Anxiety Attacks - Herbs

macielyn · 10-14-2003, 11:23 AM

My dh has anxiety attacks and takes meds regularly for them but the meds that he takes has sexual side effects. I read that his med can cause impotency! And we are ttc#1 and I was curious if anyone has used any herbs or another med for anxiety that was successful and does not cause sexual side effects? It does not have to be herbs it can be another prescribed drug. Please Help!

Rosie1028 · 10-14-2003, 11:26 AM

What is he currently taking? I have heard that some people have better luck with wellbutrin rather than zoloft or paxil. My docor told me that all of those types of meds have sexual side effects to some degree.

Good luck

macielyn · 10-14-2003, 11:44 AM

He is currently on paxil and I have noticed that sometimes although very seldom he is unable to ejaculate! Paxil has really affected him!

snowbunny · 10-15-2003, 02:38 PM

My BF has bipolar disorder and takes a Mega-Stress Vitamin (which helps with anxiety) as well as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and L-Tryptophan as well as other amino acids. Remarkable improvement.

I take St. John's Wort for insomnia and depression.

I would recommend dealing with a naturopathic physician though, because psychological issues can be (sometimes) harder to deal with than physical things. A naturopath can really look at his needs and find the best thing for him, which might result in his being able to go off conventional meds.

There are lots of natural options out there, but make sure you speak to someone qualified to help you out rather than the trial/error process of personal recommendations.

nae · 10-18-2003, 08:45 PM

catnip relaxes well... kava kava is good..... and camomile (msp?) works well also.

Emmanuelle · 10-19-2003, 04:15 PM

The single most effective method to deal with anxiety attacks is breathing exercises. I think he should check out Dr. Weil's book 8 Weeks To Optimum Health where he gives different breathing exercises to do...Dr. Weil says that he recommends them even for severe anxiety...when your breath is deep and calm, you can't be in a state of panic.

Besides that, he should avoid as much as possible any stimulants like coffee, chocolate and high sugar foods which intefere with insulin and can cause or aggrevate panic attacks.

He should eat a healthy diet that includes quality protein, quality carbs, lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains and essential fatty acids.

In terms of supplements, Calcium and Magnesium have strong anti-anxiety qualities and calm the nervous system. Many experts think that some anxiety disorders might be caused by a deficiency in Magnesium. Calcium Citrate is best as well as Magnesium Glycinate. He should take 500 to 1000 mg daily of each.

He should also take a B complex with Vitamin C...they both strengthen the nervous system and the adrenals.

In terms of herbs, Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea have strong anti-anxiety effects...they work by balancing some brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Passionflower is another herb that calms the nervous system...it's more of a nervine than an adaptogen and works well in combination with adaptogens like Rhodiola or Ashwagandha.

I would avoid Kava Kava since there have been cases of liver toxicity associated with it's use.

Last but not least, he should exercise regularly. Exercise really strengthens the nervous system and washes stress away.

Rosie1028 · 10-19-2003, 04:48 PM

Emanuelle,
Thank you for the info. I think it is valueable info. I am having issues with anxiety and I am trying to avoid taking anti depressants or anxiety meds. I am going to look into Dr Weil's book.

thanks,

Rosie