Print This Post
Email This Post
Published 12-27-08
Dear Pharmacist,
I am 47 years old and I have to admit, I have a little anxiety. It always gets worse this time of year when my mother-in-law and her brood come to town. Is there something natural I can take, or should I ask my doctor for my annual “Christmas” tranquilizer? P.W., Dallas, Texas
Answer: It’s not a bad idea to get a prescription for a few Xanax (alprazolam) or Ativan (lorazepam). These drugs can make it a holly jolly Christmas because they are fast-acting, and virtually foolproof. Pop one in your mouth at dinner before your mother-in-law gets on your last nerve!
The problem with prescribed sedatives is that you can easily become dependent on them, yes addicted. Is it safe to assume that you drink wine with dinner to help with these feelings? If so, you have a second problem—you can’t combine alcohol with prescribed sedatives because it creates excessive sleepiness, dizziness and slowed heartbeat. This combination also triggers loose lips, meaning you could voice an offensive comment to your relatives which you’d regret later.
The good news is that there are some natural things that can make things more pleasant at your holiday party which don’t require duct tape, chloroform or super glue. If you have mild to moderate anxiety, try the following inexpensive supplements which are sold at any health food store. I recommend one or two at a time, rather than combining them all. No driving and very little, if any alcohol please!
5-HTP: This amino acid undergoes a chemical reaction in your body and turns into serotonin, which promotes relaxation. Serotonin is one of our ‘happy’ brain chemicals, so supplementing with 5-HTP is perfect for people who feel both depressed and anxious. Best of all, it curbs that sweet tooth, so you won’t tempt an argument by hoarding the entire pecan pie.
GABA: This is an amino acid which your brain naturally produces. When you take the supplement, it has a mild sedative effect and anti-anxiety effect on you. Try 500mg one to three times daily on an empty stomach. Don’t combine it with prescribed anxiety meds.
L-theanine: This amino acid is also relaxing and it’s found in green tea. You can buy L-theanine supplements too. It works by increasing levels of GABA and serotonin. Try 100 – 200mg two or three times daily on an empty stomach.
Essential oils: Get some pure lavender and/or bergamot essential oils. Add 10-20 drops to a hot bath and soak. You can also put a few drops on a hankie and discreetly sniff it when you feel anxious or annoyed. It works within seconds.
Did You Know?
Low thyroid hormone could cause anxiety, as well as joint pain, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, heart palpitations or depression.
Why do you state not to take the natural vitamins with prescribed anxiety medications or antidepressants.
I feel like what I take, I have become immune to and my doctor doesn’t seem to listen or give advice on what to do, I just stay at the same levels of anxiety and antidepressents. I’m wondering if I added in the vitamins if that would help naturally, and maybe even allow me to slowly stop the prescriptions, with dr’s help of course!!!