Have any of you used a homeopathic remedy for panic attacks/anxiety? I would really like to find an alternative to presciption drugs for this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Sissy

-- Sissy Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), March 20, 2002

Answers

Sissy----my natural doc----told me to take more B complex vits for panic attacks---also make for sure you are getting enough folic-acid--

I use to have them really bad-----but it was when I was running a motel 24 hours a day & caring for my Dad who lived with us /who was dyeing of cancer & also careing for my Mother-in-law who had Alzheimers--along with everything else----you know when I was not under all that stress any more/ the attacks went away-----what do you think????? Do you have a lot of stress "now" in your life????? That might be the cause---maybe??? (if it is you --that is haveing the attacks)- Take enough B complex also---Hon---best wishes---I truely understand what panic attacks are---

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), March 21, 2002.

I haven't had any panic attacks...yet. I can feel them coming on sometimes though and I take action quick. I'm not in the position to be able to give into it, wish I was at times though. But I do have alot of stress I deal with, even in my sleep(teeth grinding, etc). I won't touch prescription drugs for those things, that stuff scares me, seen it cause more problems than solved. I take vitamin B complex every day along with some other vitamins and minerals. I take an herbal called kava-kava when I need to, it helps. Walmart or any vitamin store sells it. Walking or any excercise helps alot too, sitting around anxious is asking for more trouble. Getting plenty of sunshine seems to help too.

-- Dave (multiplierx9@hotmail.com), March 21, 2002.

I have read that the B vitamin really help. I find that whe you feel under a lot of stress, that you really don't breathe right, so it helps to really concentrate on breathing slowly, and getting some really deep breaths! I always tell myself, "OK, stop and breathe!"

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 21, 2002.

Here is vitamin formula that really does work. It is also wonderful for anyone suffering with depression. In recent studies it has proven to help at least 90% of all tested.

1,000 milligrams of the amino acid L-tyrosine first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach), followed by 100 miligrams vitamin B- complex as well as 500 mcg of vitamin B12 - 30 minutes later, with breakfast. You can also add 800 milligrams of SAM-e. SAM-e is just as effective as many prescription drugs for depression, but should not be taken is you are bi-polar (manic depression).

If you have trouble sleeping you need Tryptophan. Although you can no longer purchase it in the US (because of contaminates from manufacturers) it is naturally in milk, turkey, and tofu. (Which is why you feel sleepy after having that turkey sandwich with the glass of milk).

Amino acids have properties similar to neurotransmitters which is the where the chemical imbalance of the brain begins which causes things like panic attaks and depression. Vitamin B complex is needed for the L-tyrosine and/or SAM-e to work effectively which is why all the documentation supports vitamin B complex above all else; however, on it's own, it rarely ellimates or greatly reduces the panic and/or depression.

You should only purchase time-released vitamin B complex. All the above vitamins are water soluable so you don't have to worry about them building up in your system. In other words, they wash out in your urine over the day. That is why you have to be certain and take time released and to take the formula every single day. Within a week if you don't notice a change, increase the forumla to once in the morning and once at suppertime (the dosage listed above is the lowest amount - taking it at night would increase it to just under the recommended maximum amount). Of course, you should consult with your doctor before taking anything -- although I had a doctor that would rather push prescription drugs and doubted the benefit of vitamins, but for your own safety it would be good to check. You probably should, however, discuss this with the doctor anyway because there could be some other underlying problems that would show up in blood work if some defficiency exists.

When you have panic attacks it is very important to try to relax as much as possible and to just ride it out and to just keep reminding yourself it will pass in a few minutes. Keep breathing deeply and slowing. If you focus on what is happening right then rather than the end, you increase the length and intensity of the attack. Try to think of a very pleasant thought and concentrate on releasing each muscle of your body one by one. Start with your toes, then your feet, then your legs, etc. all the way up to your head. The attacks will pass much more quickly when you relax the muscles.

I know how difficult it is and how no one really understands unless they have been through it. They don't understand you just can't "think lovely thoughts and snap out of it" or make yourself not have panic attaks and/or drepression. When they are they, they are there. You don't even have to be stressed or upset..sometimes they just sweep over you for no reason. I have had it happen just standing in line at the grocery store not thinking about anything. Just remember it will pass. Some the fear that comes on with the attacks is that "this time" you won't come out of it. Just keep remembering "yes" you will!

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), March 21, 2002.

Thankyou my friends. I will try the Vit B uptake and some to the other stuff. You know, I really feel loved by all you guys. Thankyou from my heart. In His Grace, Sissy

-- Sissy Barth (iblong2Him@ilovejesus.net), March 21, 2002.