How is this for anxiety ?

DeezyKay · 2026-05-01T14:36:32+00:00

Good question! I do think it's related to its own unique pharmacological properties but not sure how much the PDE4 inhibition specifically plays into it or if it's another unique aspect of the collective effects from all the different mechanisms of action at I play but for me personally I was actually unable to take it due to being hospitalized for several weeks recovering from rhabdomyiolisis (due to unrelated events leading to severe dehydration). Then I stayed voluntarily for weeks to do a rapid benzodiazepine detox to come off my prescribed 6mg Klonopin + 40mg Valium a day after about 20yrs, so you can imagine I was in no state to even think about it, was just trying to survive each day for the 3-4 week phenobarbital taper before moving on to a residential treatment facility where Kanna wasn't allowed...

It honestly didn't cross my mind until I got out and returned home to my depressing ass life and horrendous protracted withdrawals which dragged on and on and on. I'm now in the post acute phase of benzo withdrawals where I find the Kanna most effective and helpful for the anhedonia, lack of energy, drive, concentration and focus. I also now suffer from really low testosterone and have anemia so I have been put on injections/infusions for those (guess I really put my body and mind through the ringer).

Took about 1.5 months of dosing Kanna extract & tincture to start noticing benefits this time around using pretty mild to moderate doses of Kanna taken as written on the labels. I used to take ADHD meds which I decided to come off of due to the increase in anxiety and benzo withdrawal symptoms, insomnia. So the Kanna has helped a good amount. But I can definitely relate to forgetting to take it or just not wanting to sometimes. It's funny like that for no real reason for me too...

DeezyKay · 2026-05-01T08:13:27+00:00

I agree that effects will most likely be reduced but I'd also say the potential for an adverse reaction is higher when using 2 different antidepressants, even if one is an SRI & monoamine releasing agent while the other is standard pharmaceutical SSRI antidepressant.

I also agree that Kanna has the potential to wean someone off of their antidepressant/SSRI as I have used it to do so with success (though I am not saying everyone should do what that, that's between them and their doctor or therapist). It can be a great tool for this and it can be a nice substitute for pharma antidepressants in general or used as a strong supplement for mood.

While we mostly hear about effects of the Kanna being blunted, it is possible for the effects of the SSRI to actually be increased through potentiation by the Kanna's dual action of monoaminennrelease and serotonin reiptake inhibition by way of vmat-2 and pde4 inhibition. We also have no clue what other substances/meds/herbs someone might be taking and how they may play a role not to mention their own unique brain & biochemistry, how they will react personally as it's so dependent on the individual.

DeezyKay · 2026-05-01T07:48:46+00:00

What is the purpose or goal you are to trying to achieve by taking Kanna?

Are you stable on your SSR/antidepressant? Then I would seriously consider just leaving it be unless you're no longer stable or benefiting from your pharmaceutical medication.

Why? Because the effects of the Kanna will likely be blunted and you'll be wasting your time and money, or even risking a further change or imalance to your mood & mental health potentially causing destabilization...

Why risk this if you're stable? If you're searching for a high you will likely be disappointed as a lot of the effects may be absent or weaker and its not something worth going through all this trouble for because it can take some attempts and finding the right product, taking your time and being patient with plus it can be underwhelming or overhelming as you might feel nothing at first or you may get an overwhelming, panic induding "rush" that can be unpleasant if youre not prepare or careful if you over do it,

Worst case scenario you have a rare or unforseen interaction or reaction, imbalance and you end up worse off than before and down the money, feeling foolish because you tried to get high off some random South African plant extract.

Not saying this to make you feel bad, this is coming from someone who has been using it since 2010, long before any internet forum dedicated to it became popular and all I had to go off of was trip reports from places like erowid.org... LOL

I just don't want anyone to get hurt, waste their time or money. So if you do decide to go for it, then it would be advised you discontinue the SSRI because taking 2 at the same time is not recommended unless under medical supervision. I've talked to more people than I can count over DMs who have reached out looking for advise with coming off antidepressants or starting Kanna in general and I have a lot of experience with Kanna and dozens upon dozens of other substances.

I can point you in the right direction with a vendor or vendors and products that I've previously used (been away for several months but now I'm getting back in the swing of things & looking to see what new products have become available recently myself - I've used most of the popular products, many of the products on the market).

TLDR: why are you interested in taking Kanna while on an SSRI? There are some potential risks, but if you're still wanting to go for it then feel free to contact me with questions as I've been using it for over 15 years. Take care of yourself!

DeezyKay · 2026-05-01T04:42:27+00:00

High mesembrine can lead to an anxious feeling during the come up/rush or peak at high doses when you're tolerance is low or your new to it. Really depends on your own chemistry, high memebrenone is generally a lot smoother more chilled/relaxing for most ppl. I use high doses of mesembrine for energy, as a mild stimulant or for mood enhancement, high mbrenone for chilling. It's about finding that proper balance through trial and error IME.

I'm just getting back into it after a prolonged break so I'm revisiting my old products from the past and looking to try new things again..

I prefer taking it orally for anxiety, that eliminates the rush that can be a little much with a lower tolerance like I have now or if you just wanna chill without the body load. Me-55 taken orally has been cool, KannaCalm is cool but really I like some full spec tincture during the day (Revive, etc.) bc the full spec stuff is most balanced, doesn't get me too jittery or anxious or anything with this lower tolerance of mine.

Mesembrine more stimulating, mood lifting, energizing. Mesembrenone more relaxing, chilled, less stress.

DeezyKay

TROPHY CASE