Best natural supplements for social anxiety?
 

My psychiatrist prescribed me an SSRI called Citalopram about a month ago. I haven't taken any yet, because I would rather take a more natural approach. I have been taking Pharma GABA for about 2 weeks now and it has been working wonders in terms of general anxiety. It clears my mind of automatic negative thoughts, I can focus more and it calms me down. It also keeps my anxiety from getting so bad that it causes stomach issues. I took one 100mg capsule of 5HTP before I went to work last night to see if that would help me with social anxiety and depression caused from social anxiety. It made social situations a little easier, but not a lot. I was still my typical quiet self, but I made some conversation. I probably need to take more than just 100mg at once. The downside of the 5HTP is that is bothered my stomach a lot. Are there any other mood lifters that don't cause stomach issues?

I also plan to try out: Rhodiola Rosea, SAM-E, Magnesium, Holy Basil, and maybe St. John's Wort.

Has anyone taken any of these? Which are the best for social anxiety? I'm looking for something that will lift my mood, which will allow for a more natural confidence in social situations.

I would appreciate any help from any of the experts on here.

Best Regards,

Robert

Hi Robert,

I'm sending you a belated "Welcome" to the NeuroTalk Support Groups and I'm sorry you've received no replies to your post before now.

I'm certainly not an "expert" but I definitely know anxiety well. :)

I have just started taking Inositol. My daughter is taking it as well as some other things. Inositol is definitely one you might want to look into.

You may also want to check out the Vitamins, Nutrients, Herbs and Supplements Forum here at NeuroTalk.

take care.

I wouldn't take SAMe for anxiety... as it can cause MORE.

It is really best for depression and/or depressed mood.

Magnesium is very calming...and that is one path to investigate.
There is a lotion in the US called Morton Epsom Lotion that is very good and gentle, relaxes muscles too. (faster and easier than oral).
Available at WalMart and online at Amazon.--not available yet everywhere though.

If you do choose to try oral magnesium, be advised that OXIDE form does not work. Only the chelates and SlowMag show any absorption orally in studies. Oral dosing should start at 1/2 the RDA. This is a nice website about choosing foods to provide magnesium as well:
http://www.slowmag.com/

The best price for SlowMag is also at WalMart. Some pharmacies carry and/or will special order the generic for it..called Mag64.
This type is long acting delayed release so it minimizes laxative side effects.

I take Magnesium and it seems to help, have suffered from anxiety for a long time over one thing or another. (Car accident last year triggered depression again)

I'm on an antidepressant so have to be careful what to take but am looking for something natural.

Just wanted to mention I was so incredibly shy as a child/teenager/in my twenties I hardly spoke in social situations, I would actually freeze in place and could not move, always worried and scared about what to say, it was very bad.

I could go on and on about all the feelings I had about it, just felt as though I did not fit in anywhere and everyone else was so confident, by the time I'd thought of something to say the conversation had shifted to another subject!!

Then I'd get depressed and stay home all the time.

Eventually I just started speaking up (I had a fear everyone would laugh at me) and nothing happened, I didn't drop dead and no one laughed, unless they thought I'd said something funny of course!

I now know there's nothing for me to be afraid of and my husband tells me I never stop talking when we are out!

I also bought the book by Dr. Claire Weekes, "Hope and help for your nerves" that book changed my life even more, a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

Hope you feel better soon!

Inositol is working a charm here. :)


Please do be careful with St. John's Wort if you're taking other medications or treatments.
There is a massively long list of potential interactions, so please do check before mixing that with anything else you may be taking. Also the SAMe can cause some restlessness or agitation type of feeling. Hard to describe.

Hi sadman
 

A welcome from me too. Being right here with Neuro talk, and interacting is going to help you with any social anxiety. So many good souls here to help you cope with your issues. Don't be afraid to take what the doctor ordered. If you don't like it, you can always speak up and tell him. I usually give what the doctors say a real good chance before I poo poo it. Medicine is suppose to help, and it is worth a try. Come here often for support, and some anxiety will diminish. I wish you all the best. ginnie:grouphug: