SSRIs

• If you have a higher dosage but you are able to use a lower one, depending on the medication, you might be able to cut the pill or dose in half.
• Mexican pharmacies may have SSRIs over the counter.

Tapering if necessary

• Check your SSRI’s half-life to see how long you have; sudden discontinuation can trigger severe withdrawal (brain zaps, dizziness, panic attacks, depression).
• If you must stop without access, taper slowly over weeks by reducing doses in 5mg increments (liquid compounding pharmacies can help).
• In case of sudden withdrawal, these might help:
  • Increase 5-HTP or Tryptophan Intake
    • 5-HTP: 100 mg 2x daily.
    • Natural sources: Turkey, eggs, cheese, oats, seeds (pumpkin/sunflower), and dark chocolate.
• Use NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) to Reduce Withdrawal Effects
  • Helps restore glutamate balance disrupted by antidepressant withdrawal.
  • Dose: 600-1200 mg/day.
• Exercise (Even Light Walking) to Boost Serotonin Naturally
  • 20+ minutes a day helps regulate mood and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
  • Light Therapy (If Seasonal Affective Symptoms Are a Factor)
• Light therapy - use a 10,000 lux light box for 30 min in the morning.
• How to Safely Taper Off Drugs video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY820dpjdq8

Prescription Alternatives

Note: these are not substitutes for prescription medication, but they might help.

• 5-HTP (Precursor to Serotonin) – Helps replenish serotonin levels, similar to an SSRI.
  • Dose: 50-200 mg/day (start low).
• St. John’s Wort (Natural SSRI Alternative) – Shown in studies to be as effective as some antidepressants, but interacts with many medications.
  • Dose: 300 mg 2-3x daily.
• Saffron Extract (Natural Serotonin Booster)
  • Studies show it’s as effective as Prozac for mild to moderate depression.
  • Dose: 30 mg/day (crocin + safranal active components).
  • Best Source: Buy standardized saffron extract (not just cooking saffron).
• Rhodiola Rosea (Adaptogen for Mood & Energy)
  • Improves serotonin & dopamine levels, reduces fatigue & stress.
  • Dose: 200-500 mg/day.
  • Best for: Depression with low energy & fatigue.
• L-Theanine (Calming, Balances Neurotransmitters)
  • Found in green tea, increases dopamine & GABA, reduces anxiety.
  • Dose: 200-400 mg/day (safe long-term).
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Supports Nerve Regeneration & Mood)
  • Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), similar to SSRIs.
  • Dose: 500-1500 mg/day.
• Magnesium Glycinate or L-Threonate (Natural Anti-Depressant)
  • Critical for serotonin production, reduces anxiety & depression.
  • Dose: 400-600 mg/day.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Brain Health & Mood)
  • Found in fish oil; supports dopamine & serotonin receptors.
  • Dose: 2000 mg/day (high EPA content preferred, ~1000 mg EPA minimum).

Asthma

Alternative/OTC meds in case of shortages

• Epinephrine (For Emergency Use)
  • Primatene Mist (OTC Epinephrine Inhaler)
    • Available without a prescription in U.S. pharmacies.
    • Not as effective as albuterol but can help in emergencies.
  • Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPen, Auvi-Q)
    • Can provide emergency relief if asthma is triggered by severe allergic reactions.
• Antihistamines & Inflammation Control
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Loratadine (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec)
    • Help reduce airway inflammation from allergic triggers.
  • Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy
    • Some studies suggest aspirin desensitization can help reduce inflammation in aspirin-exacerbated asthma (AERD).

Natural preventive/emergency alternatives

These will not replace normal prescription medication for asthma treatment. Some things may help reduce inflammation and improve airway function over time, but it is different for every single person.

• Quercetin (Natural Antihistamine & Bronchodilator)
  • Found in onions, apples, tea, and berries.
  • Supplement dose: 500-1000 mg/day.
• Butterbur (Proven to Reduce Airway Inflammation)
  • Anti-inflammatory herb that works similarly to Singulair (Montelukast).
  • Supplement dose: 50-100 mg/day.
  • Warning: Avoid raw butterbur; choose PA-free supplements.
• Magnesium (Relaxes Airways)
  • Found in pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach.
  • Supplement dose: 400-600 mg/day.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Reduces Lung Inflammation)
  • Found in fish oil, flaxseed, walnuts.
  • Dose: 2000 mg/day.
• Ginger & Turmeric (Natural Anti-Inflammatories)
  • Ginger helps open airways and reduces spasms.
  • Turmeric lowers lung inflammation (like Singulair). Emergency alternatives if out of inhalers
• Controlled Pursed-Lip Breathing
  • Inhale through the nose for 2 seconds, exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4+ seconds.
• Steam Inhalation
  • Boil water + eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil (both contain natural bronchodilators).
  • Inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes.
• Caffeine (Mild Bronchodilator)
  • Found in black coffee, tea, dark chocolate.
  • Acts like a weak theophylline (old-school asthma drug).
  • Dose: 1-2 cups of strong coffee in an emergency.
• Mustard Oil Chest Rub
  • Mix mustard oil + camphor and massage onto the chest to improve airflow.
• Elevate Head & Stay Calm
  • Keeping the upper body elevated reduces airway constriction.
  • Avoid hyperventilating, which can worsen symptoms.

ADHD

• Brigham Tea (ephedra)
• Pseudoephedrine
• NOS or Monster (both have guarana)
• Guarana fudge (“Speed fudge”; source https://swsbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Formulary2.pdf --- )

Homeopathic Options · Herb Formulas for Clinic and Home by Michael Moore https://swsbm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Formulary2.pdf

Stocking Up

• Depending on your doc, they might be able to put in an order for you with a medical/pharma wholesaler and you would pay in cash.
• If your clinician is okay with it, but insurance is getting in the way of filling, you can see if CostPlus Drugs (Mark Cuban’s pharmacy) has your medication.
• If you have a higher dosage but you are able to use a lower one, depending on the medication, you might be able to cut the pill or dose in half.
• Ask for 90 day supplies from mail-order pharmacies (GoodRX Cold, Cost Plus Drugs, Caremark, Blueberry Pharmacy, HoneyBee Health etc.)
• International pharmacies you could try: InHouse Pharmacy (New Zealand), Buy Pharma (Singapore/India), Mexican pharmacies that have some critical meds OTC

Nuclear Survival Kit List: https://trueprepper.com/nuclear-survival-kit/

FEMA Nuclear Planning guide: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nuc-detonation-planning-guide.pdf

Essential Supplies:

Water:
    Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days.
    Consider gravity-fed water filters, like the Berkey system, for long-term purification needs.

Food:
    Stockpile non-perishable items such as canned goods, dried pasta, beans, rice, and oats.
    Include high-calorie foods like peanut butter and nuts.
    Multivitamins can help address potential nutritional gaps.

Medical Supplies:
    Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications.
    Include potassium iodide tablets to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine exposure in nuclear events.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    Acquire gas masks with appropriate filters to protect against airborne contaminants.
    Use coveralls or disposable suits, nitrile gloves, and protective goggles to shield against radiation or chemical exposure.

Radiation Detection:
    Equip yourself with a Geiger counter to monitor radiation levels.
    Personal dosimeter cards can help track cumulative radiation exposure.

Power and Lighting:
    Store flashlights and battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries.
    Consider solar chargers or hand-crank generators for renewable energy sources.

Communication Devices:
    Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive news and emergency broadcasts.
    Two-way radios can facilitate communication if cell networks are down.

Cooking Supplies:
    Obtain a portable camping stove with sufficient fuel reserves.
    Manual can openers and basic cookware are essential for meal preparation.

Sanitation and Hygiene:
    Stockpile items like soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
    Store household bleach for water purification and cleaning purposes.

Clothing and Shelter:
    Have weather-appropriate clothing, including thermal wear and sturdy boots.
    Maintain sleeping bags or blankets to ensure warmth.

Protecting Electronics from EMPs:

Faraday Protection:
    Use Faraday bags or cages to shield critical electronics from EMP effects.
    Store essential devices like radios, flashlights, and medical equipment in these protective enclosures.

Additional Considerations:

Important Documents:
    Keep physical copies of identification, medical records, and insurance documents in a waterproof container.

Emergency Plans:
    Develop and practice a family emergency plan, including communication strategies and designated meeting points.

Training and Skills:
    Learn basic first aid and survival skills to enhance self-sufficiency.

EMP items to stockpile: https://youtu.be/07F64tabtZ4

Protect & Survive: https://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/protect-and-survive This pamphlet from GB (1980) describes what you can do in the event of a nuclear attack if you don't have a shelter nearby. It was intended to be distributed to households if the risk of nuclear war was great. Good points, not only for nuclear war but in general. Keep in mind that it's from 1980 so not up to date.

United States fallout shelters: https://trueprepper.com/fallout-shelters/

Send me a DM :) Easier that way

Welcome! Can you message me here and I'll send it to you? Sometimes privacy settings are a bit funky so it's easier if you initiate

We do have quite the ham radio enthusiasts. Not a bad idea for a frequency!

I wasn't the founder of that reddit, but from what I understand, many women and/or LGBTQIA+ preppers did not feel comfortable in traditional prepping spaces. TwoXPreppers started as a place for that and expanded to welcoming men, as well.

1000%, really glad to have you here

Of course, sent you a message with the link!

I believe so - I am not affiliated with that group, only the Signal groups and this Lemmy

Haha I hear that, it's just close enough to Reddit that it is sort of uncanny valley