I am low on vitamin b 12 and my dr recommended I take it. Also low on vit d 3. I took vit d 3 and b 12 this morning and feel like my anxiety is worse than it normally is. Side note I'm also taking cymbalta for 3 weeks and experience increased anxiety from that right now as a side effect. I take Xanax to offset the anxiety and took a xan this morning before the b 12 and still had tons of anxiety. So wondering if the b 12 could be the cause? I took 5000 mcg of the b 12. that's a lot too I think this is the last thing I need more anxiety!
Thanks for your help
Has anyone experience increased anxiety after taking b12 5000 supplement ?
Question posted by Hopefrog23 on 17 Aug 2016
Last updated on 20 January 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
29 Answers Page 2
Cmarie8302
15 April 2019
Hello. My mom told me (I’m a 45 year old
Woman and mom) to take Methyl B12 for energy. It did give me energy and I stopped taking naps but it turned me into a raving lunatic! I have no idea why. Mine were the lozenges you let dissolve on the tongue. My mom said I was taking too much (5000 iu) so I just bit the lozenge in 1/2. I’m still a lunatic screaming at everyone. I stopped it. I’m back to normal.
audrey18
16 Sep 2019
Hi! How long did it take for you to get back to normal once you've stopped taking the b12?
Cristoforo
5 Jan 2019
1) Vitamin D3 should be taken with Vitamin K2 (check out Dr. Kate Rheaume-Bleue and the Calcium Paradox box) - from what I understand D3 alone could contribute to arterial stiffness or worse.
2) Consumption of Green Tea inhibits absorption of folates from food due to high content of catechins. Since I also drink a lot of milk (which increases intestinal absoprtion of catechins) this means my folate absorption is low.
3) Taking B12 might affect the ability to absorb Folates. Earlier last year I was supplementing B12 (methlycobalmin - 1000ug) and got progressively more and more anxious to the point where I had to stop them. Lately I did some blood results which show that whilst my B12 levels are good, my folates are low.
My suspicion is that B12 affects folates absorption especially when this is accompanied with the intake of Green Tea ( I am a heavy green tea drinker).
dinkyshell
4 Sep 2016
Hi, im on b12 , thiamin , folic avid and god knows how many more tablets after coming off alcohol. Also on citalapram and codiene. I must admit tho now thinking about it i never go out and just hide away. I havent stepped foot outside my home sinse march this year. Im also anorexic tho which is why im probably struggling. I have no friends or family and very much alone, but im ok with that for now
Hopefrog23
4 Sep 2016
Dinky shell I'm sorry to hear that! Please reach out we are here for you. Send me a message if you ever want to talk it's good to be around ppl it helps. I'm struggling big time with anxiety the morning is the worst I reached out to my sister and she helped me. I know it's hard to reach out or to get out of the house but it's good to try to do that too. Im thinking about you and will say a prayer if that is ok.
Hope
RedWolf1
12 March 2022
dinkyshell I'm so glad I came across your post. I like you have no friends or family husband children etc... I was borderline nearly full agoraphobic for years. It started with me isolating and developed from there. I felt like you I didnt want to be out in all the chaos drama negativity but also it hit me hard and I cycled through shakes pacing crying jags etc especially around the holidays my birthday etc... It was so wounding not to recieve a call gifts or share a holiday meal to give and receive love It's a long story and a long journey that isn't finished yet. BUT this is not about me I want you to know that your post allowed me to believe again that Im not the only one out there in this situation. Im obese due to food absorbtion problems thst after 15 years have only in the last month were finally diagnosed and addressed. Despite those two being opposite we both still experience many of the same issues. I said all that to say this. Thank You for being brave enough to post what you did. Feel free to reach out. Im not on every day but I will reply .
ken_88
2 Sep 2016
You have an absorption problem and it's likely due to you eating the wrong foods (food sensitivity or allergy).
Avoid sugar, dairy and wheat/gluten for a week and see what happens.
I too am low on B12 and D and I notice the anxiety gets worse with food. Liquid supplements are the best. You should avoid all supplements in pill form IMO.
Also consider taking zinc. I bet your body has started pulling calcium out of your bones to make up for some deficiencies I'm sure you are having.
Diet is crucial! You can take as many pills as you want, but if you keep feeding your body foods it considers toxic, you won't benefit. Check out your blood type diet and stick with that, and avoid the toxins listed above. No processed foods.
Good luck.
Hopefrog23
2 Sep 2016
Thank you. I am considering cutting out gluten but I don't want to do too much at this time until my body levels out. I take vit d and b12 in liquid form. And just small amounts right now. Thanks!
MeggieGirl
2 Sep 2016
My MD just lined me up for some blood test to see if I have gluten intolerance! Who'd have thunk, huh??? I was like *woot* bring it ON!
Hopefrog23
2 Sep 2016
Nice! Id like that too
I started off gluten free this morning. But then needed my sugar and carbs!
ken_88
3 Sep 2016
Your anxiety will, unfortunately, feed on the sugar you eat, as sugar feeds the bad bacteria in your gut.
I know it's hard but you should really try to avoid all sugar. It will cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels which in turn will worsen fatigue and or anxiety.
What kind of vitamin D do you take? I've heard D3 is the best.
Regards
Hopefrog23
3 Sep 2016
I just read about the sugar! Thanks I'm going to limit sugar that's a good place to start. I don't drink caffeine or alcohol I've also been taking magnesium and calcium supplement which really helps me sleep. I take d3. But only 500 iu at this time and 500 mcg of b12. I think I'll start taking those before I walk of exercise Bc they stil give me energy
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Google "Appled Kinesiology" which is commonly used by naturopaths to determine which natural supplements are needed for your individual deficiencies. It is also known as "applied muscle strength testing".This is used to sell many supplements to a patient to help them to feel better. After being the recipient of this practice by a well known naturopath in my area, I no longer believe in the accuracy of this practice. It was very expensive for me over a period of a couple of years, and very very lucrative for the naturopath. It is what it is.
Blood workups are much more scientific and accurate. Lab work can determine if you are deficient in B12 and also determine how deficient you are.
Discuss this with your primary care doctor, to add this test to your next blood workup if it seems as though you might be displaying the symptoms of a deficiency. I did, and I was. It showed up in my blood work. This way you can be prescribed, or advised to take, the proper dose for your individual needs.
I started off with muscular injections of B12 on a regular schedule in my doctor's office.
"G"
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Oh my God... I am soooo sorry. I did not see the levels. I am using my phone so do not always see the whole email. Again my apologies.
If your levels are low, but taking the supplements is making you anxious
There could be several things... the dose of the supplement... perhaps a lower dose. The brand of the supplement. I can only take Jamieson brand. Just some ideas. I do agree it is the supplement. You could ask a naturopath for advice. They are vitamin gurus. The could also help with natural sources... also maybe recheck your levels regularly...
Hopefrog23
26 Aug 2016
Oh no prob at all!!
I think I'll try to take them at different times in the morning. Spread them out so its not too much at one time
Thanks for your reply and input
Id love to see a naturopath. I'll have to see if there is one in the area
Thanks!
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Be careful when you see a naturopath, though. I wanted to feel better so badly. The naturopath started throwing bottles of pills at me. "You need this for this, You need this to offset this. You need this to balance out this. You need this to cleanse out your system. You need this to help your heart. You need this to help your sleep. You need this to strengthen your bones. You need this to help your skin. You need this to aid in your digestion." Arrrrrgh!
One month when I got my MasterCard bill, I had spent $1000.00 on natural supplements to feel better! My husband started to get very ill, the more I spent, lol. (joke).
Have you ever heard of "muscle strength testing"? Be wary. It is where they test your muscle strength against theirs through your fingers or arm strength while you hold the supplement in front of your chest or stomach. Google it. Very controversial. They can try to convince you that you need many many of the supplements on the shelf for optimum health. Realize, that at that time, I was desperate to feel better. I was fatigued, anxious, had insomnia, gaining weight amongst other symptoms (at that time). I only take a few supplements now. I was diagnosed with blood tests for certain deficiencies that I use supplements for now. Naturopaths can help. But for others, it can be a very lucrative business for people who want to feel better by using "natural supplements". The best way to supplement is through a better diet. Eat your supplements through good food instead of trying to swallow them all in pill form. Been there, done that!!! "G"
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
OOPS! Let me correct my statement and say this:
To find out about "muscle strength testing", which is commonly used by naturopaths, GOOGLE this:
muscle strength testing and "APPLIED KINESIOLOGY", and read Dr. Weil's article which explains this procedure. "G"
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Google "Appled Kinesiology" which is commonly used by naturopaths to determine which natural supplements are needed for your individual deficiencies. This is used to sell you many supplements to feel better.
Blood workups are more scientific and accurate.
Inactive
28 Aug 2016
Pick your naturopath carefully luv. Some r scam artists
Inactive
28 Aug 2016
North:
Ummmm, yeah... that IS the point I am making here... (scratching head)??
Inactive
28 Aug 2016
If you look at my comments above, I started off with this sentence:
"Be careful when you see a naturopath, though."
Inactive
28 Aug 2016
I am soooo sorry. My phone does not show comments properly, and I can't afford a new computer right now
Again my apologies
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
I have been told vitamin s can do negative things. Get "ALL" Your levels tested and see what you need.
Hopefrog23
26 Aug 2016
I did. And d3 was low. Dr told me to take 5000 mcg of d3 and so I did. I experienced the high anxiety with b12 5000 (which I tested low for) plus the d 3
Now I'm taking 1000 of the d3
And 500 of b12
I'm still getting slight anxious / energy which my body interprets as anxiety with these low amounts. But nit nearly as bad as when I took the higher amts. I'm also taking them in the morning.
chuck1957
22 Aug 2016
Afternoon all; I want to make sure that everyone knows this as somewhere here someone was talking about Effexor timed release or Cymbalta. I can't seem to find it now. But if tapering, off or going on and this is even if the doctor tells you. NEVER FOR ANY REASON DO YOU OPEN ANY CAPSULE that is timed release and remove beads from the capsules. This makes as much sense as playing Russian Rolette. Even the companies don't tell us how much is in which color bead and each color is meant to release at a different time and what that is who know's So if you say going off of Effexor work your way down all the different strengths of the timed release and if you still need help go to the regular tablets and Very slowly decrease the rest of the way on those. BUT NEVER REMOVE THE BEADS FROM An EXTENDED OR TIMED RELEASE TABLET OR CAPSULE. There have been many cases of people getting into life threating problems by doing this So please just take my word for this.
When they say or you want or need to change your dose. Talk to your doctor but these capsule should never be opened.
shellybeans
24 Aug 2016
Chuck is sooooooo right in all he said, and ditto keep them capsules closed!
shellybeans
19 Aug 2016
I have had success keeping my b12 at 1000mg to take care of my restless leg syndrome since 1997. I started 2000 vit D about 2 months ago and was anxious and took it down to 1000mg. I just started Welbutrin fur depression and take Lamictal 200mg for 6 years for anxiety and ocd... Maybe reduce amounts of b12 and D and go up slowly
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
That's what I'm thinking. Reducing the d and b12. Until I'm "leveled" out then increasing those doses
Thanks Shelly!
MeggieGirl
19 Aug 2016
Hey, Shelly! How are you liking the Wellbutrin so far? It was the first antidepressant that actually worked for me, so I'm hopeful for you! You know, it works a tiny bit on serotonin, but more on norepinephrine and MOSTLY on dopamine. The other antidepressants are built to work almost entirely on serotonin, then there are a few that work on serotonin + norepinephrine. So Wellbutrin is in a happy little class all to itself! My happy combination was a match with yours; Wellbutrin + Lamictal. Oh, and in case I hadn't mentioned this to you before, I did go as high as 450 on the Wellbutrin before, which most people don't think can be done because the max dose is 300. It's actually safe to go to 450 by adding an extra 150 pill on top of the 300. :0)
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
Ahh struggling today
On week 3 of cymbalta 40mg and see a little improvement. Like yesterday was a great day. Today not so much struggling with anxiety. any advice? Everyone keeps saying to stick with it. But today I feel like it's just not working. Please help with some encouragement or something. I woke up early about 5am anxious hot flashes and racing thoughts took a .5 xan at 9 am which helped but still feeling anxious. All I feel like doing is sitting here. scared to go anywhere. Yet my hubby and daughter are here wanting to go somewhere. I feel terrible for them that they have to deal with me like this. I'm going to see the dr today at 3:30pm to see what she says. Maybe I need an increase in the cymbalta? I don't want to switch just yet. But I don't know what to do. Thanks friends
MeggieGirl
19 Aug 2016
Oh, hope! You are going to hate me for this, but I am just the last person who will support you being on Cymbalta! I feel wretched for saying so! I know this is what your Dr. wants, and I know that others have told you to be patient, but I also have seen it from the side of being a patient who took it for 5 years. I suffered from severe insomnia, severe anxiety, and my depression was the worst it had ever been when I was on Cymbalta. Every person's body is different - we all know that - but if you look around here at people talking about it, you are going to find a lot of people who eventually got tired of taking it only to find that they COULDN'T wean off of it.
I know you're thinking of a dose increase, but my little brains are screaming "don't do it! that will only make the withdrawal worse!" You know the little capsules have beads inside them, right? So people who are trying to quit often have to open their capsules and remove five beads every day for a week, then on week 2, remove 10 beads, and continue this until it's time to go down a dose. I have seen people take YEARS to get off of it. I have told folks to just transition over to Wellbutrin because the reason they're having such a hard time is that their Doctor gives them an SSRI instead, and the Cymbalta boosted their norepinephrine and only a *tiny* bit of serotonin. So the body is objecting and saying "WHERE'S MY NOREPINEPHRINE?" Wellbutrin has both the Norep. & Dopamine, so when I made my transition, I used a step down/step up approach. For every step down I took of Cymbalta, I stepped up on the Wellbutrin, and it went on like that for probably 3 or 4 weeks until I had completely phased myself over to 100% Wellbutrin.
How long have you been on it now? Are you still at a relatively low dose? And are you also taking it for body pains, like diabetic nerve pain?
I think that there must be people who are successful on it, or it never would have passed FDA approval, and I'm sure that the only people we're hearing about it are the ones who complain, because those are the ones whose lives were most negatively impacted by it. So take everything with a grain of salt. I'm just saying, if you're MISERABLE, there might be a good reason. :0(
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
Thanks meg
But now what the heck am I supposed to do lol. I know everyone is different though and people respond differently to different meds. Maybe it will work for me? Like I said I have seen some improvement and have heard good success stories. I'm sure there are bad stories about Wellbutrin and all the meds that haven't worked for ppl. I don't want to dump it if I've only been on it 3 weeks. I did a cheek swab and cymbalta came out as one of the ones my body was supposed to respond well to. I appreciate your comment and help. But I
Gotta see what the dr says. Yesterday was a good day. So maybe there is hope for me on this. I
Don't know!!!
Thanks girl
Windchimes123
19 Aug 2016
Question for everyone...
I am disillusioned by the vitamin brand names after an expose last year on popula brands sold at CVS,Walgreens,etc.
I was NOT buying the store brands but paid more for the private labels.
Last year there was a report that even these didn't contain the correct amounts as reported on the label.
I'm debating whether to go to vitamin stores rather than hit-or-miss way I am doing it now.
Can anyone suggest what brands they use and feel good on?
MeggieGirl
19 Aug 2016
Hope, did you have the Genecept Assay done? I DID TOO!!! If you did, and Cymbalta was one of the meds said to work well for you and your DNA, then you've got to give it a try, right? I spent soooo many years with nothing ever working, then suddenly I had the DNA test done and followed the recommendations, then BAM I started to get therapeutic benefits. I feel like it has been my blessing. I wish everyone could get theirs done.
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
I did! Yes and cymbalta came up as the first one so I'm trying it. Fingers crossed. Let's see that the dr says
Pray for me! Thanks girl!
Windchimes123
19 Aug 2016
MeggieGirl,
How are you today ? Anxiety is a horrible way to live.
I have to know about this test !
Does it reflect which med you are more likely to have a good response?
OMG! That would be awesome!
The months of waiting to feel results can be so discouraging!
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
Effexor was up there too and I tried it but couldn't handle the side effects. Although it worked for me in the past and I was on it for 3 years. Go figure
MeggieGirl
19 Aug 2016
You've got it, Sister! Prayers incoming!!!
Windchimes, oh this is so cool. Some people think it's just quack science, but I think it's BRILLIANT. Why? Because it laid out before me like a MAP of all my failures, and I could point to each drug and say "yep that happened, yep that happened, yep that happened" and each one gave me more and more confidence that what I was looking at was a true portrait that our DNA really DOES have something to do with this!
So basically, you just have your cheek swabbed and it's sent off to a lab. At the time I had mine done, the company (called GenoMind) accepted whatever $$ the insurance paid. It's a $4,000 test, and my insurance paid $900, they ate the rest. It's kind of "new" science, and the more people they get, the more "solid" their research is.
NOW, they're in a new phase where they are actually receiving insurance payments, and also taking payments from patients, but it's on a sliding scale based on income, and the most they ever charge is $300, and that's for someone making over $150,000/year. My Doctor said, for the most part, they charge $50. I'd say that's a pretty fair price for invaluable information. They can be reached at (877) 895-8658 or customerservice@genomind.com
So, in my particular test at least, they were checking my DNA for specific genes that involve Serotonin Transporters, Dopamine 2 Receptors, Calcium Channels, Catechol-O-Methyltransferase, and then other things that might not make sense like CYPD2D6 and CYP2D19 that have to do with how our liver metabolizes medications.
You then get a summary page that goes over those specific genes, the therapeutic implications of that gene result, and the clinical impact of that gene result. For example, it turns out that I carry the gene that makes the serotonin transporter protein SLC6A4 highly risky for non-response, slow response, or intolerance altogether, and then I ALSO carry a gene which says that I need to use caution with medications metabolized by CYP2D6. You go to the Antidepressant page, which is a list of every Antidepressant currently marketed, and it tells you what the primary metabolizing enzyme is, which drugs 1) serum levels may be increased (so a reduced dose may be required 2) serum levels may be decreased (so an increased dose may be required) and 3) an increased risk for adverse events or poor response. On my report, as an example, Prozac is listed as one where a reduced dose may be required *and* adverse events may occur - and sure enough, I only took it one week and went full manic.
To continue, I carry a gene where there are no known gene-drug interactions with atypical antipsychotics, BUT I am an intermediate weight-gain risk because the Serotonin Receptor 2C (which is short for 5HT2C) is antagonized by atypical antipsychotics and is involved in satiety.
There are also suggestions. For example, I had no genetic issues with calcium signaling, however, because I did carry CACNA1C, even without being bipolar or schizophrenic, it was recommended that atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and/or omega-3 fatty acids may be used. It was this gene result that had us look down at the Mood Stabilizer category. All of them "would work" fine with me, but Lamictal was pulled out in a column as being specifically recommended for me. So, we decided to try it, and I had amazing lifting of depression and other symptoms.
The lists of medications that it goes over include: Antidepressants, Miscellaneous Stimulants; NRIs; a2-Antagonists (like Nuvigil, Strattera, Provigil), Anxiolotic (the Benzodiazepines), Typical Antipsychotics, Atypical Antipsychotics, Dopaminergic Stimulant Agents (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.), Mood Stabilizers (Lamictal, Depakote, etc.), Alternative/Complementary (Omega-3 Fatty Acids, SAM3, Inositol, etc.), and Pain (which includes muscle relaxers).
I was very happy to see that last category, because I've been a chronic pain patient for years, and I never understood why vicodin didn't work, but percocet worked TOO well. There it was on paper. Vicodin and codeine require increased dose or alternate strategy, and Percocet, serum levels may be high, reduced dose may be required. Best treatment for me are morphine derivatives, like hydromorphone or oxymorphone. Without this information, how could I possibly take this to a doctor?
Now, anytime we make a move with medication, we consult my assay report, and chances are, we have an excellent result. The one time we had a terrible result and I went manic was the one time we didn't consult my assay report and didn't see that coming from a mile away. Sad, huh? That was just a slip - oh well. :0) It's a really interesting tool, and it told me a lot about myself, and backed up so much about my personal life's attempts to get help for myself. I am so thankful that my new doctor (now she's been my Doc ~2 years) gave me the cheek swab on our first visit.
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
Hi Meggie! I started the Welbutrin 4 days ago and I'm probably psycosomatic it works so soon but today was a really good day! My psych started me at a 100 of the SR one for starters. I pray it works and can go up in dose fur mental health and hopefully quit smoking life my sister did. Thank you for the dose tip to know I can go as high as 450, buddy! Good feelings and good health to ya!
Inactive
20 Aug 2016
'Sup, Meggiegirl!
I vote for you to get your degree, and I (and many others) would love to have you as a primary care doctor, or psychologist, or psychiatrist, depending on how much schooling you would want to achieve to become one. You have so much knowledge of how to treat anxiety/depression, plus you've learned a tremendous amount through the school of hard knocks. I admire you. You are a great person! G
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
I agree, my vote for Meggiegirl to and her well informing info! Btw Meggie, with three Wellbutrin stayed and my Lamictal, I too have been started in Seroquel but for anxiety/ sleep.. It's worked well for a small dose and I'm sticking with the 25mg, my sleep has so improved but I know I have to take it about 2 hours before I went to go to sleep or I'm a little groggy in the morning but try the low dose for bedtime and with that low dose weight gain wont be an issue I have experienced none... but Viibryd gave me that so that one had to go, did you have any weight loss with the Welbutrin!? I'm reading it as a side effect and I want that side effect! Blessings and joy to you and all
Windchimes123
20 Aug 2016
So :
Chuck - Nature Made
mc G - Swansons
Shellybean - Natures Bounty
Did I get them all?
I have to say this was one interesting thread ! Everyone is knowledgeable and funny ! Good group of people.
For informing me on GenMind testing ...
Meggie For President
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
Thanks Chuck, I'll be getting me some B50 to start!!! & to Windchimes, yes, Swanson is a reputable company I've used for years:)
Windchimes123
21 Aug 2016
You are talking to a girl who only takes one Centrum Silver / day !
MeggieGirl
22 Aug 2016
Hi guys! I just wanted to let you know that I saw all of your wonderful comments, and tried to reply, but the comment is stuck in pending approval for some reason. I even had G try to post it for me, but it didn't work, so there must be some word in there that's flagging it, but I can't find it. :0(
Inactive
24 Aug 2016
Hey everyone: Since we're talking about supplements, I forgot to mention how important it is to take probiotics. I take Flora Jen3 every morning when I wake up. It is one of the best supplements we can take to keep our systems healthy! (more reasons than I can list here) G
Windchimes123
24 Aug 2016
Thanks G mc,
I will add it to my growing list.
Btw... I was cleaning out my old med case and found "Sovereign Silver" that I bought the last guilt trip over not taking vitamins.
It is still sealed naturally.
"Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol for Immune System support ".
I think it may be a probiotic but I'm not sure anymore.
Has anyone heard of it?
I don't see a brand name.
It's kind of like when you feel guilty over being anemic so you go to the butcher for the good stuff. The execution is the difficult part.
I bought chicken livers for m-w-f.
Alternating with beef lived on the other days. By sudden I so needed to break it up so I got exotic...
Chicken liver pizza with eggs and spinach!
I tend to do things all the way or not at all :)
chuck1957
18 Aug 2016
Hope; and all Yes this can be a normal problem, But normally these subside in a short period which is why many people take the Vitamin in the morning. The Vitamin B 12 many do well with the 1000mcg and try and supplement with food also. And also for years they have used the combination of super B 50 or B-100 WHICH IS ALL THE B'S TOGETHER in many clinics's for Stress, Stop alcohol, Smoking etc. any increase in anxiety should only be for a short period. and you all understand the D which is very important to take if it says so but stick with the dose the doctor says to do to D'S ARE an oil base and can build up in your system. So if you take D you want to follow the doctor's orders, But the vitamin b your body absorbs just so much and it gets sluffed off in your system, in other words, is not toxic. Good luck to you all.
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
Thanks chuck! I appreciate it ! I plan on sticking with the d 3 and will supplement with b12 after I level off with my prescribed drug. It's just way to much to handle now. Plus I think the 5000 mcg b12 was a bit much for me. I may try later with lower doses. My b12 wasn't that low either. But my vitamin d was low so I know j need that. Plus I'm trying to get out in the sun more without sunscreen for 10 minutes or so. It's just so interesting that the b12 would cause that must anxiety. It's prob more like energy but at this point my body misinterprets it for anxiety I was trembling Ah the worst. Should have went for a bike ride to burn it off but it was so hot today
But I'm glad I made the connection
Thanks again chuck. Your answers are spot on!
chuck1957
18 Aug 2016
Hope; Never a problem and what your going to do sounds good. Hope you get to feeling better very soon.
Windchimes123
18 Aug 2016
Hi Chuck,
Interesting details especially on the dosing in AM.
Thanks
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
Thank you chuck! I hope so too! And hope you are doing well also!
MeggieGirl
19 Aug 2016
Thanks, Chuck! I switched my pill boxes so everything is moved to the morning now, and I'm hopeful this will help. Thanks so much for the tip!
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
Hi Chuck! Hope this finds you well! So are you saying B50 and our B100 help with quitting smoking? I just started Welbutrin for mental help and had it helps with smoking cessation in some but I'm a pack a day for 30 years less one year I quit with Chantex but my insurance won't cover it ands is over 300 bucks! Patches and gum were no go for me so I'm looking for any other insight even vitamins. I know I tried Triphala, still do, for detoxing the GI tract but it also works loosening up lung mucus from smoking so I'm liking that! Blessings...
chuck1957
20 Aug 2016
Hi All First Shelly; Yes for many years vitamin B-50 to start then increase to the B-100 so get the smallest amount you can find, And also as I said best to take it in the am food does not have a big effect but if your stomach is touchy it's okay to take it after breakfast. It is used mainly because the combination of a high B works well for people with Stress, anxiety, which keeping it under control as well as possible They have had a real good response in alcohol, addiction from drugs, and Nicotine For sure worth a try. They to answer now I forgot with my rambling but the person asked about brands. One that has been along for as long as I can Remember and has always met U.S.P. Standards are Nature Made Brand. Must be true as I'm typing this a TV commercial just came on for Nature Made. It is a very high standard company. Chuck1957 Hope all is well with all of you and please have a great Weekend. Chuck.
chuck1957
20 Aug 2016
Hope; as I said yesterday, Stick with the Cymbalta at the same dose!!! and give it at least a few more weeks you are through the hardest part and you don't reach the full blood level until you get to 6 to 8 weeks but most people start to have the on and off days about this time as it's kicking in. hang in there dear. If anything see if the doctor well increase the Xanax TEMPORARY while you reach the level then very slowly fine tune the Xanax to what you may still need.
Hopefrog23
20 Aug 2016
The doctor increased my dose to 60mg. This morning I was a hot mess with anxiety. Then that went away. Doing jumping jacks helped. Then I felt nauseous and weak. After resting most of the day and napping I feel better but what a day! Dr also wants me to cut down on the Xanax so I've only had one today. Pray for me! I know chuck you said not to increase but the dr said that it will prob get me closer to the levels I need to get relief. Hoping these side effects go away fast!
Windchimes123
21 Aug 2016
Hi Hope,
It may sound crazy to you but I'm jealous of your guys energy levels! I have chronic fatigue syndrome since my breast cancer.
I just couldn't get out of the recliner! I could have 15 expressos and not feel any adrenaline.
I used to have RLS. They recently asked me in the hospital and I said no, it's not a problem anymore. I realized today that my RLS has turned into RTS! Restless toe syndrome! Lol... I cannot keep my toes still but I'm too fatigued to use my legs !
I'm trying to make you laugh so you feel better. I'm praying for you. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Hopefrog23
21 Aug 2016
Hi wind. I replied last night but it didn't go through. Thanks for making me smile. Hope your toes are doing better:). Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming. I need them! I did sleep last night which is awesome Bc I didn't sleep much the night before. Praise God for that! Just took my medicine. Hoping and praying for a better day today. Thanks again Wind!
Windchimes123
21 Aug 2016
Anytime... we need to stick together !
I'm a sleep deprivation person too.
I was sleeping 3-4 hours every 3 days.
I never napped either.
I finally stopped freaking out at 4am and just stopped thinking if it's day or night.
I started on Trazadone 100 mg in addition to Ambien 10mg in addition to oxycodone 10mg in addition to Flexeril 5mg.
I can now sleep 6 hours a day !
I feel like a new person.
I see why sleep deprivation is an effective form of torture!
Remember... there is no such thing as "catching up on your sleep"!
Once it is gone, it is gone !
I'm taking a big leap today. The Bead Expo is on this week-end.
I didn't want my husband to take me for various reasons (like I wouldn't want to buy anything with him... Lol)
I decided to go alone.
I haven't driven in 9 months.
I held off on pain meds and decided to...
JUST DO IT !
Wish me luck ! Stay off the road in Pa for another hour ! Lol
I have a goal to accomplish (and money to spend) :)
Hopefrog23
21 Aug 2016
Good for you! Way to go!! Have a great time and keep us posted!
Hopefrog23
21 Aug 2016
Wind. You are not kidding. Sleep is essential!
How was the bead expo?
What did you get?
MeggieGirl
22 Aug 2016
Oh GURRRRRL don't even get me started on Bead Expos! Last time I went to one, I was dating a guy who "really supported my jewelry-making interests," and I did some serious damage!!! WOOHOOO!!!
CHUCK! I have to say! I switched my supplements to take them in the AM, and this has completely changed everything for me! I am so glad you suggested this for me! My doctor suggested I take it with the biggest meal of the day (which would be dinner), but clearly that was a mistake! I now take it in the morning, whether I've had a meal or not, and my anxiety is sooo much better. Thank you so much for changing my life for the better!!!
chuck1957
22 Aug 2016
Meggie; no problem glad changing the dose of vitamins to the morning made a difference, Too many people don't have any Idea how much you can benefit from taking Vitamin's But they can still cause problems if not taken correctly.
Windchimes123
17 Aug 2016
I forgot to add the foods to increase your levels:
salmon
sardines
egg yolk
shrimp
milk (fortified)
cereal (fortified)
yogurt (fortified)
orange juice (fortified)
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
Thank you!!
Windchimes123
17 Aug 2016
Wow... I know something about the D because I'm low too.
Here is some interesting facts:
1) We are mistakenly thinking we are getting D-fortified foods because of the labeling.
However, they are far from therapeutic levels.
2) Vit D is called the "Sunshine Vitamin "
Because it occurs naturally on our skin and needs the sun for absorption. It's a group of fat soluble vitamins - D1,D2, and D3.
One of the culprits is SUN SCREEN !
Other culprits are:
Pollution
Living in cities with tall buildings
Sitting indoors
The people at risk:
> age 50
Darker skinned people
Ummm... I can't remember...
It's said to have a role in:
Fibromyalgia
Depression
Heart Disease
Obesity - will help in at loss
Make sure when you have labs drawn that you get results from all the Ds plus the Total D level.
You can then pinpoint what needs correction.
It's recommended :
15 min per Mid-day without sunscreen is enough.
Hopefrog23
17 Aug 2016
Good info! Thank you!
shellybeans
20 Aug 2016
Hi and its the BOMB TO HELP RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME! My dr told me in 1997 and to take 1000mg faithfully Arnold I have and never looked back... He did say u have to stay on it faithful Arnold I have run out for like 4 to 5 days in the past it did return so I make sure I don't run out..Swanson vitamins online has great deals for vitamins ands herbs so I stopped playing Walmart prices!
MeggieGirl
21 Aug 2016
I'll be darned! I wondered why my sleep has been better! I have really bad RLS and had taken Mirapex (pramipexole) for it a long time ago, but it led me to getting up in the middle of the night, turning on the TV set, and doing crazy things like ordering things on infomercials while I was really still asleep or not really aware of what I was doing... or at least not having any recollection that I ordered these things. So, over and over again, five days later, all of a sudden there would be a box delivered, and this $200 thing would be inside that I purchased online in the middle of the night! Mirapex is known for causing gambling and excessive shopping in certain people, so it's something that had to be watched - and CLEARLY I was one of those people, so I had to stop taking it. There was nothing else that could help me, so I've been suffering from it for the last three years or so. It started to self-resolve the last few weeks, and I didn't make the connection!
Hopefrog23
21 Aug 2016
Glad it's working for you Maggie! By the way I'm having a better day today. Took my daughter for a walk and went to target. Haven't taken a Xanax yet. Praise the Lord! Anyone into essential oils? I read bergamot was just as effective as Valium for anxiety in a research study. Thankfully I have this oil and been sniffing it all morning and praying a lot too!
shellybeans
22 Aug 2016
Hey Meggie! Great the B12 working with your RLS! I'd tried prescribed meds initially but nothing was golden like the B12 amid is one less dang prescription to take! You can always go up in dose. I find I like the sublingual or sustained release that are available... Welbutrin so far so good and I too can go all day without a desire to eat! Three metallic taste is starting but I'm going to hang with it because my spirits are lifting without sounding to the opposite to depression and it working with my Lamictal and 25mg Seroquel for sleep so hopefully I got a good regime of cocktail head meds and quit smoking too as I go up in dose and get the B50 vite Chuck posted about! Blessings and good health, ttys;}
MeggieGirl
17 Aug 2016
Vitamin B12
This is another one that is found in high amounts in many energy formulas, and because most people associate B12 with health, energy, and vitality – never suspect that such a health-promoting nutrient could potentially cause a variety of undesirable effects as well.
Like B6, high doses of B12 (>1000 mcg) increase neurotransmitter levels, and as a result, has stimulating properties.
Due to this increase in vital neurotransmitters, B12 can be especially beneficial for someone experiencing depression, though just like the antidepressant drugs (SSRIs such as Prozac, Lexapro, etc), this same boost in neurotransmitters can sometimes result in an “overshoot” for that individual, and cause restlessness, anxiety, worry, and difficulty sleeping.
Hopefrog23
17 Aug 2016
Wow! Sounds exactly right! Thank you for finding this!!
MeggieGirl
17 Aug 2016
WOAH... I'm about to fall over from your post right now. My blood tests also had me low on B12 and D, and I also started 5000 and D200, but I've been taking the supplements for about a week and a half now.
I have been CRAWLING OUT OF MY SKIN. Anxiety has always been a problem for me, but in the last 5 or 6 days, my anxiety has been completely out of control.
We need to figure this out. I'm so glad you made the connection. Thank you so much. I'm going to try to do some research online.
Hopefrog23
17 Aug 2016
Thank you for responding!! This makes me feel better that I am not alone! I started taking them a week ago but not consistently. Saturday I woke up fine took my Regular meds then the b12 and d and after look out I was out of control with anxiety! It's gotta be it. Bc the same thing happened today as I mentioned. I do remember a dr telling me a long time ago to take b 12 before exercising or running Bc it will give you energy. Lol. Should have remembered that! I don't think it's the d vitamin I'm gonna try to get more b12 from foods like meat. Keep me posted! Thanks girl!
MeggieGirl
17 Aug 2016
Thank YOU! I am so glad you posted this, and I wish I got the tip of taking it before exercising, because I've been taking it at night before bed!!! OMG!!! Can you imagine how much I've been crawling the walls??? I've been like I - CAN'T - TAKE - THIS - ANYMORE and have an appt set with the Dr. in the morning. I was basically going to tell her that there was no hope for me, I've never felt this much anxiety in my life, I'm throwing my hands up in the air. Now you have given me hope. WHEW Just in time - you're an angel!
Hopefrog23
17 Aug 2016
Oh thank the Lord! I am so glad we connected! See God uses all things even bad things to help us and others! It's interesting you say that about throwing your hands in the air saying I can't do this anymore because i was doing the same thing with my sister today telling her i
Couldn't go on like this. That it was too much! Yeah and if you are taking it at night you poor thing! So happy we are on this site and were able to help each other out! Praise the Lord!
Hopefrog23
17 Aug 2016
Also I was pretty revved up for a few hours. I took the b 12 at 9:15. From 10:30 to about 3:30 I was anxious! Even the Xanax wasn't able to get calm me down completely. Around 3:30/4 I was able to relax more. Whew!
MeggieGirl
18 Aug 2016
Wow... that is really something else. Well, I'm at the Dr's office now and my heart is beating out of my chest, so we'll see if she can do anything to help in any way. Please pray for me! I will for you, too!!!
Windchimes123
18 Aug 2016
Hi Meggie,
Positive thoughts and prayers coming your way.
Hypnotize yourself. Stare at an object and zone out of your body.
Please let me know how you are.
:(
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
Praying for you Maggie you will get through this and it will pass. God is right there with you
MeggieGirl
18 Aug 2016
Hi guys! Thank you SO MUCH for your sweet thoughts and prayers! My appointment went very well. Because I am bipolar, I'm going to keep my meds the way they currently are, but we're going to add a very low dose of Seroquel (which I'm not particularly happy about, considering the weight gain but most people see with that medication)... But she's doing it because heightened anxiety can be a symptom of a mania. It might also simply be that it's not mania, and I'm anxious, so this is just a test.
What I am excited about is that we decided to stop the Klonopin three times a day and start Valium three times a day. At least with that, I will have what would be considered rescue medication, and I'm very thankful that we're coming at it with this approach.
Windchimes123
18 Aug 2016
You ARE complicated! No ... Exotic sounds more interesting.
One piece of advice with Seroquel because I was on it for 3 months for insomnia :
Weigh yourself daily!
My scale was broken. I was sleep deprived because it wasn't working.
One day I took a shower and saw that I turned into Dolly Parton ! Except the rest of me also gained weight.
35 lbs in 3 months !
Also watch for Orthostasis especially when waking up during the night.
I broke my ankle !
I was fat and broken ! Lol
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
Glad it went well and you are good with the plan! Praying it all works out for you! Did the dr say anything about the b12?
MeggieGirl
18 Aug 2016
No kidding - I'm already got enough cushion in the tush to speak of, there doesn't need to be more, thank you very much. Just GREAT. I remember being on Seroquel once before (I think 200mg) and I gained something like 30 pounds in 2 months. Got off that stuff so fast, my Doctor's head spun. I'm hoping that such a low dose won't affect me like that. She's putting me on 50mg.
Oh yes, about the B12. My anxiety has always been a severe issue, but the recent "claws in the ceiling" (as we kept calling it today) was definitely due to the B12. It didn't start until I started the B12, and the longer I took the B12, the worse I got. She still wants me taking the supplement, though, because my levels were so low! She did say, though, that she would re-test me in 3 weeks and if my levels were closer to normal, she would adjust my dosage to have me take less than I currently take. So it sounds like I'll be popping Valium like tic tacks for a few weeks!
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
I see. Well now at least we know what was causing the extra angst and now you can remind yourself it's the b12. Plus you have the rescue med to help. If your b 12 was very low it's prob best to take it to get it back up. I'm gonna start again on it too once I level out. But I'm not gonna take such a big dose as I did yesterday 5000 mcg. What dose are you taking? All the best to you!
MeggieGirl
18 Aug 2016
Well, I REALLY feel for you, because I am only taking 2,000mg of the B-12. I'm taking that and 5,000 of the D3. I can't even imagine what 5,000 of the B-12 would have done to me. It's no wonder you noticed it on the first day!!!
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
I know right! Way TOO much
Not taking that anymore lol
I'm taking 5000 of m d too
Do you take fish oil?
Inactive
18 Aug 2016
Maggie and Hope: This is important to note: I had extreme anxiety on 5000 I.U. of D3. I proved it, because I did experiments on myself and noted how I felt when I took it, went off and on, and journaled when the anxiety was worse. My anxiety went through the roof at that high a dose. I reduced to 1000 I.U. a day instead, and no longer get the anxiety from taking it. I would rather take the lower dose every day than take the high dose, feel sick, and have to skip days till I felt better. I was diagnosed a long time ago with low D3 levels, and the dose of 1000 I.U. daily has been effective for me. I get anxiety easily from many meds and supplements, so I have to keep aware. Hope this helps. G
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
Good to know. Thank you! I had wondered if that was affecting me too. Yesterday when I took the b12 I took it with the vit d 5000. So maybe it was a double whammy! Today I took it by itself and seemed ok but I think it's worth looking into to see. I will gladly avoid anything that causes more anxiety Thanks again!
Inactive
18 Aug 2016
Can you imagine the anxiety level caused by taking both Vitamin B12 at 5000mcg, combined with Vitamin D3 at 5000 I.U??? Well, I know first hand, because it almost drove me crazy, literally, to the point that I HAD to find out where this added amount of high anxiety (to my already chronic anxiety) was coming from, or I was gonna lose my mind! Climbing the walls!!! Hard to believe this can be caused by two supplements that are meant to improve our health? But this goes to show why it is so important to take doses that our bodies can assimilate, so that we can get the benefit physically, without the mentally destructive effects from taking more than our bodies are willing to accept! Once again, this shows that, sometimes, less is more! G
Hopefrog23
18 Aug 2016
I couldn't agree more. I felt I was doing myself a favor by taking the higher amounts of both to get the benefits. My dr recommended the 5000 iu of the vit d. Do they not know about this? She didn't recommend an amount for the b 12. I just thought more was better. Wrong o! I was so anxious yesterday. I could have climbed up the walls. My sister was over too and usually she's a calming presence for me. But I wanted to run out of the room. I have never prayed out loud to God to help me so much in my life. I was screaming at him to help me.
And I was about to call the dr and go off my new med (only been on it three weeks) Bc I thought it was the medication causing the anxiety. Thankfully with all the prayers and a Xanax I was ok after a few hours
Whew! Drs should know to warn us who are sensitive to medicines about the effects of vitamins too! Now I see why I'm so sensitive to antidepressants in the beginning! It's starting to make sense!
MeggieGirl
18 Aug 2016
Sup G!
I'm SOOOO glad you said something!!! Who would have thought it was the D??? I didn't even think to ask the Dr. about that today. She said that the two help with energy and "mentation" which I guess is mood and thinking, but WOW! So you know exactly what we've been describing! Who would have thought that that little innocent-looking gelatin capsule could send us off spinning like that. I'm so glad you said something, but it's really sucky that you also had to go through this!!!
Inactive
19 Aug 2016
"Sup, Meggie!
It sux when a vitamin has to make us feel crazy. I'm pretty good at doing that all by myself! I would also like to mention that when I used to take B complex, I was eating us out of house and home! And when I took B6 (tablet) it burned my stomach. So natural supplements come with their own set of problems. We just need to be aware! G
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
Hey G I'm wondering if taking a b complex would solve the b 12 issue? The one I have contains b12 but a much lower dose. I know you have to take it with food though
The b's are supposed to help our moods so I'd like to take them but not if its gonna make me whacky
Inactive
19 Aug 2016
Hope, it's worth a try.
But my problem, as I said, I am sure (because I experimented and journaled and found this unwanted reaction, for me, to vitamin B complex), that when I take B complex, I have an insatiable appetite. I want to eat anything and everything, so I can't tolerate it. I had many unfinished bottles in my cupboard. I couldn't remember why I quit taking it. I would forget why I had quit taking it after a long period of time. So, I would buy a fresh bottle, and after about a week, it was like, Oh, yeah, NOW I remember why I quit taking it, lol. When I quit, my appetite went back to normal! G
Inactive
19 Aug 2016
Hope, one more thing:
I take a liquid vitamin B 12 made by Nature's Bounty. I get it at my grocery store. It comes with a measured dropper, so you can take anywhere from 5000mcg doses down to lower measured doses. You squirt it under your tongue and hold it there for 30 seconds, then swallow it. It's bright red, (cyanocobalamin), and tastes delicious. It is the same thing that the doctor gives in injection form in her office. I used to give myself B12 injections in my thigh once a week, but this form of ingestion is much simpler and just as effective. Just swallowing it in tablet form is not as effective, as it loses its efficacy when it travels through your digestive system, as it passes through without being absorbed. The liquid dropper rocks! Also, since B12 is water soluble, you are not in danger of building up too much of it in your system. G
MeggieGirl
19 Aug 2016
<-- THAT... THAT right there is what I'm going to do. I'm going to get that liquid form and keep a diary like G was so smart to do, so I can decrease and increase as appropriate. I know that I need to get my vitamin levels back up to where I am healthy (and who isn't loving the healthy strong fingernails? holla!), but if it's at the expense of my mind, then... no. We're going to go at it a little easier. Thanks for the tip!!!
As for following up about things since my appointment... my anxiety is completely gone, but it is at a cost. The Seroquel did crazy things to me. I was supposed to take it before bed, but I took it with all my other medicines around 8 PM. You could have picked me up off the floor at 8:30 if I had slid off the bed. I woke up (literally) with my hand in my dinner plate and dinner food smudged all over my nightgown.
LOL Then, I had THE most disturbing dreams/nightmares I've ever had in my entire life, where I did all of this aggressive stuff, and also saw disturbing things, so I'm trying to figure out today whether that means that I'm hostile or a sociopath in real life. Like one was I was really mad at a boy and I was like 4 or 500 pounds in the dream, and I jumped on him and pinned him to the ground and tortured him by riding his belly like a horse until he begged for mercy. WTH is THAT ABOUT!!! And then, my puppy Max, who was a Pomeranian I did (in real life) have to give to a best friend after going through a bad breakup and being too poor to move into a place that would allow 3 pets - he has now passed away... he was in another dream, and he had a zipper up his side. I unzipped him and saw that inside he was just ribs and a suspended heart beating inside, and I was just enraged that the people who were taking care of him for me hadn't put him to sleep and were keeping him alive like that and making him suffer. DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN??? I looked up dreams + Seroquel on the internet as soon as I could, and apparently this is a very common side effect, but GEEZE.
The Valium worked wonders for keeping me calm, so Yay to that! WAY better than the Klonopin, which so far hasn't been a problem to stop. But waking up this morning to the Seroquel haze was TUFF. I felt like calling in to work because I wasn't sure it was safe for me to drive, I felt so dazed. I went to the restroom and stumbled. That's how Windchime broke her ankle!!! I don't know how people take 200-500mg of this stuff - I only took 50mg.
Anyway - over and out - it has been a tough 12 hours... WAH!
Hopefrog23
19 Aug 2016
I'm Maggie that is nuts! I'm sorry you had to go through that. Are you gonna take it again tonight? Hoping it gets better! Praying for you
Hope
Inactive
20 Aug 2016
Maggie, I so wish there could be a simpler treatment for you. That sux. Nightmares like that, on top of the anxiety you were experiencing all day during your waking hours (including the doctor appointment), what a heck of a way to have to wake up the next day, having to contend with those horrific nightmares. You need some peace.
When I know I am going to have a hard time sleeping at night, I take hydroxyzine (Atarax) as needed and I sleep like a baby and no "hangover" feeling the next day. The buspar also works well to curb my anxiety. I wish those 2 meds could be as effective for you. Seriously, I keep you in my prayers that you find some relief from all this mess. You need a break! G
MommaTknows
29 Aug 2016
I feel the same way, my Dr., just recently put me on 1500 mg Calcium with D-3. I already take b-12. My anxiety has been worse than usual, I hate it!
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vitamin b-12, vitamins, anxiety, supplement, b-12
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