I want to stop taking ativan and get on something that is natural. What are my options?
Posted by Hmm... (Member # 39308) on :
L-theanine can have similar calming effects on the GABA receptors.
I was on ativan for a few weeks and switched over to l-theanine. It is much more subtle but I really think it does help.
I also take taurine and magnesium which both seem to help anxiety. Chamomile in the evening can be helpful too.
I tried valerian for sleep, bu that gave me some paradoxical effects (made racing thoughts worse).
Be sure to carefully taper off the ativan to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I second L-theanine. Glycine is good along with it.
5HTP is good for sleep, but it can cause funky dreams in some people.
Valerian made me racy too and kept me awake.
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
Ditto on the L-theanine but ashwaganda also helps. Together they are calming. Not perfect but it will help.
Posted by MannaMe (Member # 33330) on :
Relora has been a big help for my husband. He takes it regularly 3 x per day.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Homeopathic Arsenicum Alb. is excellent for Lyme-related anxiety.
Posted by AnnaL (Member # 18464) on :
Green tea has high levels of natural L-theanine. The variety with the highest levels is called gyokuro, or sometimes Jewel Dew or Jade Dew because of the intense green color.
My psych specifically recommended this variety of green tea. I must say it works, and it's very tasty if brewed correctly. (It is brewed differently than most green teas. Wikipedia explains: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyokuro.)
It's one of the most expensive green teas, but I think it's worth it.
Plus recent research has shown that green tea can help antibiotics do their work of fighting bacteria. A win-win!
Posted by kim812 (Member # 17644) on :
I take Kavinace which is put out by neuroscience. There is also a Kavinace pm for night time use.