Taurine

[trggirl]

For those on Taurine, do you think it is helping and if it is, what specifically is it helping? OCD, anxiety, repeating, tics, etc.?

[MomWithOCDSon]

I'll be interested in responses, too.

 

We tried taurine several months ago for a short period. We initially felt we might've hit on something; his short-term memory and focus improved dramatically, Day One.

 

But then he became sort of "activated," edgy. And since that was the only change we'd made in his regimen in recent weeks, we immediately associated it with the taurine, especially once we came to realize it's one of the key components of a lot of "energy drinks" (Red Bull, etc.). So we discontinued using it.

 

But that may have been coincidental, and it was such a boon to his memory and focus, which he seems to be struggling with a bit now again, that I'm tempted to try it again.

 

Anyone?

[peglem]

When I first tried giving taurine, for only about 1 week, I only gave 2 325mg capsules a day and did not notice much difference. I stopped it because we were in the midst of our 1st HD IVIG and I wanted to be able to evaluate changes w/o the extra variable.

 

About a month ago, after 2nd IVIG and after reading the obscene amounts in energy drinks, I decided to try again w/ a higher dose- 4 325mg capsules/day. It does seem to be helping with focus/attention. Not an overnight, OMG this is the missing piece reaction, but enough of an improvement that its noticeable. But, she is also getting IVIG monthly, so can't be sure how much of what I'm seeing is due to the taurine. Abnormal movements have not increased. We also have those lovely fluctuating female hormones thrown into the mix, so another variable!

[Suzan]

My dd was on lots of Taurine a few years ago. This was before we knew about PANDAS. I was working with a Dan! doctor who was helping with her seizures and many deficencies. Taurine was one of them. She took 4000mg a day. She was on a boat load of other supplements at the time so it's impossible for me to really know. Overall she was much helped by the supplements but learning about the hidden strep and going on antibiotics was what really helped her.

 

I am interested now though in trying again to see if there is an improvement after having her strep under control.

 

I am wondering too if anyone else has done any tests on their child for the taurine levels??

 

Susan

Edited August 5, 2010 by Suzan

[Stephanie2]

I could be wrong, but I am under the impression that they add it to energy drinks to combat the anxiety/hyperactivity that some of those "stimulants" can create. If it helps, I give my boys Taurine to combat the anxiety/hyperactivity that is created by their TMG supplement. And it works. Now, how it affects pandas, I have no clue. I will say that I have several friends who use it for anxiety and they say it is great. I think l-theanine is good for that effect, too.