What Is A Therapeutic Dose Of B Complex For Depression As Well As 5 HTP And Tyrosine?
Herbals and supplements don't have much support in literature for anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are several supplements that have been used in anxiety disorders with some having some support in literature for being effective and some not being better than placebo (empty pills) in anxiety situations.
Among the supplements you have tried, 5 HTP is the one that has some support in the literature that might help with anxiety if taken for a short time but most of the time it is not enough to treat it. The dose that is generally tried is 150 mg-300 mg a day divided in 2-3 doses during the day but as told it is not FDA approved for treatment of depression and anxiety.
Vitamin B and Tyrosine are not found effective in studies and St Johns wort is not recommended to be used as anxiolytic if we compare its risks and benefits.
There are several other drugs that have been found in big serious and high quality studies to be effective in depression and anxiety and that are also FDA (Food and Drug Association) approved.
The ones that are very effective with good tolerance from most patients and minimal side effects are the new antidepressants called SSRI. They will need to be used for several months and you will need to have regular visits with your doctor to adjust the dose to your needs. These drugs will help you feel better.
To help the process of healing combining drugs with counselling is the best and most effective treatment.
Also setting an agenda (sitting down and writing down healthy behaviors that you will commit to). For example: regular walks in quiet nice parks during the week, regular exercising (doesn't need to be heavy), regular meetings with a person that you know is willing to hear to you but is good at keeping secrets, eating regular meals, committing to regularly do activities you would enjoy, avoiding caffeine especially in the late part of the day and during the night, not smoking, not using alcohol. These are good healthy behaviors help with our mental health and might augment the effect of the treatment.
I hope this is helpful and answers to your question.
Regards,
Dr. Zotaj Antoneta
General & Family Physician