Conventional treatment for anxiety include benzodiazepines, buspirone and phenobarbital, according to an article in "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2006" by Lawrence M. Tierney, et al. Some of these anti-anxiety medications deplete the body of certain vitamins. Thus, people who take these drugs have to take supplements to prevent vitamin deficiencies, but this should always be done under medical supervision.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 depletion has been connected with the tricyclic antidepressants amitriptyline, desipramine, nortryptiline, doxepin and imipramine. In the book "Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook," Dr. Ross Pelton, PhD, states that vitamin B2 and coenzyme Q10 are depleted by these drugs. Potential conditions associated with vitamin B2 deficiency are problems with skin, eyes, mucous membranes, nerves, hypertension, congestive heart failure and low energy. Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is necessary for blood formation, energy production, cellular respiration and growth. Brewer's yeast the richest natural source of vitamin B2.
Biotin
Phenobarbital belongs to a class called barbiturates and treatment with this drug has been linked with multiple nutritional deficiencies. According to Dr. Pelton, phenobarbital depletes the body of biotin, which may cause hair loss, depression, hearing problems inflammatory skin conditions, fatigue and muscular pain . Biotin is an essential vitamin that helps normalize the metabolism of fat and sugar. It also causes calcium deficiency and thus symptoms such as osteoporosis, tooth decay and heart problems may occur.
Vitamin K
According to Dr, Pelton, phenobarbital also depletes vitamin K in the body. Possible conditions linked with vitamin K deficiency include blood clotting and skeletal problems such as low bone mineral density, which increases the risk of hip fracture. Vitamin K also prevents calcification of arteries.
Vitamin D
Phenobarbital use is associated with depletion of vitamin D and symptoms caused by this vitamin deficiency include muscle cramps and weakness, osteoporosis and hearing loss. Other symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency are low immune system, sleep problems and joint pains.
References
- "Drug induced nutrient depletion handbook " 2nd edition; Ross Pelton, RPh, James B. Valle, RPh, Ernest B. Hawkins, RPh, Daniel L. Krinsky, RPh; 2001
- "Merk Manual"; Anxiety; Introduction
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2006", by Stephen J. McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis, and Lawrence M. Tierney ; 2005
