5 replies to this topic

[tria]

I still haven't had time to read thru a lot of the posts in this forum, although I look forward to doing so!  One of my health problems is mitochondrial myopathy, which has no treatment except that some supplements might help.  So, I've done and am doing a fair amount of research into vitamins and supplements.  So far, I've found that the B Vitamins have helped me overall.  I mention them here because they did help improve my mood and lessen my anxiety.  It was no huge improvement but they definitely have helped me.  I take a B50 complex (Twinlab makes a good one, but it's sometimes hard to find in stores).  Some B Complexes don't have all the B vitamins so try to find one that has as many as possible. Along with the B50 Complex, I take the following:

B12 1000mcg - helps with mood and anxiety

B2 (Riboflavin) 400mg - helps cells with energy production, may help with headaches & migraines.  Hard to find as one 400mg pill.  Integrative Therapeutics makes it.

Biotin 1000mcg

B6 - 25mg every other day - hard to find in this dose.  Solgar makes one. 

 

Most of the "B's" don't have adverse effects.  The one you have to be most careful with is B6.  It can cause neuropathy (tingling in your feet, etc).  B12 can also cause some tingling.  Fortunately, if your stop them or lower the dose, the tingling goes away.  If you do take a B Complex then add additional B vitamins like I do, remember to consider the overall dose you are taking (what is in the Complex plus your individual doses).  It's also best to take them all together as they work better that way.  I've done a lot of research on the B vitamins, so if anyone has questions, please ask and I'll try to help if I can!

[fishinghat]

Tria

I agree with your assessment. One caution to add. If this is your first time taking B vitamins start with a low dose and work up from there. I was put on B complex when I was first diagnosed with anxiety and had a severe allergic reaction to it.. Allergy to B vitamins is uncommon but does happen. I can't even take the little kiddy pills without nausea and vomiting.

[FiveNotions]

Also, take them in the morning.....I learned that if I take a b complex any later than noon, it seems to interfere with my sleep....they seem to give me an energy boost, which isn't what I need at nighttime.....I've read that this is the case for quite a few people....

[tria]

FH - Good advice to add!  Thank you!  It made me think of this to advise this as well - if you choose to take multiple supplements, start them one at a time and space them out.  Start one, take it for 2 weeks or so if you tolerate it, then start another, etc.  That way if you have a bad reaction, you can more easily identify what caused it.  Also, any improvement I saw from the B vitamins was gradual and took several weeks.  It was also more subtle than medications.  While the B12 did improve my mood and anxiety, it doesn't work like a Xanax.   But, hey, any improvement is good with me!

 

FN - I usually take mine in the mid-afternoon and never had a problem with it interfering with my sleep. Though increased energy is one of the benefits so makes sense that it might be better to take it earlier in the day.  Maybe I should try taking mine earlier? Might get more energy during the time of day when I really need it!

[tria]

Oh dear - one more word of caution, then I will shut my mouth for a while!!!  Be sure to read the ingredients in any supplements, especially if you are taking multiple ones.  The product may say B12 1000mcg, for example, but it may also contain Vit C or other vitamins.  Usually, it's not an issue, but you always want to be aware of the total amount of any supplement or vitamin you are taking.  And keep your doc informed of supplements, herbal remedies, etc to be sure they don't interfere with your meds.

[Nicole80]

Thank you for this post. I just recently started taking B complex again, and it does seem to be helping me. I didn't consider combining the complex with some of the other B vitamins. I was also glad to read the advice about taking the complex in the morning. I am hoping that if I switch to taking it morning, I will have less sleep disturbance. I didn't previously make the connection that the B complex might be affecting my sleep. Thanks again!