Ease the Buzz: Natural Allies for Managing Stimulant-Induced Anxiety and Stress
Written by Naheed Ali, MD, PhD
Stimulants, including caffeine, prescription medications, and illicit drugs, are widely used for their energy-boosting and focus-enhancing properties. However, they can also lead to anxiety and stress for some individuals. These unwanted side effects are primarily due to a surge of neurotransmitters and overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the body's fight-or-flight response. This article will discuss how stimulants cause anxiety and stress and provide a list of supplements that may help manage these side effects.
How do stimulants cause anxiety and stress?
The effects of stimulants on the brain can be a double-edged sword. These substances increase the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, leading to enhanced mood, focus, and alertness. This heightened state of energy and concentration can feel empowering [1].
However, this same surge of neurotransmitters can also trigger the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response [2]. In life-threatening situations, this response is essential, helping individuals react quickly to threats or stressors. But when experienced chronically or unnecessarily, it can create a state of heightened arousal that manifests as anxiety, stress, or feelings of being overwhelmed.
These sensations, often described as "brain overload," can leave individuals struggling to process and respond to the increased stimulation. Striking the right balance is key to harnessing the positive effects of stimulants while avoiding the negative consequences that can accompany their use. By understanding the complex relationship between stimulants, neurotransmitters, and the sympathetic nervous system, individuals can make more informed decisions about their use and find the right balance for optimal well-being.
Key Ingredients to Tame Stimulant-Induced Anxiety and Stress
Supplements like CoScibe can help you manage stimulant-induced anxiety and stress through a combination of carefully selected ingredients that work together to promote relaxation, reduce cortisol levels, and support cognitive function and focus. This is because of the different ingredients that can be found in CoScribe supplements. Here are some of the ingredients:
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that vitamin D supplementation improved depressive symptoms and anxiety in people with low vitamin D levels [3].
Vitamin E: As an antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can contribute to anxiety and stress. Some studies suggest that low levels of vitamin E may be associated with anxiety and depression [4].
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a correlation between low vitamin B6 levels and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety [5].
Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in numerous physiological processes, including the regulation of the nervous system. Studies have demonstrated that magnesium supplementation can reduce anxiety and stress in individuals with magnesium deficiency [6].
GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that GABA supplementation significantly reduced anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder [7].
Tyrosine: Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps produce neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that tyrosine supplementation improved cognitive performance and reduced stress in healthy adults exposed to acute stress [8].
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to manage stress and anxiety. A systematic review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced anxiety and stress in adults [9].
Valerian root: Valerian root has been a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia for centuries. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that valerian root extract effectively reduced anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder [10].
If you're struggling with stimulant-induced anxiety and stress, it's time to take control and prioritize your mental well-being with CoScribe supplements. Their carefully selected ingredients work synergistically to promote relaxation, reduce cortisol levels, and support cognitive function and focus.
Don't let anxiety and stress hold you back any longer. Embrace the potential benefits of CoScribe supplements and start your journey towards a calmer, more focused, and energized life.
About the Author
Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, is a physician by education and a writer by choice since 2005. He earned an MD degree in 2008 and later completed Harvard Medical School's lifestyle medicine training in 2012, before obtaining a PhD in holistic health elsewhere in 2013. He’s also certified in clinical research by National Institutes of Health (NIH). His online home is HealthcarePropulsion.com.
Dr. Ali has taken a strong interest in CoScribe's mission to improve the experience on prescription medication through the power of nutrition and has written a series of blog articles for our followers. Learn more about Dr. Ali's journey here.
