Natural supplements for anxiety

[taytay]

My dh and I are both very relunctant to give 12yo dd prozac for anxiety associated with her severe ocd. We are as a family really trying to gently break through the barrier of denial she has maintained. She was diagnosed last April but was sick for a year and a half before we knew what was wrong. Her OCD has become very entrenched and even though she is better after almost 3 months of abx she is still very OCD. She is not making any progress in CBT in fact her behavior gets even worse when she is in the presence of any doctor or therapist. I am wondering if anyone has had any success with any supplements. We are very nervous about trying even a very gradual increased regiment of prozac. I think it is the fear and anxiety that needs to be lessened so she will be ready to work in therapy. I've heard of different supplements but don't know which ones are effective for mental anxiety and fear. We are considering traveling to Florida to the Rothman Center too but want to get dd in a better place first. Thanks.

[peglem]

Magnesium helps with my daughter's anxiety. We also use valium on an as needed basis, but not regular enough to establish dependency.

The problem I've found with using supplements is that what and how much of it will help varies so much from person to person. You can get too much of a good thing and make things worse, or get not enough and think it doesn't help. Its all about finding balance.

[MomWithOCDSon]

Given previous forum posts, papers that have been circulated, and our personal experiences, these are some of the "natural" supplements that supposedly help with anxiety and/or OCD:

 

- inositol ("natural SSRI;" we tried but didn't seem to get any boost from it; supposed to build dose gradually, as with a typical SSRI)

 

- NAC (amino acid; supposedly reduces glutamatergic brain activity; studies done at Yale through NIMH on use of it with OCD in both kids and and adults; at 14 and 140 lbs., our DS is adult-sized, so he now takes Yale-utilized adult dose, which is 3,000 mg. daily; we believe it has helped DS; needs to be paired with adequate Vitamin C for effective use

 

- valerian root (herb; we use periodically at times of stress for DS, and it does seem to help calm; one gelcap per dose for him; reportedly also modulates glutamate)

 

- Vitamin B12 (one parent here has noted that her DS actually receives Vitamin B12 injections, I think every 2 weeks; supposedly modulates glutamate and thus reduces anxiety; we've been using the sublingual tablets for our DS, again, sort of like the valerian root -- at times of stress -- it may be a placebo effect, but it does seem to help him for a short period of time)

 

Just as a little extra note in the event you haven't come across this before . . . they are now re-investigating a somewhat dated study that certain antibiotics (namely d-cycloserine) increased the effectiveness of CBT among patients with OCD when taken something like 30 minutes to one hour before a therapy session. Dr. Storch's team at USF has actually recreated the study with kids, and they've found that there is some efficacy to this use of d-cycloserine. Scientists currently think that the antibiotic is an agonist for glutamate receptors in the brain, so glutamate is, again, part of the picture. So it seems likely that supplements which assist with either the modulation of glutamate or the "negating" of glutamate receptors is beneficial for our anxious kids.

 

Good luck to you!

[emst]

Our Dr rec for our daughter we use

l-Theanine 200 mg in the a.m. 200 mg after school

2 capsules of Norlox a.m.

5htp in the a.m.

300 mg pycnogenol in the a.m. -- we worked up to those doses

Nordic Naturals EPAxtra 4 capsules a day

She also gets Magnesium Citrate 500 mg in the evening

Kirkmans every day multi - important to round out deficiencies

For sleep we use Hylands sleep tablets and we give Kirkman slow release melatonin 2.5 mg

Most of these supplements available at "Lee Silsby Our Kids" pharmacy (enter the shipping code FREE) they are crazy nice and crazy fast, Norlox I get on Amazon.com

-------------------------------------------------

Here's a list I got from another board that I keep on hand, important to remember anxiety isn't just anxiety it is a symptom of body dysregulation - you'll need a few tricks in your bag.

 

 

Anti-Anxiety Solutions

Posted by: "autisminfomaniac" autisminfomaniac@yahoo.com autisminfomaniac

Mon Feb 9, 2009 6:46 am (PST)

Check with your DAN doctor on specifics...

hese Substances may Alleviate Anxiety

 

Substances that alleviate Anxiety are known as Anxiolytics

(also known as Sedatives).

 

Alcohols

 

Dimethylvinylcarbin ol may alleviate Anxiety (due it sedating the CNS).

[more info]

 

Amino Acids

 

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptopha n) may alleviate Anxiety. references

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may reduce Anxiety. references

Arginine (combined with Lysine) may reduce Stress-induced Anxiety.

references

 

Anxiety may be caused by Histidine imbalances. [more info]

Lysine (combined with Arginine) may reduce Stress-induced Anxiety.

references

Phenylalanine may alleviate some cases of Anxiety. references

 

Taurine may alleviate Anxiety (by sedating the Central Nervous

System). references

Theanine may be useful for the treatment of Anxiety (due to its

ability to stimulate the generation of (relaxing) Alpha Waves in the

Brain). references

Threonine may alleviate Anxiety. [more info]

 

Tryptophan may alleviate Anxiety. references

Tyrosine may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Animal-Derived Supplements

 

Stabilium may alleviate Anxiety - the effect of Stabilium is described

as being mild. long-term and subjectively subtle (compared to the

powerful but short-term effects of Benzodiazepines) . references

 

Enzymes

 

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase may help to prevent Anxiety (by inhibiting the

conversion of Pyruvic Acid to Lactic Acid).

 

Hormones

 

DHEA (Dehydroepiandroste rone) may alleviate Anxiety. references

Supplemental Melatonin often may alleviate Anxiety (due to its

ability to bind to Benzodiazepine Receptors). references

Supplemental Pregnenolone may be useful for the treatment of Anxiety.

references

 

Lipids

 

Phosphatidylserine may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Minerals

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of Calcium deficiency. Calcium may help

to prevent Anxiety by lowering elevated Lactic Acid levels. references

Anxiety may occur as a result of Iron deficiency. [more info]

Anxiety patients are often deficient in Magnesium and supplemental

Magnesium (400 - 900 mg per day) may alleviate some cases of Anxiety.

references

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of Potassium deficiency. references

Anxiety may occur as a result of Selenium deficiency and supplemental

Selenium may reduce Anxiety in such patients. references

 

Neurotransmitters

 

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) prevents Anxiety messages from reaching

the motor centers of the Brain by filling the Benzodiazepine Receptors

within the Brain - Vitamin B3 and Inositol are essential cofactors for

this process. references

Low levels of Histamine may cause Anxiety. [more info]

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of insufficient production of Serotonin.

references

 

Polyphenols

 

Apigenin may alleviate Anxiety (by binding to and activating

Benzodiazepine Receptors). references

Chrysin binds to and activates Benzodiazepine Receptors - this

activation of Benzodiazepine Receptors may help to alleviate Anxiety.

references

Ferulic Acid may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Gamma Oryzanol may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Smart Drugs

 

Centrophenoxine may alleviate Anxiety. references

Dilantin may reduce Anxiety. references

Dimethylaminoethano l (DMAE) may alleviate Anxiety. references

Gamma-Hydroxybutyri c Acid (GHB) may alleviate Anxiety (by enhancing

the function of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid). [more info]

 

Gerovital (GH-3) may alleviate Anxiety (especially in the elderly).

references

Nimodipine may alleviate Anxiety. [more info]

Ondansetron may alleviate Anxiety (by antagonizing the 5-HT3

Receptors within the Brain, facilitating the release of Acetylcholine

and preventing excessive Serotonin activity). [more info]

 

Oxiracetam may alleviate Anxiety. references

Picamilon may alleviate Anxiety (without producing sedation). references

Piracetam may alleviate Anxiety. references

Pramiracetam may alleviate Anxiety in Alzheimer's Disease patients.

 

Pyroglutamate may alleviate Anxiety. references

Vinpocetine may alleviate some cases of Anxiety (where Anxiety is

caused by Cerebral Insufficiency) . references

Zatosetron may alleviate Anxiety (by antagonizing the 5-HT3 Receptors

within the Brain, facilitating the release of Acetylcholine and

preventing excessive Serotonin activity).

 

Sulfuric Compounds

 

Methylsulfonylmetha ne (MSM) (3,000 - 9,000 mg per day) may alleviate

Anxiety. references

 

Vitamins

 

Folic Acid (especially when administered concurrently with Vitamin

B12) may alleviate Anxiety. [more info]

Inositol may alleviate Anxiety (by enhancing the ability of GABA to

bind to the Benzodiazepine Receptors in the Brain). references

Vitamin B1 may alleviate many cases of Anxiety (by activating the

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase enzyme, thereby inhibiting the conversion of

Pyruvic Acid to Lactic Acid - Lactic Acid is an underlying cause of

Anxiety). references

 

The Niacinamide form of Vitamin B3 (1,000 - 6,000 mg per day) may

alleviate Anxiety (by enhancing the ability of GABA to bind to the

Benzodiazepine Receptors within the Brain). references

Vitamin B6 may alleviate Anxiety. references

Vitamin B12 (administered concurrently with Folic Acid) may alleviate

Anxiety. [more info]

 

Anxiety may increase the body's requirements for Vitamin C. references

 

These Foods/Herbs may Alleviate Anxiety

 

Aromatic Oils

 

Neroli Oil (vapors inhaled via Aromatherapy) may alleviate Anxiety.

references

 

Fungi (Mushrooms)

 

Reishi Mushrooms may alleviate Anxiety. [more info]

 

Herbs

 

Ashwagandha may alleviate Anxiety. references

Black Cohosh reputedly alleviates some cases of Anxiety (according to

folklore). [more info]

Brahmi may alleviate Anxiety. references

Chamomile may alleviate some cases of Anxiety (by sedating the

Central Nervous System). references

 

Corydalis may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Ginger may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Ginkgo biloba may alleviate some cases of Anxiety (especially when

Anxiety is caused by Cerebral Insufficiency) . references

Gotu Kola may alleviate Anxiety. references

Green Tea may be useful for the treatment of Anxiety (due to the

Theanine content of Green Tea stimulating the generation of (relaxing)

Alpha Waves in the Brain). references

 

Hops may alleviate Anxiety by sedating the Central Nervous System

(primarily due to the Dimethylvinylcarbin ol content of Hops). references

Kava Kava (300 mg per day) may alleviate Anxiety (primarily due to

the Pyrones content of Kava Kava). references

Korean Ginseng may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

Magnolia may alleviate Anxiety. references

Marapuama may alleviate Anxiety. references

Passion Flower may alleviate Anxiety (primarily due to the

Bioflavonoids and Harmala Alkaloids of Passion Flower sedating the

Central Nervous System). references

 

Sage may reduce Anxiety. references

Saint John's Wort may alleviate Anxiety. references

Skullcap may alleviate Anxiety. references

Shankhpushpi may alleviate Anxiety. [more info]

 

Valerian may alleviate Anxiety. references

Zizyphus may alleviate Anxiety. [more info]

 

Seeds

 

Coriander Seeds may alleviate Anxiety. references

 

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10.

These Substances may Cause/Exacerbate Anxiety

Posted by: "autisminfomaniac" autisminfomaniac@yahoo.com autisminfomaniac

Mon Feb 9, 2009 6:47 am (PST)

These Substances may Cause/Exacerbate Anxiety

 

"Anxiety may occur as a result of over-proliferation of Candida albicans."

 

Aldehydes

 

Acetaldehyde may cause Anxiety. references

 

Alkaloids

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of Caffeine withdrawal or from excessive

consumption of Caffeine (caffeinism) . Caffeine may contribute to

Anxiety by elevating Lactic Acid levels.

Excessive consumption of Ephedrine may cause Anxiety by causing

excessive stimulation of the Central Nervous System (CNS). references

Anxiety may occur as a result of Nicotine (i.e. Tobacco Smoking)

withdrawal.

 

Excessive dosages of Yohimbine may cause Anxiety in some persons.

 

Amino Acids

 

Excessive consumption of Aspartic Acid may cause Anxiety (by causing

over-stimulation of the N-methyl-D

-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Brain.

Excessive consumption of Glutamic Acid may cause Anxiety (by causing

over-stimulation of the N-methyl-

D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Brain.

 

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) may cause Anxiety (by causing

over-stimulation of the N-Methyl-D-

Aspartate (NMDA) Receptors in the Brain.

Excessive dosages (more than 1,500 - 2,400 mg per day) of

Phenylalanine supplements may cause Anxiety. references

Tyramine may cause Anxiety (by overstimulating the Adrenal Glands and

depleting reserves of Norepinephrine) .

 

Environmental Toxins

 

Amalgam Dental Fillings may cause Anxiety (due to the Mercury

component of Amalgam Dental Fillings): references

 

- Epidemiological evidence indicates that young people with

Mercury-containing Amalgam Dental Fillings have a greater incidence of

Anxiety compared to young people with no Amalgam Dental Fillings.

 

Food Additives

 

Aspartame may cause Anxiety (primarily due to its Methanol content).

 

Hormones

 

Excessive production of Adrenaline within the body may cause

unpleasant over-stimulation that manifests as Anxiety.

Excessive production of Cholecystokinin (CCK) may cause Anxiety.

 

Minerals

 

Cadmium may cause Anxiety.

Excessive consumption of Copper may cause Anxiety.

Exposure to Mercury may cause Anxiety. references

 

Organic Acids

 

The accumulation or production of excessive amounts of endogenous

Lactic Acid (produced within the body during metabolism) may cause

Anxiety (this form of Anxiety is known as Lactate Induced Anxiety

Syndrome (LIAS)). references

 

Pharmaceutical Drugs

 

Long-term usage of Barbiturates may cause Anxiety.

Anxiety may occur as a result of the Withdrawal Syndrome associated

with cessation of Benzodiazepines use (despite the fact that

Benzodiazepines are usually initially used to treat Anxiety).

Bupropion may cause Anxiety in some persons.

 

Anxiety is a common side effect of Clomiphene (a Fertility Drug).

Anxiety may occur as a result of cessation of usage of Minor

Tranquilizers.

Prozac therapy may cause Anxiety (due to the increased levels of

Serotonin associated with Prozac).

 

Recreational Drugs

 

Although Alcohol (ethanol) may temporarily alleviate Anxiety (by

binding to the Benzodiazepine Receptors in the Brain), long-term or

excessive consumption of Alcohol may cause Anxiety (by damaging the

Benzodiazepine Receptors within the Brain) - Alcoholics usually

experience Anxiety as a result of Alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol may

also contribute to Anxiety be elevating Lactic Acid levels. references

 

These Beverages/Herbs may Cause Anxiety

 

Caffeine-Containing Beverages

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of withdrawal from drinking Coffee (this

is due to Caffeine withdrawal).

 

Herbs

 

Excessive consumption of Ephedra may cause Anxiety (this occurs from

the Ephedrine component of Ephedra causing excessive stimulation of

the Central Nervous System).

 

These Ailments may Cause Anxiety

 

Digestive System

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of over-proliferation of Candida albicans.

 

Metabolism

 

Anxiety may occur as one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia - 62%

of Fibromyalgia patients experience Anxiety, Irritability and

overconcern without any specific precipitating events causing these

feelings.

Anxiety may occur as a result of Hypoglycemia.

Anxiety may occur as a result of Hypothyroidism. references

 

Pyroluria patients may experience Anxiety.

 

Nervous System

 

Anxiety may occur as a result of Adrenal Insufficiency. references

Anxiety may be caused by Cerebral Insufficiency (impaired Blood

Circulation to the Brain).

Over stimulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartat e (NMDA) Receptors in the

Brain may cause Anxiety.

 

Nutritional Ailments

 

Anxiety may occur as a symptom of Pellagra.

 

In-Tele-Health © 2006 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM)