Anxiety attacks are intense episodes of panic-like feelings. If you experience anxiety attacks, you may have generalized anxiety disorder--GAD--or panic disorder. Several other chronic mental-health and even physical conditions can cause anxiety attacks. Certain dietary supplements may help to lessen your anxiety symptoms, but consult your doctor before taking them to talk about the possible drug interactions and health risks.
Symptoms
People who experience anxiety or panic attacks often have symptoms like worry, irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, difficulty coping, frustration, gastrointestinal cramps and teeth grinding, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. During an anxiety attack, you may have heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat and chest tightness. You might also experience muscle tension, sweating, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, upset stomach, rapid or difficulty breathing and headaches.
Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may help to relieve your anxiety symptoms and lessen your panic attacks. These supplements include a combination of arginine and lysine, magnesium, melatonin, selenium, gamma oryzanol, 5-hydroxytryptophan--5-HTP--and gamma-aminobutyric acid--GABA, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You can also try B vitamins, specifically inositol, to promote neurotransmitter production and ease anxiety attacks, MayoClinic.com says. In addition to dietary supplements, you can make other diet and lifestyle changes to reduce your anxiety. For example, avoid caffeine and nicotine and eat healthy, small and frequent meals for steady blood sugar, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Herbs
Certain natural herbal supplements may help in treating your anxiety attacks. Valerian, passionflower, kava kava, chamomile, licorice root and ginger are sometimes recommended for treating anxiety, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. You might also try European or Chinese skullcap, hawthorn, suma, flaxseed oil, Bach flower remedies, gotu kola, California poppy or Galphimia gluaca, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. No widely accepted, conclusive medical evidence supports the use of any herbal or dietary supplements for treating anxiety attacks, however.
Other Treatments
Typically, anxiety and panic disorders are treated using drug therapies like benzodiazepine-family medications and antidepressants, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Benzodiazepines include Valium, Ativan and Xanax. Buspirone or antidepressants like Cymbalta, Paxil and Prozac are also commonly prescribed drugs for anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your doctor may need to treat any underlying medical condition that's possibly causing your anxiety. Other treatments for anxiety attacks include cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, acupuncture, aromatherapy and therapeutic massage.
Warning
Don't take any dietary or herbal supplement for anxiety attacks before first consulting your healthcare provider, because supplements can interact with certain medications and sometimes cause side effects. Also, don't stop taking any prescribed conventional medications unless your physician advises you to do so. Keep in mind that natural supplements like kava kava, valerian and others can affect your liver just like many drugs, so talk with your doctor about these risks before taking any supplements.
