need advice on what to ask my doctor

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ns - 21 Jul 2004 06:02 GMT

I'm an alcoholic and suffer from generalized anxiety and panic attacks.
I sometimes feel anemic as well.

I did some research and have started taking a b complex supplement, so
far, no palpitations or chest pains (i have been examined by a doctor
previously) since taking them.

What worries me is this also includes 20mg of iron. I am male, 27. Isn't
this too much? Can this be harmful?

Im visiting my doctor soon and don't know what to ask in regards to
finding out what supplements, if any, I should be taking.

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Eric Bohlman - 21 Jul 2004 08:36 GMT

> I'm an alcoholic and suffer from generalized anxiety and panic attacks.
> I sometimes feel anemic as well.

Alcohol is rather effective as a short-term anxiolytic, but pretty lousy as
a long-term one.

> I did some research and have started taking a b complex supplement, so
> far, no palpitations or chest pains (i have been examined by a doctor
> previously) since taking them.
>
> What worries me is this also includes 20mg of iron. I am male, 27. Isn't
> this too much? Can this be harmful?

The general recommendation is that men shouldn't take any iron supplements
except on medical advice.

> Im visiting my doctor soon and don't know what to ask in regards to
> finding out what supplements, if any, I should be taking.

Ask "what dietary supplements, if any, should I be taking?" Name any ones
that you're already taking.

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Robert - 21 Jul 2004 09:01 GMT

> I'm an alcoholic and suffer from generalized anxiety and panic attacks.
> I sometimes feel anemic as well.
>
> I did some research and have started taking a b complex supplement, so
> far, no palpitations or chest pains (i have been examined by a doctor
> previously) since taking them.

I don't really understand. Are you stopping to drink or are you still
drinking? You need to detox with all the nutritional and medical support. If
you don't stop drinking then the nutritional supplements won't help you
much.

> What worries me is this also includes 20mg of iron. I am male, 27. Isn't
> this too much? Can this be harmful?

If you were or are anemic then it might be because of blood loss. A simple
blood test can determine that. They can also do an iron level.

> Im visiting my doctor soon and don't know what to ask in regards to
> finding out what supplements, if any, I should be taking.

The last thing on the mind of an alcoholic is the nutritional supplements he
should be taking. Dude, are you for real!!!!!
Do you take them with a glass of wine?

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tcomeau - 21 Jul 2004 19:24 GMT

> I'm an alcoholic and suffer from generalized anxiety and panic attacks.
> I sometimes feel anemic as well.
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Im visiting my doctor soon and don't know what to ask in regards to
> finding out what supplements, if any, I should be taking.

Your doctor will not be very knowledgeable in nutrition. Chances are
he will prescribe something but it most likely will not be a
supplement.

Keep up the B vitamins, I would also suggest more vit C as well. I
wouldn't worry about the iron. For B vitamins I prefer a stress
formula.

Since you've shown a reaction to alcohol, you may also have problems
with other carbs in general. I would suggest a low-carb diet.

Good luck,

TC

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