|
|
|
General Questions: Question: How long has The Road Back been
in existence. Question: I have read your information about tapering in the past and the program has changed. Why? Answer: We are continually looking for ways to improve our program. Until we can achieve a 100% success rate, we will not stop the research. The program began initially with a gradual taper guideline without the use of nutritionals. We could get about 1/2 of the people off their medication but they would still suffer withdrawal side effects. Jim Harper would not accept results of only a 50% success rate and suffering for the people that could make, it still existed. Years of research in DNA, cellular nutrition, the effect these medications have on our body, and what specific nutrition could do to alleviate withdrawal side effects, have lead to the current Road Back Program. Question: What is Jim Harper's
background? Question: What are Jim's qualifications to develop such a program? Answer: In 2002, Jim's research on DNA and Prozac was supplied to an attorney in the case, Cassidy vs Eli Lilly. When the evidence was entered the Lilly attorney's instantly settled the case. Three additional suits were filed after the Lilly settlement with the Claim being, DNA and the prediction of adverse reactions. Jim had found you could predict adverse drug reactions with a simple DNA test. In 2004, the acting head of the FDA made a press release urging physicians to use this DNA test before prescribing heart, cancer and psychiatric medication. Jim has been a consultant to several law firms educating the staff on the application of DNA and how it relates to psychiatric medication and predictable adverse reactions. As of July 2006, Jim has trained several physicians and psychiatrists how to use The Road Back Program in their practice. Question: I would like to talk with someone for support during this process, do you offer this and if so, what will this cost? Answer: Yes we do. You can call The Road Back at 1-866-892-0238 or send an e-mail to chris@theroadback.org. There is no cost for our assistance. Pre-Taper Question: Do I really need to do a pre-taper? Answer: Having a plan in place is essential. Even more vital is to ensure the plan will work for you. If you were to do a pre-taper as outlined in The Road Back, you will know how you will respond to the nutrients and how they assist getting rid of side effects. If a pre-taper can't get you feeling very well it is the wrong program for you. Spending the time on the pre-taper and not rushing it will ultimately make the taper much easier. Already Quit Medication and Suffering Question: I have been off my antidepressant or benzodiazepine for a few days or weeks and I am suffering. What can I do? Answer: If the withdrawal side effects have lasted for more than one week, you will need to do something. What you do next can end the suffering or prolong the agony. The individuals we have not been able to help have been people that came off their medication abruptly or harshly and began experimenting with all type of supplements, herbs etc and they have reached a point of being sensitive to every thing. If you came off an antidepressant or antipsychotic, you will need an Omega 3 that is high in EPA to help with the head side effects. No way around that. The Omega 3 works and works quickly. If you are experiencing nausea, ginger tea helps. Drink at least a few cups a day or until the nausea stops. Question: I'm already off benzo's for 9 months but still have side effects. Primarily anxiety, sleeplessness and wobbly/dizzy feeling. I've just started the nutrition program this a.m.. How soon should I expect results? Answer: This varies for each individual. I recommend you use the benzodiazepine pre-taper and follow it exactly. Some people do not respond for about 14 days. Supplements Question: Why do you recommend the same nutritional supplements for all type of medication? Answer: Even though the medication may be totally different with structure and function, what we are trying to do within the body at the cellular level is the same. If a person is taking a benzodiazepine as well as an antidepressant it is vital to set the body up as well for the benzodiazepine taper. This is done by starting with the Body Calm and Essential Protein Formula instead of the Power Barley Formula. Most people taking these two medication will also have anxiety and insomnia as a side effect. Handling the most severe side effects first is what is important. Which medication you are taking will determine the order in which the nutritional supplements are introduced and how much is taken. Using an antidepressant but do not wish to quit Question: "I don't know if I'm ready to get off my antidepressants I don't have any serious side effects and I am much better then I was 3 months. ago. But my biggest complaint is I can't seem to get my energy level back. I'm not laying around totally depressed but the things I enjoyed doing like cooking and taking care of our home seem too much for me. So I'm very interested in taking something to get my energy and motivation back. Could you suggest something for me?" Answer:
I would suggest you try the Power
Barley Formula. Follow the steps outlined for the antidepressant pre-taper
exactly. Weight Loss Question: "I have been on 5 mg of Lexapro for 6 mo. I want to go off. I'm actually feeling great, but have gained 7 lbs. I have tried to taper in very small amounts (recommended by my doc) and no matter how small, I get headaches, insomnia and fogginess. I want to lose the weight as well. I would like to try your method for both the taper and the weight loss. Which one do I do first or can they be done at the same time?" Answer: You should do the pre-taper thoroughly, as your first step. With you being on 5 mg, I suggest you taper off the medication first. Once off the medication for 7 full days then begin the weight loss method. Make sure you do not have withdrawal side effects as well before starting the weight loss plan. If you were going to take around 10 weeks or more to taper, once you are about half way off the medication, and doing well, many people begin the weight loss method as well and do not experience any negative symptoms. The CLA that is used for the weight loss has clinical trials showing it helps some with depression. Always consult with your physician before reducing medication or starting a diet program.
|
|
Copyright 2006 The Road Back. All rights reserved. No part of this Web Site may
be reprinted or distributed without permission. Lexapro - Lexapro Description - Lexapro Side Effects - Zoloft Withdrawal |
