Anxiolytics

Question 1

What are the 3 herbals used as anxiolytics?

Answer 1

Kava Kava, Lavender, L-theanine

Question 2

How does Kava Kava work?

Answer 2

Kava-like pyrones bind GABA-A receptors, increase GABA binding and increase influx of Cl- ions. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter thought to mediate anxiolytic effect

Question 3

Counseling for Kava Kava?

Answer 3

Prolonged overuse = rash, scaley skin
Takes ~5 days to work unlike BDZ's
Avoid in liver disease (FDA warning)
Do not use in pregnancy or lactation
Do not use stems/leaves - hepatotox

Question 4

Evidence for Kava Kava.

Answer 4

Grade A

Question 5

How does Lavender work?

Answer 5

IDK it’s active ingrediate are monoterpenes tho

Question 6

Counseling for Lavender?

Answer 6

Well-tolerated; contact derm possible (rash) but rare

Do not use in preg/lact/children under 2yo

Question 7

Evidence for Lavender?

Answer 7

Grade C

Question 8

How does L-theanine work?

Answer 8

Reduces activation of glutamic acid receptor, increases 5HT and DA
NOT GABA MEDIATED

Question 9

Counseling for L-theanine?

Answer 9

No DDI, No AE’s….nothing to talk about rly other than it don’t work

Question 10

Evidence for L-theanine?

Answer 10

None