response/inositol

[Guest guest]

Hi Stacia-

 

Here is the response on inositol from my friend. This is not to advise

or endorse, etc- after all I am an aromatherapist, but you asked if

anyone knew anything about inositol for anxiety and I remembered I had a

good friend who knew a lot and so I offered to ask. He is a research

psychologist- unusually bright imo and a friend. He is also much more

western in approach than I have ever been or ever will be. All that

said- here you go.

 

Everyone else- please just take it for what it is.

 

Hope you are doing well!

 

Love,

 

Elizabeth

 

 

Sun Aug 17, 2003 08:19:49 PM US/Central

Elizabeth

Re: seeking advice for anxiety and panic disorders

 

Hi Elizabeth,

 

Sorry it took so long to reply.

 

Inositol is misclassified as a B vitamin. It is actually an isomer of

glucose, and is the precurser to the phosphatidyl-inosotide (PI) second

messenger system in the brain. The PI second messenger system is

involved in the mediation of several key neurochemicals whose imbalances

are believed to play a role in the causation and maintenance of

psychiatric condition such as panic disorder, major depression, and

OCD. Unlike most of the other " alternative " remedies, inositol has been

the subject of intensive scientific evaluation, with several

well-designed studies published in respected peer-reviewed psychiatry

and pharmacology journals. These studies have revealed that inositol is

effective and safe in the treatment of depression and panic disorder. A

dose of 6 grams a day was found effective in major depression, and 12

grams a day was found sufficient to treat panic disorder. Inositol is

best purchased in powder form. 12 grams a day is equal to two level

tablespoons. The powder is inoffensive, and dissolves well in water and

juice. Most health food stores carry inositol. Side effects are

minimal, and have included drowsiness and diarrhea.