How about supplements to help anxiety while driving?

[Jim]

Before I bought the Fear of Driving program, I tried many things to alleviate anxiety behind the wheel. I tried homeopathic remedies, such as Ignatia, but it didn't seem to work for me.

Then I tried St John's Wort, and GABA. They tend to relax me, but they kinda have a sedative affect.

I then tried L-Threanine, and it seems to be better than the rest. L-Theanine (derived from Green Tea) promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. But, it doesn't do anything about scary thoughts.

Can anybody else recommend additional supplements to try?

[Rich Presta]

I've heard some good things about Rescue Remedy but I'd rather see you not need any crutches like that. To me, if you're going to need to take something to help with anxiety, just go get a script from the doc. I know some people are ok with "natural" products and not pharmaceuticals, but hey, arsenic and tumors are natural too, doesn't make them good.

It's not that I'm oppossed to supps or pharma's for anxiety in the short term, it just seems that usually people want them because it's easier, not more effective.

If you're a tad uncomfortable with something, maybe a supp would help some. If you're highly anxious or phobic, it's not going to touch it.

Rich

[Lupe]

Hi Jim,

A woman from church, who is a retired psychiatrist, came to my home to talk to me about my phobia. She is pretty anti-medication but did introduce me to "The Bach Flower Remedies" by Judy Howard. She had me complete a questionnaire then prepared a potion for me of certain flower and tree extract. It helped. However, probably not in the way you may be thinking. It helped me slow down, emotionally.

What has helped me 100 fold is to decrease my caffeine intake. I switched my soda pop from regular Diet Pepsi to Decaf Diet Pepsi. I only have 1-2 cups of coffee a day as opposed to 5-6. I try not to raise my voice and I'm exercising more. My phobia has stopped spreading. I feel it.

Last month, I thought I was stressing out and about a year ago (my M.D. had given me some very light anti-anxiety pills), well I took a pill after 4 months of not taking one, it knocked me off my feet. Before then I would take one and it would take the edge off. I see that as a very good sign.

How's your exercise? How's your caffeine intake?

Take care,
Lupe

[Rich Presta]

Good points Lupe.

Bach's Flower and Rescue Remedy is the same thing. Rescue Remedy is the brand of that stuff. You can get in a Whole Foods type place. I've never taken it personally.

But again, it surprises me how many people are anxious and have a big 'ol coffee next to them in the car.

That's like complaining how tired you are while you chew on Ambien.

Rich

[Jim]

Hi Jim,

A woman from church, who is a retired psychiatrist, came to my home to talk to me about my phobia. She is pretty anti-medication but did introduce me to "The Bach Flower Remedies" by Judy Howard. She had me complete a questionnaire then prepared a potion for me of certain flower and tree extract. It helped. However, probably not in the way you may be thinking. It helped me slow down, emotionally.

What has helped me 100 fold is to decrease my caffeine intake. I switched my soda pop from regular Diet Pepsi to Decaf Diet Pepsi. I only have 1-2 cups of coffee a day as opposed to 5-6. I try not to raise my voice and I'm exercising more. My phobia has stopped spreading. I feel it.

Last month, I thought I was stressing out and about a year ago (my M.D. had given me some very light anti-anxiety pills), well I took a pill after 4 months of not taking one, it knocked me off my feet. Before then I would take one and it would take the edge off. I see that as a very good sign.

How's your exercise? How's your caffeine intake?

Take care,
Lupe

Lupe,

Thanks for your response. I walk for about 30 minutes 3 times a week. As far as caffeine intake is concerned, I try very hard to avoid it. The only caffeine I consume daily is Green Tea, which contains some caffeine, but it also has L-Theanine, which counteracts the "jittery" affect, creating a sense of well-being.

However, one time while driving, when I get anxious feelings, I take an energy drink, which contains B Vitamins, amino acids and some caffeine. Assuming I ate previously, it actually helps me stay focused on driving - I don't get jittery at all.