I'm wondering if anyone can suggest any vitamins or supplements to help with anxiety? I've had problems with anxiety and sometimes panic attacks for several years now. At times, I get fed up and go on an SSRI like Zoloft, but then I hate that the SSRIs always have side effects for me--no desire for sex, curbing my creativity, etc. and usually go off them. I went to a psychiatrist and then ended up addicted to Xanax and Klonopin, which both were horrors to get off of. I liked the way they made me feel too much and I would wind up taking more than necessary, so I don't want to end up going that route again.
At times, I do very well and have little anxiety, but other times, it is there underlying all day and I feel just this side of a panic attack. It seems to follow my menstrual cycle quite closely. I do exercise and lift weights regularly already. I also take a women's multi-vitamin (I think it's called something like Ultimate Woman from Vitamin Shoppe) & 1000 mg of fish oil daily.
Re: any vitamins/supplements to help with anxiety?
There are plenty of natural options for dealing with anxiety. I take 5-htp (an amino acid) that is the precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin in the body - it helps increase the production of serotonin in the brain... I take 100 mg twice a day on an empty stomach and it has helped me tremendously! There are also other options such as gaba (another neurotransmitter), magnesium, vitamin b6 and valerian....
Also, you said your symptoms follow your cycle closely, you might try taking evening primrose oil to help raise your progesterone levels (my doc said that anxiety related to the cycle is often due to an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone levels).. There are also other supplements to help with hormones but I don't want to recommend anything without you seeing a doctor first..
Re: any vitamins/supplements to help with anxiety?
livinTX,
I found out years ago in an Adelle Davis book that when my wife had the anxiety symptoms as well as depressoion that is assiociated with her period -- I gave her 100mg of vitamin B-6 -- 3X daily for 3 days along with 50 mg of B-2 once daily-- then stopped. It really helped-- like a switch.
As you may know taking single doses of just one B vitamin creates a need for the other Bs. So, don't take a single B vitamin for more than just a few days ---ever.
For long term use it would be best to take a good B-50 and Omega 3 Fish Oil.
I like and take the time released B vitamins-- Puritan's Pride puts out a good one and like and we take Carlson Super Omega 3 Fish Oil -- 3 grams daily -- no fishy after taste.
I wish you well---Harry
Last edited by Harry; 09-18-2008 at 08:57 AM.
Reason: Typos
Re: any vitamins/supplements to help with anxiety?
kava has been proven to be one of the best supps for anxiety, picamilon is good also, it has gaba that crosses the blood/brain barrier more easily. l-taurine, l-theanine and glycine are the relaxing aminos. valerian, passion flower, chamomile, tryptophan or 5htp at bedtime. taking calcium and magnesium at bedtime is also calming. kava is the best!
