Supplements to Eliminate Anxiety

Many people try to avoid taking prescription medication if possible. If you feel this way, consider taking dietary and herbal supplements as a natural treatment alternative to prescription medication when symptoms of anxiety get out of control. A naturopathic doctor can review your medical history and current medications to help you decide which supplements are right for you.

Vitamin B and Vitamin C

According to "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook," "during times of stress your body tends to rapidly deplete stores of B vitamins and vitamin C." Vitamin B and vitamin C can help increase energy levels, as well as improve many functions of the nervous system. "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" recommends 50 to 100 mg of a vitamin B complex once a day and 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice a day.

Kava Kava

Kava---or kava kava---is a natural tranquilizer that is not addictive like benzodiazepines. Kava kava promotes a sense of well-being and calm. In 2002, the FDA issued a warning that kava kava has a rare risk of causing liver failure. Talk to a medical professional before considering kava kava supplements. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center," the standard dose is 150 to 300 mg 1 to 3 times daily for anxiety."

Valerian

Valerian is another tranquilizer that is used to treat anxiety and insomnia. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that the FDA describes Valerian as "Generally Recognized As Safe." Valerian can be found in the form of capsules, liquid extract and tea. "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" recommends a dose of 200 to 400 mg during the day and 400 to 800 mg to help sleep at night.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is in amino acid that helps regulate mood. Tryptophan comes in two forms, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-Tryptophan. L-Tryptophan was removed from the market in 1989, but 5-HTP can be found in health food stores. Robert M. Homer M.D., Ph.D. recommends a starting dose of 50 mg per day.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is another amino acid that can be used as a tranquilizer. GABA is not addictive. "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" recommends a dose of 200 to 500 mg once or twice a day.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish or supplements. Omega-3 is important to brain functioning, among many other things. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 1 g daily of EPA and DHA, which are forms of Omega-3 fatty acids. They also indicate that it could take 2 to 3 weeks benefit to be seen.

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e)

SAM-e already occurs within your body. This means there are generally no side effects associated with SAM-e, though queasiness could appear for a few days. SAM-e is fast acting, and improvement is often seen within a few days. "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" recommends a starting dosage of 200 mg per day.