The benzodiazepine valium blocks DAO and impacts histamine levels and may actually increase anxiety via this mechanism. I learned all this in an interview I conducted with my amazing colleague Yasmina Ykelenstam.
Sadly Yasmina lost her battle to a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer this week. She had triple negative breast cancer which has a minimal survival rate of no longer than just a few months. She lived with it for over 2 years, outliving all odds. She had just turned 43.
It is with great sadness and reflection that I write this post as tribute to Yasmina who was as bold as she was brilliant.
Yasmina is well known as the Low Histamine Chef and for an abundance of histamine intolerance resources and recipes on Healing Histamine.
We only met in person on one occasion in 2017 and spent an evening and wonderful lunch together. Her warmth, passion and caring shone through and I felt I already knew this kind and smart woman. I had been following her work online after an interview with Dr. Ben Lynch on season 2 of the Anxiety Summit – Biochemical and genetic predispositions: COMT, GAD & MAOA – where he raved about her work.
I reached out to Yasmina and was so thrilled to have the opportunity to interview her for season 3 of the Anxiety Summit – Histamine-containing Foods: their Role in Anxiety, Depression and Schizophrenia
As a tribute to Yasmina and so her brilliance continues to shine I’m sharing some of the highlights from our interview, where she shared that:
- Histamine is the gluten of the intolerance world
- Histamine is a neurotransmitter and plays a role in mood disorders
- Histamine can cause symptoms of anxiety: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, shortness of breath and gasping for air, pounding heart, dizziness and feeling faint
In case you’re new to histamine intolerance this paper provides a quick overview: Histamine and histamine intolerance
Histamine intolerance results from a disequilibrium of accumulated histamine and the capacity for histamine degradation. Histamine is a biogenic amine that occurs to various degrees in many foods. In healthy persons, dietary histamine can be rapidly detoxified by amine oxidases, whereas persons with low amine oxidase activity are at risk of histamine toxicity. Diamine oxidase (DAO) is the main enzyme for the metabolism of ingested histamine.
This new research shows how a low histamine diet has benefits: Histamine-reduced diet and increase of serum diamine oxidase correlating to diet compliance in histamine intolerance
In our interview we had a lengthy discussion on benzodiazapines and the histamine connection. It was both fascinating and very concerning:
Many people doing a benzodiazepine taper are often switched to Valium which is a DAO [diamine oxidase blocker (or histamine liberator)] and this further prevents histamine from being removed from the body.
Dye are also triggers…the pink Xanax can be problematic
Here is the transcript from the benzodiazepine section of our interview, with a few tweaks to give it context. I start by asking Yasmina to talk about histamine interactions with psychiatric medications.
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Yasmina Ykelenstam: Well, I recommend that people go to a wonderful website and it is called histaminintoleranz.ch. It’s German, but it’s translated into English. That’s H‑I‑S‑T‑A‑M‑I‑N‑I‑N‑T‑O‑L‑E‑R‑A‑N‑Z.ch. And they have a very, very long list of medications on there that interact with diamine oxidase or histamine liberators. The one that I just wanted to mention very quickly because it’s relevant to anxiety – and that one is diazepam [you can find this listed on the above site on this page.]
Diazepam (or Valium) is a medicine, as I said, that I used when I was a child – for a couple of days. And it’s a tranquilizer, a benzodiazepine. One of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the world is Valium.
I don’t know if it still is, but when the UN would send out emergency packs to people, Valium was included in there. That’s how widespread its use is. It’s a diamine oxidase blocker. So it blocks the enzyme responsible for degrading histamine in the body. So people who are dealing with anxiety symptoms that are perhaps caused by histamine issues would not do very well potentially with Valium / diazepam because it would further prevent histamine from being removed from the body.
I was on Valium / diazepam for many, many years after it was first prescribed to me and I did not know that. And it was the medicine, it was the tranquilizer that I chose to use to taper from another benzo. I was on Xanax at the time and I had been told that Xanax is harder to withdraw from than crack. So I should switch to another benzodiazepine that had a longer half-life – how long it stays in the body – so that it would make it easier for me to withdraw. And Valium / diazepam was the one that I chose and I think that’s when my body started giving me the message of “Hurry up; just finish this; just cut, cut, cut; get this out of the body because it’s not doing you any good.”
But there is a very, very long list of medications on that German site and interestingly, there are a number of antihistamines in the list of medications that block diamine oxidase and also the other histamine-degrading enzyme. Cimetidine, C‑I‑M‑E‑T‑I‑D‑I‑N-E – I think it is a second-generation antihistamine. It is still prescribed today. It was being prescribed to many people by a doctor in London.
I have another doctor: Dr. Seneviratne in London. He is an immunologist with mast cell focus. He’s excellent. But there was another doctor who was supposedly a mast cell person who was prescribing cimetidine to people. I had to send a message to him saying please stop doing this because it’s probably not very good for them. Also, we were talking about diphenhydramine and that is an HNMT blocker, which is the other histamine‑degrading enzyme.
Trudy Scott: Okay. So I want to just recap here. So we’ve got these meds that block the DAO enzyme, which in turn prevents you from releasing histamine and preventing histamine from being removed from the body.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: Exactly. Yeah, and what’s odd is diphenhydramine is obviously Benadryl, which is one of the most commonly prescribed antihistamines in the United States.
Trudy Scott: A lot of people are on diphenhydramine. You’re right, yeah.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: There are many different mechanisms of action for degrading histamine and for getting it out of the body. So it might not be the end of the world if you’re taking one medication that affects the DAO enzyme but doesn’t affect the HNMT enzyme. And obviously, there’s the liver and there’s different methods of dealing with things in the body. So it’s not the end of the world, but still it’s something you might not want to do and should definitely discuss with your doctor.
Trudy Scott: Yes, and being aware of this. Now I wanted to just go back to the benzodiazepines because I was not aware of this connection to Valium diazepam, and that being a DAO blocker. So is it only the Valium and the other benzodiazepines are not, or is it all benzodiazepines?
Yasmina Ykelenstam: Okay, let me try to remember. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, isn’t it? (It’s on the list)
Trudy Scott: Yes, that’s correct.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: I am not aware of any others offhand and I’m just trying to take a quick look at the list now that I have it in front of me. But no, I don’t believe so because I looked them up because having taken all of them, and I mean, really all of them, I have taken every benzodiazepine ever made in the last 30 years. And no, I think it was just the diazepam, but as I said, it is one of the most commonly prescribed.
Trudy Scott: And it’s really important for me to mention this because I am dead against all benzodiazepines because of their addictive/dependent nature and the side effects and when you’re trying to taper off they cause all these problems. I’ve interviewed a number of people on this topic. In Season 1 of the Anxiety Summit, I interviewed Dr. Catherine Pittman who talked about the Benzobuddies.org group and how so many individuals battle getting off benzodiazepines.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: Oh, I was a member.
Trudy Scott: You were?
Yasmina Ykelenstam: I was a member there (at benzobuddies.org) at one point.
Trudy Scott: Oh, you were? Yeah, it’s a very big issue and problematic drug. But why I’m saying this is because Professor Ashton, who’s an expert on tapering, talks about switching to Valium. So this could be problematic.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: Well, if you could reach out to these communities, that would be fantastic because I did spend some time after, figuring out what was going on, trying to contact people and trying to let them know of this link because there were a lot of people that were in these communities that were suffering from protracted withdrawals. And by this point, I had my suspicions that the protracted withdrawals were actually a histamine response and that the reason that they were experiencing this was just that the original issue was never dealt with. And that was that it might be an underlying histamine issue that initially had them diagnosed with the anxiety disorder and then they were taking these meds. And so when you take the medication away, you’re still left with the existing condition but it isn’t being addressed.
Trudy Scott: Yes, and maybe some of them had done the switch to Valium, which was making things worse.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: Exactly.
Trudy Scott: Very interesting.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: The reason I switched to Valium was because I was following Dr. Ashton’s protocol from benzo.org.uk. I was advised against coming off my medication and I was told that there was no safe withdrawal protocol. I brought them a copy of the Ashton protocol and I was laughed out of the office, but I chose to do it on my own anyway and I’m very grateful to her research.
Trudy Scott: Yes, she’s done amazing research. I’m so appreciative to learn of this component and I’m on a mission to educate people about the benzodiazepines and this is just another aspect that we need to be considering. I will certainly reach out to some of these groups and people hearing this on this Summit, is going to bring awareness to this aspect. All of this is fantastic.
Yasmina Ykelenstam: The other brief thing is that, of course, the dyes are also triggers. And this is why a lot of us, when we’re prescribed psychiatric meds, end up with a new set of symptoms because of the coloring that is actually on the tablets. I was unable to take the pink Xanax, but I was able to take the white Xanax, and my doctor never understood it. He said, “I don’t understand how higher doses of Xanax make you feel worse, but the lower ones works for you.” And I kept telling him, “But I’m taking the same dose at the end of the day, so I don’t understand either.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Here is the link to the entire audio so you can get a better understanding of histamine intolerance.
I’d love to hear your benzodiazepine and histamine intolerance experiences – both good and bad
It would remiss of me to omit something that is seldom discussed: the link between benzodiazepine use and increased cancer risk. In our interview Yasmina shared this “I have taken every benzodiazepine ever made in the last 30 years.”
Yasmina was always very open about her healing journey and I suspect she asked herself this question and would be ok with me making this possible connection in the hope it may help someone who is considering a starting a benzodiazepine prescription or someone contemplating doing a benzodiazepine taper.
I hope this has been helpful if you’re currently taking a benzodiazepine, are considering taking one, have taken one in the past, have issues with high histamine foods, are taking one of the other medications on the list, and/or have had issues with the colors in medications.
With much appreciation to Yasmina! We loved her and thank her for sharing so freely and wisely and we love that her wisdom will live on! Rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to her family and others who were close to her.
Note added later on 9/14/18 after this blog was published:
As soon as I heard the sad news about Yasmina I wrote this blog as a tribute to her. Then a few hours before it was due to be published I heard her family had not yet made the announcement public and hadn’t yet shared the news with her community. At the last minute I removed the tribute sections out of respect for them. When I woke I saw the announcement on her Facebook page and reinstated my tribute.
I’ll be doing further updates to share some of what was said about continuing her legacy and anything more I learn.
I am a benzo survivor! I was on Dalmane a relative of Valium….given to me for sleep without being told it was addictive. I used it for years and in 2015 I did a slow taper off of it. When I finished my taper I was very sick, way more than just lack of sleep! I went to a functional medicine doctor and we have been working on everything, but mostly gut issues. I am sure I had high histamine, but I am fine now! I still have some nervous system issues, but I am the healthiest I have been in years.
I am studying with FMCA to become a health coach now and have been following Yasmine through emails. She was truly a lovely lady. So sad to hear of her passing. Thanks for sharing this information from the summit.
Karole
Sorry to hear about your benzo taper – glad to hear you’re doing well and studying to be a health coach!
And yes she truly was a lovely lady!
I’m in this situation:( I’m on Valium tapering I have 15mg more to go and I’m on 50mg of Benadryl;( having histamine intolerance losing so much weight what DAO supplement should I take? I’m not going to any more drs I’m done being lied to and poisoned. Thank you so much for this post.
Katie
Seeking Health has a Histamine Block product that provides DAO. Unfortunately some folks need to switch to another benzo.
How did you get better? I was on one 5 mg Valium daily for 15 years . Withdrawal was awful and now I have histamine intolerance and feel awful.
Wow, Trudy. I’m so very sorry to hear about Yasmina’s passing! How very tragic. I didn’t even know she was sick. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been following her on Facebook and have been intrigued with the connection she made between histamine issues and insomnia. I was planning on contacting her this Fall, on this subject, and was hoping to start a protocol for insomnia with her. Thank you for dedicating this article to her work. So grateful for her contributions to the field. Thank you for the lovely tribute to her. Thanks also for the cautionary note on benzos with the connection to cancer, which was new information to me. (The possible carcinogenic piece was new to me.) That is so sad. I am so sorry that she lost her battle to cancer. My heart goes out to her family and friends and community and to all who admired her, knew and loved her. I think I will make a point of trying to read all her work. Thank you for providing links to her work.
I’ve also thought about contacting Dr. Lam for his work with adrenals as they relate to insomnia. He also works with pyroluria.
I’ve also thought about doing an intense parasite protocol for insomnia. I’ve heard good things about Ann Louise Gittleman’s parasite protocol. Some folks in my recent Candida group (that I did with Amy Myers) recommended ALG‘s work with parasites. I remember hearing her talk on one of your anxiety summits. And I always remember you were the first person who told me that parasites are very active at night and to look into them for insomnia.
As always, thanks for all your great work you are doing. All the best.
Hugs,
Jane Spell
Jane
Thanks for this lovely message – we are all so very grateful for her contributions to the field! And yes she often talked about the connections between histamine intolerance and insomnia. I encourage you to look into this aspect. And you can because the family plans to continue her legacy and continue to make her valuable resources available. I hear it was her wish to do this.
And yes, all other possible root causes of insomnia should also be addressed or ruled out – adrenal issues and parasites are common ones. I’d also address EMF issues and get rid of WiFi and turn off bedroom circuit breakers at night, and then also look for less obvious causes like Lyme and mold.
Trudy, thank you for this lovely tribute. I was fortunate to discover Yasmina while researching histamine. What I began learning from her went far beyond my immediate concerns. Because of her, many pieces of my health puzzle fell into place. I loved her style, her impeccable research, her mission to help others. She will be greatly missed.
Lana
Thanks for sharing this lovely message about Yasmina and how she helped you to put your health puzzle pieces together. I also loved all the research she did and all the experts she gathered to learn from and then share with her community.
I’d love to hear what symptoms you had and how addressing histamine intolerance helped you?
Many years ago I lived in northern Thailand and taught English in a refugee camp. I loved it, but the high heat and humidity left me feeling like a limp ragdoll. Our diet included eggs, pineapple, mango, bananas, bamboo shoots, peppers, fermented sauces, chicken, beef and sticky rice. Our meat-and-rice lunch was prepared early in the morning and sat for hours unrefrigerated. One time a very stressful incident in the camp caused giant welts on my arms. We learned to take a lot of things in stride, but I couldn’t wait to return to the States.
Ah! Back to hot showers, whole grain bread, air conditioning, a comfy bed without mosquito netting! Unfortunately, the relief didn’t last long. Taking a shower caused my entire body to be covered in huge welts. And my energy level was going further down, not back up. I started to suspect food sensitivities and got tested. I had become sensitive to just about every food. I lost a lot of weight during that time. I also became sensitive to chemicals. Perfume gave me terrible migraines.
Until I read Yasmina’s articles and interviews, it had never occurred to me that histamine issues was most likely the common denominator. Since then I had genetic testing done and learned I’m a prime candidate for such issues. Now I work to keep my dietary histamine load low.
And when I feel depressed after getting my hair colored, I know why! 🙂
Thank you for this amazing tribute to Yasmina! She was the first person I found online speaking out about histamine and the connection to medications. I have been harmed and have been disabled for almost 5 years from benzodiazepines. I have not been able to implement her treatment methods other than trying to shift my eating to lessen histamine. She was a practioner who understood exactly where I am and I am so thankful for you as well. So few practitioners speak out and try to educate and truly help. I have met 1000s like me online who are suffering and because of work by Yasmina and yourself, I believe one day I will be fully functional again. I am so saddened by her passing because the work she did in her 43 year life is more than many do in their entire 80+ years. God bless her and thanks for sharing this.
Jennifer
Thank you for sharing your lovely tribute for Yasmina! I’m going to pass this blog with all the comments on to her family.
I’m so glad you had the opportunity to learn from this amazing woman and I wish you continued healing. The benzodiazepines are brutal for everyone and much more harmful for some.
As you know, with my clients I focus on nutritional support in order to heal and we look at all underlying root causes and address those (ideally before they start to taper) – no gluten/dairy, often no grains, quality animal protein, blood sugar control, no caffeine, healing leaky gut, addressing low GABA/low serotonin/low zinc/low vitamin D/low iron (and sometimes high iron), addressing pyroluria and adrenal/hormone imbalances etc + other possible factors (see 60+ causes of anxiety below). When doing the benzo taper (with doctor’s approval) it’s does need to be done really really slowly and support groups like benzobuddies.org are wonderful even if they don’t advocate for supplements (we do differ in our approaches on this aspect)
During the taper, additional GABA and tryptophan often helps and we often use melatonin, lithium orotate and niacinamine too, together with liver support/sauna and other detox support. Calming essential oils, Heartmath, meditation, yoga, walking in nature all help and are especially important when someone is very sensitive to supplements. We must also consider the harmful effects of EMFs – I suspect this may play a role in the challenges some people face when tapering and I’d mitigate these effects too.
Here are some blogs with additional information
GABA for the physical-tension and stiff-and-tense-muscles type of anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-physical-tension-stiff-tense-muscles-type-anxiety/
60+ Nutritional & Biochemical Causes of Anxiety https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
Melatonin improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety after a TBI (traumatic brain injury) https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/melatonin-improves-sleep-quality-and-reduces-anxiety-after-a-tbi-traumatic-brain-injury/
Hopefully you already know all this but I wanted to post anyway as a reminder for you and other readers.
May I ask which benzodizepine you were prescribed? In this blog I write about how concurrent use with SSRIs, BCP, fluoroquinolone antibiotics and liver polymorphisms can make tapering more challenging for some https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-say-no-benzodiazepines-anxiety/
Thank you for this wealth of information! I have not been able to use any supplements. My system is too fragile. I wonder about removing the histamine and DAO pathways and struggle greatly still. I did taper using the Ashton manual but for some it can be too fast. However for me, when I reached tolerance, I could not stabilize my nervous system and it never has. It is more manageable but not normal. I still cannot work or fully function. Hopefully one day my system won’t react to everything.
As for the benzos I took , I was started on Xanax and when it made me anxious, they added Zoloft. The antidepressants continued to not work after a year or two and they would substitute for others. Eventually the xanax stopped working and they switched me to klonopin. And that is the one that I hit tolerance with. They tried me on Ativan and didn’t work at all. The klonopin made me extremely suicidal out of no where. So they put me back on xanax but it didn’t help. So they crossed me over to Valium to taper. I never felt relief until I got off of the medicine and I still have an extremely sensitive system. I try taking vitamin c under my tongue with a toothpick and it revs me. I truly do not know what to do. I will look over the articles. The only thing that has helped me is time off of the meds and eating as clean as I can. Thanks for all of your hard work.
This is an amazing tribute to Yasmina Trudy. Yasmina was such a brilliant woman with a truly unique story. I learned a lot from her as a practitioner and hoped I would be able to meet her one day. I wish her family peace in this tragic time. She will always be remembered as the amazing person that she was.
Becky
Thanks for sharing – she certainly was a brilliant woman with a truly unique story! We’ve all learned so much from her and will continue to do so – I’ve heard her family will continue her legacy as per her wishes. I’m not yet sure how this will look but will keep everyone posted as I hear more
Thank you Trudy. As you know, I am finishing my second book which is on histamine intolerance. It will be out next fall and I plan on dedicating it to Yasmina. She inspired me to write about my battle with MCAS and histamine intolerance. As I have suffered with many issues, this has been the worst. I only hope that my work can help half as many people as she did.
Thank You for writing this and sharing with us.. My Sincere Condolences to you on the passing of this dear lady..I was on these for a lot of year’s not knowing at first they were addictive. When I was told a few month’s later I stopped them altogether and was so poorly but had no idea why and after feeling weak faint to the point of nearly passing out for two week’s I made an appointment to see my doctor.He asked a few question’s then asked was I still taking my medication to which I replied ‘No thinking he was going to say it was them that was causing me to feel ill but he said ‘Why not . I told him that they were addictive and I didn’t want to take them..No you cannot stop like that, this is why you feel so poorly . Start them again and you can ween of them and I will help you. Nothing more was said until I went back and was feeling agitated and stressed with it all ..He put them up and said I had caused myself to have anxiety with stopping . Take a little more until you feel less panicky then I will start to ween you off . He didn’t do this he just added more saying I need to be stress free before I cut, This continued and month’s turned to year’s . I started to taper them myself and never went to see him in fact I have not been for over four year’s. I felt terrible but carried on until I stopped. Mine were diazepam 30mg a day ..I have been free of them completely for three year’s four month’s and I am still suffering Insomnia anxiety and muscle joint pain with a few other’s . Can you tell me what food’s are better to eat and what other’s to cut . I cut gluten soy corn dairy and some other’s..Anything that could help my Insomnia and anxiety. Many Thank’s!
Veronica
Your story is a very familiar one I hear from my clients – so sorry you were not heard and are still struggling! Real whole food that is nutrient-dense and of good quality is key for healing – so grass-fed red meat, wild oil fish like salmon/sardines, sauerkraut, broths, organic veg and fruits, soaked nuts and seeds, healthy fats like butter/olive oil/coconut oil. No coffee or sugar and eating for blood sugar balance. Also addressing specific imbalances like low zinc, low B6, adrenals, low GABA, low serotonin etc.
This blog is a wealth of information and my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” outlines everything
Yasmina was a gem, always loved reading her informative blog posts and receiving her weekly emails on a Saturday. She leaves a huge gap in the health and wellness space. Amazing how she fought ‘til the end and never complained about her battle. May she now rest in peace and free from suffering…
Drew
She sure was a gem! Thanks for your kind words
I am currently tapering off clonazepam and my histamine reaction is off the charts. I have sever allergies now. I can’t apply anything to my skin without it resulting in a rash. I have burning eyes and a multitude of other symptoms. I definitely do not think the issue lies only with Valium. I have only taken Xanax and clonazepam. My taper has been very very brutal to say the least
All benzos create a myriad of symptoms. I work as a mentor on a private forum for people coming off antidepressants and Benzos. The symptoms you mention here are withdrawal symptoms. Your skin is detoxing the drugs which causes rashes, lots of rashes. Some people are so sensitive to these types of drugs that they suffer after a short time of use. We have people on our forum who were only on one of these meds for a few weeks and have severe withdrawal symptoms even when doing a slow taper. Hope you see some positive changes soon. Hang in there… everyone heals but for some it is a very long journey.
Karole
Thanks for offering support here. I agree with all you’re saying. I will add that nutritional support in the way of dietary changes and specific nutrients – ideally started BEFORE tapering – is what I find so helpful for the taper process.
Thanks for your work in this area – it’s so needed! I’d love to hear which private forum you are a mentor for?
Yes I learned that it is part of withdrawal but I always had histamine problems before tapering, they are now exaggerated. So I am concerned that the damage done is not going to be healed. I have gone to a low histamine diet a few days ago and plan to continue that for a while In hopes that it helps. I also started mega dosing vitamin C. I haven’t seen any improvement yet but I am hoping the damage isn’t permanent considering I had rash and itchy issues with my face when I started the klonopin.
Marisa
As Karole said there are many symptoms during a benzo withdrawal. Check out benzo.org.uk for physical and mental symptoms. I will add that nutritional support in the way of dietary changes and specific nutrients – ideally started BEFORE tapering – is what I find so helpful for the taper process.
I tapered off a Benzo sleeping pill and then an antidepressant that was given to me for fibromyalgia pain… never knew I was taking an antidepressant! After my tapers I was asked by Point of Return to be a Mentor for others on the forum. http://www.pointofreturn.com
My journey took me to Functional Medicine where I found the BEST doctor ever to help me heal. I am now in school with FMCA, Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, following my passion of using food as medicine to help others either stay off these medications or taper safely off and regain their health through functional medicine. I am coaching 4 clients presently as a candidate in my 9th month of school. I graduate September 1 and my niche for coaching will be in this area.
Dear Trudy, I just now somehow got a post on the connection between histamine intolerance and tapering valium. I followed Yasmina and found out I had this year’s ago and have tried to cut out all high histamine foods. I then was diagnosed with a deep blood system fungal infection and thought all my illness was connected to that. I was Atavan and hit tolerance withdralws and had a brutal switch over to Valium yes. PER ASHTON MANUEL same as Yasmina. I knew when I took it I’d get sicker but had no choice. My histamine intolerance is horribly worse now and I’m still tapering 2 doses a day but down pretty low. 1.5 mg valium am. 3.5 pm. What do I do keep tapering or try and take DAO , or switch back to Atavan where I was in tolerance withdralws? All food causes me extreme reactions even some low histamine. I’ve spent over $20,000 on doctors for all of this and no one here knows what to do. They have ran every test on me and in have them all. Given me over 40 supplements which I can’t tolerate most. I’m in Texas and need intervention and help.
Thank you, Jane
Trudy can speak to this, but I’m wondering if you have tried coconut oil to the skin rashes, even on your face?
Dear Trudy,
I am on quetiapine, Diazepam andmirtazapine. I suffer badly from histaminrelated issues since taking these meds. Can you tell me how to find out about the day-blocking or hemmt-blocking activity of these drugs? I know that diazepam is a dao-Blocker.
Yours
Tanha
I too am tapering a benzo with the help of Point of Return supplements and guidance to my prescriber. As I get closer to almost being off of this benzo ( prescribed for insomnia) my histamine intolerance is increasing. Along with the POR supports I have added CBD oil for anxiety and sleep am and pm. It is the CBD without THC as I work still full time while tapering .. it is broad spectrum but no THC. I also have found using theta binaural beats twice per day, 1 x during a break and then 1x before bed .. actually in my bed with headphones help me to sleep. I use Unisom doxycycline succinate @ hour before bed. I am down by from 30mg to 6 mg .. getting sleep and able to work full time. I use Epsom salts baths 2-3 x a week. I am almost there. Hope this helps others. Much love to all
Hope you ran the CBD oil and the Unisom by by the POR office.
Kim
Thanks for sharing and glad to hear you’re doing well and able to sleep and work. Could you share what POR supplements are helping and how long your benzo taper has been so far.
I’m not a big fan of Unisom doxycycline succinate as tolerance can develop too and there are side-effects. Is this a short-term recommendation? I prefer natural antihistamines like C, nettles, quercetin etc.
I love that theta binaural beats are helping because of the effects on lowering cortisol and boosting melatonin (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles320019.php) but caution my clients to be aware of EMF exposure (which lowers melatonin and has other biological effects) and not use Bluetooth headsets or have the device too close to the body.
Hi Trudy,
Like most people with High Histamine Isses I react to many of the natural supplements, such as Quercetin, Bromelaine, Melatonin, L-Theanine, Valerian…I have tried and been through almost every amino acid which many as you may know can be changed to Glutamate ..especially when you already run glutamate heavy. The unisom works very well for me and I do not feel I have developed a tolerance to doxylamine succinate. I can go to sleep without some nights but it helps me greatly to get some sleep so I may still work full time. There is alot of info out of the UK with other anithistamines that were found to be useful. However, those are not OTC in the USA so the doxylamine succinate is in the same family. And I take the CBD oil am and pm which also which is a glutamate antagonist. I use a brand this is 3rd party tested, organic, made in USA and is broad spectrum. I use two of POR supplements: Mood (Omega 3 very well sourced) and Support (Gluathione). Unfortunately, their other products did not work for me. Our bodies are all different…slightly different genetics and SNP’s …so not everything is a ” One Size Fits All”… What I am doing is working for me. I have not missed a day of work during my benzo taper and now am almost finished. I think it’s important to spread the word and help each other find ways to get through the tapering process.
Kim
Thanks for sharing more of the backstory and yes no one size fits all. I’m really glad you have found a solution that works for you!
Kim,
Which Bemzo/ Sleeping pill are you tapering off?
oops! Typo! lol Benzo
I did want to clarify CBD oil is a glutamate inhibitor along with being a Mast Cell Stabilizer.
Through research I have found that high histamine is linked to high glutamate. It is all connected…Through sharing information we can help others. Very grateful that this information is available and Trudy please keep the great info coming!!
Karole,
Thank you for you help.
Kim,
I am impressed that you are doing so well on this taper and able to continue working!! That is awesome! It would be nice to know which Benzo you are tapering off of as each one has some differences. Would you mind sharing what medication you are coming off of? Benzos are no fun, for sure!!
Hi there-great information-
I am currently on .5 mg of Xanax and I’m having intense anxiety and wish to get off, I have been using it for sleeping and also have histamine intolerance which has really been revving up lately. The doctor is literally just was switching me to Valium over the past few days and then I saw this article. Are there any benzo‘s which do not affect histamine that I could asked to be switched to instead? I really cannot wait to get off this stuff! Thx!
The switch to a longer acting benzo from Xanax is really important for tapering off safely. All of these medications mess with the gut. You are correct for wanting off and you will need to heal your gut as you go and true complete healing happens after you are off these medications.
Hi Karole, thank you for your thoughts. I love that you are working with functional medicine, I am an acupuncture position myself and have been going through the past year of illness with mold toxicity as well as gut and histamine issues and adrenal fatigue. Realizing that the Xanax has been a big player and hindering from me from healing was a big realization but I admit I’m pretty terrified, I’ve been on .5 for sleeping for quite a while but started having bizarre panic attacks as well as a lot of sweating and shaking and weird things, finally tied it to the medication a few days ago. My doctor wants me to move to 2 mg of Valium and then do both for a few days to level me out and then start to reduce the Xanax but I just don’t feel totally clear on how quickly I should be doing it- he said by 1/4 pill or so every several days and then be on the Valium for a bit and then after I stabilize on that I can start to wean off of that but of course we have not gotten to that portion of the program yet. If you have any thoughts I would appreciate it, I know since I’m crossing from one to the other most people just make a total switch but I’m so unstable I’ve been scared to do that. Thank you!
I have been taking Xanax for over 25 years. I’m not sure sure how to taper 4 mg x 4 a day. I’m very sick. I was taking 450 mg of Lyrica and have done a water tritiation which has taken me over a year to do.
I have been having anxiety depression fatigue confusion weight loss huge skin issues and many other things. I have been bedridden for over a year. I really don’t know how to help myself. I would appreciate any advice!!
Please go to the following website. Take a look at it as their is all kinds of information on it. You should do a free consultation with them. They will respond to questions in the pop up box, but really please call them at their toll free number and ask to speak with Alesandra Rain. There will be no charge to talk and tell her your story of what is going on with you and no strings attached , promise. She is the most kind and knowledgeable person about these medications and how to safely taper off them. When you call tell them Karole told you to. I was on my benzo for years and couldn’t get off it until I found them with their knowledge. Alesandra has been through a horrible cold turkey and it led her to this, her mission in life to help others.
http://www.pointofreturn
Opps on website:
http://www.pointofreturn.com
I have already signed up with them and spoken to her, she is just incredible, thank you so much! I actually called the week before because I saw your information previously. You are so kind to help others.
Good for you, Adrienne.
Hi, I am almost done with my benzo taper which has been ongoing for almost 2 years. I crossed over to Valium about 4 months ago and am now down to my last 1 mg of Valium. I was previously on Ativan for 22 years!!! I’ve had so many other health issues with ME/CFS, POTS, severe seasonal allergies, food intolerances, IGG and IGA deficiencies and later learned that I have a histamine intolerance. This has been the most difficult to navigate as it often creeps up on me. I think the histamine intolerance was made worse by the benzos. I am fearful this will not improve and am so confused with all these flu like symptoms. I don’t know what to eat anymore. I’ve seen nutritionists and dieticians over the past 20 years knowing there was something about food making me ill and no one has really been able to help. I stumbled upon histamine intolerance and discussed with my allergist. He agrees that this is an issue for me but I am still having a difficult time I can’t seem to find a dietician knowledgeable enough to work with me and help.
Mel
The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More by Dr. Becky Campbell (publication date Dec 10, 2019). It’s the only book that I am aware of that goes into so much depth on the topic of histamine intolerance. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/recommended-gut-brain-books-as-holiday-gifts-for-you-or-a-loved-one/
Also benzos mess up your gut. When you are off it completely you will heal as long as you do the diet work. The meds create the allergy these issues including histamine problems. Just keep fighting and following the histamine and allergy diets . Once you are off your medication and truly heal these issues will be gone too. My functional doctor has a doctorate in nutrition and she helped me heal my gut.
Hi Trudy, I read your post about how switching to, and tapering off of Valium, blocks DAO, prevents histamine from being released, and causes much more anxiety. I literally was about to switch from Ativan to Valium, as per the Ashton protocol. I’m so glad I found your post before I did, because I have terrible mast cell activation, from long term mold exposure, and need to avoid histamine foods as well as take DAO supplements. I can’t taper off Ativan though, because of it’s short half life. Is the another, long acting benzo I could switch to that doesn’t block DAO? Thanks so much for your work. Jeff
Hi Jeff… if you go to this website you will find all sorts of information about withdrawal and they will even be happy to do a free sonsult with you.
http://www.pointofreturn.com
Hi Karole,
They don’t know which long acting benzo I can switch to, to taper from, that doesn’t effect DAO. Any other ideas
If they can’t answer your question then I don’t know who can other than the drug companies that make the crap… and I don’t know that they bother looking at those things. Being on any if these kinds of medications affects the gut microbiome. Getting off them allows your gut to heal. Hope you can get off yours.
Wow, spreading misinformation much…? Valium is actually known as a MAST CELL STABILIZER, and for treatment in MCAS, which is a condition that anyone writing about “histamine issues” – as if they’re a professional on the matter – should be aware of.
As well, you straight out complain about the medication and the dye as if they’re one and the same. Dyes, excipients (fillers), and *actual medications* are all different things.
Valium has saved my life, as the one of the only medications that helps to calm my mast cells. I react to all antihistamines I’ve tried, or they flat-out didn’t work (aside from dye-free Benadryl for anaphylaxis, which I take sparingly, as it causes severe weight gain). I’ve failed on Xolair, Singulair, oral cromolyn, and tons more. I used to be up all night with asthma, and constantly on Uristat, for reactions – no matter what my diet/health routine was. I’d literally have no quality of life without this medication.
When the *brand* was changed by the pharmacy, I had reactions – and so I have to make sure that the one type I can use is special ordered. I clearly react to a FILLER in a different brand, though the right brand makes my life manageable.
Learn about MCAS, the long history of the usage of benzodiazepines as mast cell stabilizers, and the different biomes that people have – instead of making sweeping generalizations against a medication that is lifesaving for some, and that is already demonized. Learn where the histamine is *actually coming from,* the scientific processes involved, and the whole host of other chemicals that mast cells can release, aside from histamine. I’ve spent YEARS trying to find something else that works as well in controlling symptoms. And the reason why…? Because I’m afraid I’ll lose access to it, because of the witch hunt against benzos. To read this nonsense on a “histamine” page is UNBELIEVABLY disappointing.
Kelly
Thanks for sharing and so glad to hear Valium has helped you. Please share some articles and study links as I can’t find anything online.
This is not a witch-hunt but simply education because I have seen the awful effects of benzodiazepines. I write more about this here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-say-no-benzodiazepines-anxiety/ and Benzo Information Coalition is an excellent resource https://www.benzoinfo.com/
Apologies for the delay on your comment approval and my response. We had a computer glitch where a large number of comments were hidden from view in a spam folder. It mostly affected new folks who were commenting for the first time but it’s hopefully resolved now.
Yes, I’d also like to point out that benzodiazepines are used to stabilize mast cells. A quick internet search will pull up numerous studies on the topic. It’s disappointing to read disinformation.
Amy
There is no disinformation in this post and while benzos may help with MCAS they do also cause issues so I focus on nutritional aspects. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-importance-of-addressing-pyroluria-with-chronic-lyme-disease-and-co-infections-mcas-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-and-other-chronic-illnesses/
I have huge histamine issues but I’m fine with Valium (which I only use for emergencies when L-Theanine or similar isn’t strong enough). I only need 0.5-1mg for it to have an effect (although it makes me depressed the day after if I take it late in the day). I absolutely cannot tolerate Xanax, it makes me hyper and irritable and in no way calmer. I assumed it’s because of the sodium benzoate in it which is an issue for people with salicylates intolerance. But I just read on the web that someone read somewhere that Xanax also triggers histamine. Unfortunately I don’t know the source so don’t know if it’s true. Wouldnt it be logical if it wasnt just one benzo causing histamine reactions?
I was diagnosed with MCAS after a few month stint with Xanax. I didn’t see any connection and continued taking occasional as needed. Recently I started having an increase in symptoms and someone alerted me to withdrawal symptoms. I was horrified to realize that I became physically dependent. I switched to Valium and have been feeling severe brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, And other symptoms. I could not figure out if it was withdrawal or side effects. I kept on holding my dose in hopes to feel better but something inside of me kept on telling me that it’s all the side effects not withdrawal. I really want to do a fast taper instead of dragging it out. How can I best prepare my body for what’s coming up after the taper? Interestingly I no longer react to chemicals while was taking Xanax and even now on Valium. My usual reaction to chemicals is throat swelling and I often get this symptom right before my scheduled dose.
Tatsiana
A slow taper is always recommended. I have my clients get nutritionally stable BEFORE starting any medication taper (with their doctor’s approval of course) and this prevents many of the adverse effects. This means eating real food, no gluten, no caffeine, no sugar, quality animal protein, eating for blood sugar control and addressing gut health, the adrenals etc (everything I cover in my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/). And then we use the amino acids during the taper (all with the doctor’s approval and monitoring).
I have found that GABA and/or theanine and tryptophan and/or 5-HTP help a great deal. We may also include melatonin, niacinamide, adrenal supportive nutrients and other protocols based on each person’s unique needs.
However there are a subset of individuals (about 30%) who do have a much more difficult time tapering benzos than others, even with nutritional support. More on this here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/world-benzodiazepine-awareness-day-say-no-benzodiazepines-anxiety/
I have histamine intolerance and as a result have experienced terrible insomnia. My doctor recently prescribed a preparation for sleep that contains valerian, and I am wondering is the valerian root is safe to take and if it will block the DAO enzyme like Valium. I would really like to know before I pay for this preparation. Thank you in advance to anyone that knows the answer to this question and responds.
Gary
I’m not aware of valerian being an issue with histamine issues but would discuss with the doctor.
I always start with addressing low serotonin with tryptophan or 5-HTP and low GABA with GABA when someone has insomnia. The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. Much of this helps with insomnia as well as anxiety. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-antianxiety-food-solution-by-trudy-scott/
It’s a comprehensive approach – amino acids AND diet.
The info about Valium IS disinformation. It IS used as a mast cell stabilizer. So……..you ask for links to scientific studies but where are your links to studies showing it does what you say? I’m really tired of people posting things that have no bearing on reality.
Rose
Rose
It’s listed on the histamine site as being problematic. I have reached out to them to find the research
Please be polite when commenting.
Show me please how I am. being impolite by pointing out an inaccuracy? Why did you not reprimand the person. before me. who pointed out the inaccuracy? As long as. people are praising and lauding what is printed here it’s ok. Valium is used as a Mast Celll Stabilizer. Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it is not going to cause problems. It. seems only your ideas are. welcomed here. Please though show me my “impoliteness“name my original post and show me how the person before me. who was actually much more emphatic in her criticism, was “polite”.
Rose
You are correct, Valium is used as a mast cell stabilizer but as with all benzos there are issues with tolerance, dependence and withdrawal so I choose to educate my community about these issues. There is also an issue with it blocking the DAO enzyme and many practitioners and consumers are not aware of this.
I also agree that “just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it is not going to cause problems” however GABA is an option that we see works clinically and has some research behind it. I share more in this recent blog https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/gaba-worked-amazingly-for-18-year-old-during-a-mcas-histamine-flare-helping-with-ocd-anxiety-rage-and-skin-issues/
I have many folks disagree with my posts and am always open o healthy debate so please feel to tell me that why “the info about Valium IS disinformation.”
I have extreme back pain and my rheumatologist gave me 2.5 Valium a night to take for my back muscles and etc. I took them for nearly a year and went off of them for a few day and then had extreme allergic reactions, saw an allergist and they gave me Zyrtec and Pepcid to take for histamine issues and now I am having adrenal, ACTH, and low cortisol issues… I am having fight or flight and etc. so a endocrinologist have me 25 hydrocortisone tablets to take to counteract the lack of cortisol production. And I still don’t feel well. Any suggestions? I am off of Valium cold turkey because it gave me worse symptoms when I tried to take it again… so now I’m just taking Zyrtec and Pepcid in the morning with my hydrocortisone tablets. I want my cortisol to be normal. Please advise.
Melissa
I suggest finding a naturopath or functional medicine practitioner to work with.
Keep in mind that going cold turkey off benzos is not advised.
Hi Trudy, I have still not healed from the histamine issues caused by the damage of these meds. I have been off 8 years and 8 months and my only lasting symptoms are all histamine related- migraines, balance and dizziness, pressure. In my head, itching and pain. I am perimenopausal and I believe that my body is dealing with some sort of histamine response to estrogen. I saw some websites that correlate this.
However, I tried to go on Claritin and I even tried afrin. The afrin gave me relief and when it wore off k got a panic attack every time. I feels like it is triggering a histamine/ inflammation response. The Claritin I have taken longer and I can barely walk as it is doing the same thing only slower. I am now tapering off of Claritin.
Anyway, how can we get our histamine response to repair? Do you have any suggestions or thoughts? I think these meds cause the histamine response and is creating hell for many of us. I just want a life again. It’s been so very long. Thank you for all you do!
Jennifer
I’m sorry to hear you are struggling. Addressing the biochemical imbalance caused by pyroluria/low B6/low zinc is crucial for recovery from histamine issues and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/the-importance-of-addressing-pyroluria-with-chronic-lyme-disease-and-co-infections-mcas-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-and-other-chronic-illnesses/
I also assess for low levels of GABA and serotonin and do trials of the amino acids GABA and tryptophan/5-HTP. I use the symptoms questionnaire https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
When symptoms are very severe, working with a histamine/MCAS expert is often needed – like Dr. Kelly MCann or Beth O’Hara.
Can you share which benzodiazepines you used and for how long? And why they were prescribed?
Hi Trudy,
Thank you for your thorough response. I will read what those links say. I hope I can heal. It’s been so long. And I have such a fear of supplements and any medicine. It took me 7 years to even take an Advil and I was in constant pain. And similarly I took this Claritin now for about a year or so and now I am afraid it is making me worse because when I try to not take it, I feel so much worse. My system is so sensitive that I don’t know what to do anymore.
As for the duration of the benzos I took them as prescribed from age 21 to age 37. They started me with Xanax because I was dizzy and they said it was anxiety. After a few years they switched me to klonopin. I took that for the longest. Then when I reached tolerance and they stopped working they tried me on Ativan which was useless and then I did the crossover that is in the ashton manual to valium which really didn’t help much. I tapered in around 8 months. I was on a dose of 1.5 Xanax or so, so I think I was tapering at like 15 mg of valium. It was hell and I was doing better somewhat but I have not been able to ride in a car more than a couple of miles. I am currently way backwards from whatever is going on. I don’t know if the Claritin is doing it or what. I have that awful burning mouth too. I just feel like I could crawl out of my body with discomfort. And I have never found a doctor who understood or could help so that is very hard for me too. Thank you for your work and all that you do.
Jennifer
Thanks for sharing all this. That’s a long time and a lot of meds so it may take some time but I wish you continued healing.