Posted by nolvas on October 19, 2006, at 13:08:23
In reply to Re: What causes panic attacks, posted by kiwiredbeach on October 19, 2006, at 12:43:46
Some people do well on L-Tryptophan or 5-HTP for treating panic attacks. You can obtain both in the UK. L-Tryptophan you would have to import but it's ok in my experience to do so.
I wouldn't be too misled by Serotonin, as there's a novel antidepressant called Tianeptine which helps the body break down Serotonin. This also has anti anxiety properties. Serotonin is implicated in panic disorder but so are other neurotransmitters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianeptine
"Tianeptine also displays significant anxiolytic properties and is useful in treating a spectrum of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, as evidenced by a study in which those administered 35% CO2 gas on paroxetine (Paxil) or tianeptine (Stablon) therapy showed equivalent panic-blocking effects."
So on one hand you have SSRI's which block the reuptake of Serotonin, and Tianeptine which enhances the reuptake of Serotonin. Both have anxiolytic effects. They also affect other neurotransmitters to some degree. In fact here is a link that explains it.
http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2005/11/depression_and_the_l.html
The drug companies do like you to believe in myths to keep selling the drugs. Drugs definitely have their place but after all they want to make money.
poster:nolvas
thread:695921
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061013/msgs/696055.html