I just recently signed up as a forum member though I have been a visitor for some time. I have had RSD since 1992 (over 20 years) though I wasn't diagnosed until several years later.

In addition to the typical burning pain, I am having major problems with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. I feel trapped with no way of escape. I keep reading about how neurotransmitters influence the brain, and how amino acids can in turn act upon the neurotransmitters.

Does anyone use amino acids and/or related supplements such as 5-HTP, GABA, L-arginine, etc. to help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia? Do you know of any vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, herbs, etc. that might be helpful?

I already take a multi-vitamin, vitamins D, C, K-2, calcium, magnesium, boron, and omega 3 (more DHA than EPA). Several of these are taken to help with low bone density.

I would very much appreciate any suggestions. I feel like I have totally forgotten how to have any happiness or pleasure in my life.

Welcome Brightcloud.

First let me welcome you aboard....yes, all those symptoms many of us have and can fully relate....someone will come along to help you better...but I just wanted to say vent away and keep up the fight....

Welcome Brightcloud,

With twenty years behind you and this disease it is evident that you have grit, courage and determination. The effects of chronic illness and especially CRPS on mental health and sleep are well known and so many of us struggle with them. I have found melatonin at bedtime to be indispensable. I also take an essential fatty acid called palmitoylethanolamide under the brand name PeaPure. I order it online from the Netherlands. It is used for neuropathic pain in Europe. Supposedly helps with the glia. I have not taken any amino acids, feeling like my chemistry is altered enough from a low dose of nortriptyline. I don't want to interfere with the med doing its job.

If you have not seen a therapist they can be very helpful. I worked with a woman who specialized in pain and chronic illness. She used some alternative approaches such as EMDR and hypnosis which I found quite helpful with anxiety and deep sadness. Her knowledge of people with pain was an asset. I felt like talk therapy wasn't a good fit for me cuz I could talk all day about how I feel about CRPS and never resolve anything. If you pursue counseling one of the most important things is to have good rapport. So if you aren't feelin' the love on the first visit look elsewhere. You are not trapped, this is just a rest stop on the journey. I try to manage my expectations for happiness such that I can take a little enjoyment in the smallest of things. A wren took a "bath" in the soil in a flowerpot on my porch today, dirt was flying everywhere. It was so enthusiastic I couldn't help but smile at its own joy. Be kind to yourself....

Sending Healing Love,
Littlepaw

The positive effect of sunshine and a little exercise shouldn't not be ignored, either. Even a short walk or a short swim in a warm pool can release much needed endorphins. Yoga, Tai Chi or meditating can all help.

We also need to touch and be touched, which can be really difficult if you're hypersensitive. Massage can be a great stress reliever. If you don't have a human to snuggle with, a pet can often be a great substitute. (hint: French bulldogs work the best.)

All these chemical imbalances in our limbic system that account for depression and insomnia are to be expected, but I think they're also exacerbated by some of the lifestyle choices that are so easy for us to fall into.

As far as sleep goes, I responded really well to prescription melatonin and even to music programmed to encourage sleep. Even taking a warm bath with Epsom Salts can help greatly. --If you're in high levels of pain and haven't developed strategies or have meds to reduce your pain levels to a reasonable level--that should probably be your first priority.

When I was at my lowest point many years ago and insomnia was a major issue, I too worked with a pain psych doc at the time to help give me some coping strategies as well. My best explanation was that my body was in flight or fight mode almost continually and so I'm sure my body was being flooded with even greater amounts of hormones at the time. Even learning to just stop, close my eyes, and breath deeply was life changing at the time.

(I often feel like my advice is repetitive, so I apologize in advance to anyone that thinks I sound like a broken record. )

The only vitamins I can think if is B-12 and Melatonin? I was given Diazepam, when the b-12ans Melatonin failed for me, for pain as well as anxiety however I still couldn't sleep. My doctor just switched me to Doxepin, a few months ago and works for all three. Anxiety, insomnia, and a little depression. It's more of a situational depression and sometimes if I have a bad flare I still can't sleep for days. But I'm able to sleep now most nights for at least 3-4 hours.
My doctor believes there is a direct correlation between Crps and insomnia. Something physicaluhappening other than just pain, because every single patient she has treated has suffered from insomnia. I hope you find something that works for you! If you can get some steady decent sleep you might notice your depression easing....they can definitely go hand in hand!
Sorry I can't be more help

I do really appreciate all the "welcomes" and suggestions made. Everyone made me feel like they understand, and I take comfort from that knowledge. Thank you, Littlepaw, for the reminder to "be kind to yourself". I do take melatonin at bedtime, just forgot to mention it. But I had not heard of prescription melatonin nor Doxepin, and several of the other suggestions. I looked up PurePea, but could not tell what the price would be in American dollars.

Thank you all.

Hi Brightcloud,

Like you, I have had CRPS a long time. I was dx after a carpal tunnel surgery in 1990. Well, not right after, you know how that goes......

After many years I learned how to manage it, most excellently. There were days, weeks, I didn't even think about it. I always "under-did" with the one limb, but my life included meaningful volunteering, child rearing, even travel to exotic places.

Then in 2013, a Morton's Neuroma that was bothering me went all CRPS-y and now each and every day I get more and more depressed. I used to swim, walk, garden, bike, go out into the world with friends and family. Now I measure my life out in 5-10 minute walking increments and like you I can't seem to find any joy in my life anymore. Even the vibrations from being pushed in a wheelchair make the pain escalate and I have become more and more isolated and I don't know how to do it again this time.

Since I haven't really introduced myself officially here yet, I guess this is it, but I wanted you to know I am sorry you are in such a rough spot.

I know about five years ago I was trying to get off my last CRPS drug. I had been on it since 1999, so it was a horror and someone told me about Seriphos -- a cortisol-regulating nutrient called phosphorylated serine for insomnia. I never tried it, but I wonder if you could find someone where you live who might know something about it. Like others here, I use Melatonin and I just started Nortriptyline 10 mg. two days ago.

The link below has some information about Seriphos.

http://www.moodcure.com/correcting_cortisol_levels.html

Best,
Down-in-the-dumps, Darcy

Darcy,

I appreciate your suggestion about Seriphos (phosphorylated serine). Is this the same as phosphatidyl serine (PS)? I am familiar with the latter being helpful to memory and aiding in the healthy development of cell membranes.

I did go to the mood cure link that you provided. Julia Ross's "Mood Cure" book seems to be somewhat similar to Mark Hyman, MD's "The Ultramind Solution". His book mentions so many different types of various supplements that it is extremely difficult to know where to begin, what to actually try.

Thanks for everyone's input!