Posted by janejane on February 17, 2010, at 12:32:31
In reply to opiates for anxiety, posted by slw2 on February 17, 2010, at 10:37:08
You might get more responses if you post this to the medication board since it has more traffic than the alternative board. I think it's kosher to put it there since you seem to be interested in using meds as treatment.
That said, you might want to look into a supplement called DPA (D-phenylalanine), an amino acid which increases endorphins. Some people take this for depression as it is said to increase one's sense of well-being.
Note: there is more than one form of phenylalanine. The L form (L-phenylalanine) is a percursor to dopamine and may be too activating for someone with anxiety. The D form (DPA) is the one that makes endorphins, and is the one you'd probably be interested in. The L form and DL form (DLPA) are the easiest to find, so you will probably have to shop around to find pure DPA. Definitely do some research before trying it, though.
I did a little googling, and came up with this link that has a little info to get you started:
https://allianceforaddictionsolutions.org/index.php/?option=com_content&view=article&id=74
There are probably better articles (this one seems to be focused more on pain), but I didn't look too deep in my search (I will leave that up to you). I think you might be able to find threads in the archives that may be of help as well. I believe there's actually a current one about opioids for depression in the medication board. (Haven't read it all so I can't tell you how informative it would be for you.)
poster:janejane
thread:937229
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20091202/msgs/937235.html