my husband, however, after about a week. I would ask your doctor if you are concerned about an interaction and get their thoughts.

I am having luck with chamomile tea and just started using lemon balm (pills) at night as well. That along with melatonin is helping me sleep through the night again. And I'm trying low dose lithium supplement (NOT the same as prescription lithium) in the mornings as well. Too soon to tell on that one, but I'm hopeful. All of these have at least some research studies behind them, but listen to your body - we all react so differently to things. Good luck!

[bethelbee]

I have never tried it, but I'm glad you're going to speak with your doctor about it. Many believe that if something is all natural it won't pose a problem. There can be interactions between supplements and other medications. And some supplements themselves can cause unwanted side effects.

[designguy]

I take ashwaghanda at night along with phosphatidyl serine, which helps lower cortisol, for aiding my sleep and it helps. I don't take trazodone so I don't know if there is any issue with taking them together.