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Panic attacks and Vitamin B
Can you give me any information on the use of vitamin B5 for panic attacks? I came across an expensive remedy called Pantac in which the only ingredient was B5. What do you think of this?
All the B vitamins have a calming effect on the body and since they are synergistic with each other, which means they work best when taken together, I am not sure why this formulation should have singled out vitamin B5 as the key one. If you are prone to anxiety attacks, the B vitamins will help but I would take a good vitamin B complex supplement that provides all the B vitamins in the correct dosages. 90 x50mg Revital B Complex capsules cost £14.95. Take one in the morning and one in the evening. Mail order from Revital (0800-252 875).
You might also consider a herbal solution in the form of one of the adaptogenic Ayurvedic herbs. An adaptogen works to “normalise” the body’s system and since a panic attack is a normal fight-or-flight response, but occurring at the wrong time (i.e. when you are not facing normal danger) this will help.
The one I like is ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) or Indian ginseng; a plant that is a member of the pepper family. You can now buy an organic tincture which you can keep on you for emergencies and which will work well since tinctures get the active agents into the bloodstream fast. It costs £6.95 for 50ml and is available from Pukka Herbs on 08456-585858.
To really benefit from the Ayurvedic system of healing, you should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who will formulate a remedy especially for you. That said, it is not easy to find experienced practitioners who are happy to “water down” the Ayurvedic approach for Westerners. Traditionally, an Ayurvedic approach would include cleansing kryias, including enemas, which is not to everyone’s taste. The co-founder of Pukka Herbs, Sebastian Pole, runs a weekly clinic.
*For further help in coping with your condition, contact the support group, No Panic www.nopanic.org.uk which has a freephone helpline on 0808-808 0545.