Vitamins that may be helpful - Anxiety/Panic

Inositol has been used to help people with anxiety who have panic attacks. Up to 4 grams three times per day was reported to control such attacks in a double-blind trial.2 Inositol (18 grams per day) has also been shown in a double-blind trial to be effective at relieving the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.3

An isolated double-blind trial found that supplementation with a multivitamin-mineral supplement for four weeks led to significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress compared to placebo.4

In a double-blind trial, fish oil was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving anxiety levels in a group of substance abusers (alcohol, cocaine, and/or heroin).5 The fish oil used in this study provided 3 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids and was given for three months.

Many years ago, magnesium was reported to be relaxing for people with mild anxiety.6 Typically, 200 to 300 mg of magnesium are taken two to three times per day. Some doctors recommend soaking in a hot tub containing 1-2 cups of magnesium sulfate crystals (Epsom salts) for 15 to 20 minutes, though support for this approach remains anecdotal.

Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) has been shown in animals to work in the brain in ways similar to drugs such as benzodiazepines (Valium®-type drugs), which are used to treat anxiety.7 One study found that niacinamide (not niacin) helped people get through withdrawal from benzodiazepines-a common problem.8 A reasonable amount of niacinamide to take for anxiety, according to some doctors, is up to 500 mg four times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Refer to the individual supplement for information aboutany side effects or interactions.