HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Medication For General Anxiety

Posted on Wed, 23 Nov 2016

Question: I'm looking for a supplement or supplements to calm and relax me - ones that are non-drowsing please. Which do you recommend?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

An over-the-counter non-drowsy supplement that might help with anxiety is 5HTP. This is a form of serotonin. It is typically taken as 300-500mg orally once daily. I would expect this to help with anxiety while also not causing sedation.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Thank you. I will try 5HTP and report back in 2 or 3 weeks to let you know if it helped. Are there any contraindications between either Lamictal or Clorazepate? Can you recommend any supplements for "brain fog" or lack of concentration? I can't seem to stay focused or on task. Is this a result of taking Clorazepate?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Let me know how it goes.

There are no contraindications with those medications.

This brain fog feeling is likely related to clorazepate. Consider lowering the dose under the supervision of your prescribing doctor.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (39 hours later)

I have done some research and found out that 5-HTP does not seem to have a long lasting effect. I've also discovered that magnesium L-Threonate may have some positive effect for improving memory and decreasing "brain fog". There is a possibility that it may also have a calming effect. I know that Dr. Amen does not have a good reputation for his SPECTUM method; however, I have been looking at some of his supplements. One in particular interests me. It is called Everyday Stress Relief with the following ingredients: Magnesium, Relora, Holy XXXXXXX Taurine, and L-Theanine. What is your opinion on this? I have tried reducing the amount of my clorazepate with my doctor's approval and guidance but had a very negative outcome with my Lamictal and clorazepate having to be increased to Lamictal 500 mg and clorazepate 45 mg. Your suggestions?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
There is no randomized clinical trial showing that L-threonate, L-theanine, taurine, holy XXXXXXX relora, or magnesium are any more effective than placebo (sugar pill) for the treatment of decreased concentration or anxiety. Therefore, I cannot recommend this treatment, because we have no evidence it is effective. If you are unable to lower the clorazepate, then you may need to live with this side effect in order to gain the benefits of clorazepate for other reasons.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T